Greek Chicken with Feta and Kalamata Olives Recipe

If you love Mediterranean flavors, it doesn’t get more inviting than Greek Chicken with Feta and Kalamata Olives. This one-pan dish sings with bright, briny, herby notes—and the melt-in-your-mouth chicken, creamy feta, and juicy tomatoes make it a dinner you’ll crave on repeat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Greek Chicken with Feta and Kalamata Olives shine is how a handful of simple, classic ingredients team up to make something magical. Each item adds its own character—aromatic herbs, creamy cheese, sweet tomatoes, and those unmistakable olives create a burst of flavor and color in every forkful.

• Waxy new potatoes: Their creamy texture and thin skin soak up the pan juices without falling apart—halved for quicker roasting.
• Olive oil: For both marinating and roasting, adds richness and helps everything become beautifully golden.
• Skin-on chicken thighs: Stay ultra-juicy and deliver crispy, flavor-packed skin every time.
• Dried oregano and thyme: The classic Greek herb duo, bringing earthy, savory depth to the dish.
• Feta cheese: Crumbled over the top, it softens but holds its shape, adding creamy, salty contrast.
• Kalamata olives: Their bold, tangy brininess instantly transports you to the Aegean coast.
• Cherry tomatoes: Add juicy sweetness and a pop of color, bursting as they roast.
• Red wine vinegar: Brightens up all the flavors and balances out the richness.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and drawing out the best in each component.
• Fresh oregano leaves and lemon wedges: Sprinkle and squeeze right before serving for bright, herbal lift and a zesty finish.

Variations

Greek Chicken with Feta and Kalamata Olives is endlessly versatile and so forgiving—feel free to riff on the recipe based on your pantry, what’s in season, or your cravings. Here are some of my favorite creative twists!

• Swap out the chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even breasts can be used if you prefer, just adjust cooking time for juicy results.
• Change up the veggies: Toss in zucchini, red onion wedges, or bell peppers along with the potatoes for extra color and flavor.
• Make it low-carb: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lighter, lower-carb option that still soaks up those delicious juices.
• Add extra herbs: Toss in some fresh parsley or basil with the oregano at the end for even more vibrant notes.
• Go dairy-free: Omit the feta or use a plant-based feta substitute to suit your dietary needs.

How to Make Greek Chicken with Feta and Kalamata Olives

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 400°F for that perfect golden roast. Line a baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil—this not only saves you from a tough clean-up but helps lock in all the juicy flavors as everything cooks together later in a tidy packet.

Step 2: Layer the Potatoes and Chicken

In a big bowl, toss the halved new potatoes in half the olive oil and a little salt so every piece gets a head start on flavor. Scatter them onto your lined baking dish. Next, pat the chicken thighs dry, season well with salt and pepper, then rub on the rest of the olive oil and sprinkle generously with the dried oregano and thyme. Nestle the chicken right over the potatoes—this way, all the savory chicken juices will trickle down and season the spuds as they roast.

Step 3: Roast in a Packet

Fold the parchment or foil up and over everything, crimping or folding the edges to make a cozy, sealed packet. Pop the dish in the oven for 40 minutes. This ensures the chicken stays juicy, the potatoes tender—and everything gets infused with herby steam.

Step 4: Add Cheese, Olives, and Tomatoes

Carefully open your hot packet (watch for escaping steam!). Now scatter the crumbled feta, Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and drizzle with red wine vinegar. Leave the dish uncovered and return it to the oven. Let everything roast for another 35–40 minutes, until the chicken skin is deep golden, potatoes soft, and tomatoes blistered and juicy—this is when the flavors really come together.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Double-check your chicken for doneness (juices should run clear when pierced with a skewer). Spoon onto plates, then shower everything with fresh oregano and a nice squeeze of lemon. The aroma alone will have everyone racing to the table!

How to Serve Greek Chicken with Feta and Kalamata Olives

Garnishes

For a finishing flourish, I adore scattering fresh oregano leaves and a flurry of extra crumbled feta right before serving. Add a few lemon wedges on the side—letting everyone squeeze their own gives just the punch of brightness that makes Greek Chicken with Feta and Kalamata Olives sing.

Side Dishes

This meal is hearty on its own, but it loves company! A crisp Greek salad or a simple cucumber-tomato salad is refreshing alongside. Fluffy couscous, orzo, or even a wedge of warm pita bread is perfect for soaking up all the savory juices in the pan.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Greek Chicken with Feta and Kalamata Olives straight from the pan family-style for a relaxed dinner vibe, or arrange each portion over a bed of arugula for a stunner of a plated dish. For a memorable appetizer, shred the chicken and spoon the juicy toppings over crostini—guests will rave!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight—the olives and vinaigrette mingle even more for a savory next-day treat!

Freezing

While you can freeze Greek Chicken with Feta and Kalamata Olives, keep in mind that the feta and tomatoes may change in texture after thawing. If you do freeze, place cooled portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

For the juiciest results, reheat leftovers gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed. You can also warm individual portions in the microwave—just heat until hot but not bubbling, to preserve the tender chicken and creamy feta.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you give Greek Chicken with Feta and Kalamata Olives a try soon—it’s the kind of meal that’s impressive for guests but easy enough for any weeknight. Every forkful bursts with irresistible flavors, and it might just earn a regular spot at your table. Enjoy every delicious bite!

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