Ready to transform your dinner with a dish that's bursting with flavor?
These Mediterranean-inspired baked chicken thighs are a celebration of crispy, golden skin and juicy, tender meat, all wrapped in a smoky, sweet, and savory embrace.
With just 10 ingredients and one trusty skillet, you'll have a restaurant-worthy meal in just 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this dish is your ticket to a flavor-packed adventure. Let's get cooking!
Why These Chicken Thighs Rock
The result is a dish that's crispy on the outside, tender inside, and surrounded by caramelized onions and a luscious pan sauce. Each thigh packs about 300 calories and 19 grams of protein, making it a satisfying, nutrient-rich main course.
This recipe draws inspiration from Mediterranean cuisines, where bold spices and simple ingredients create unforgettable meals.
A Taste of the Mediterranean
Mediterranean cuisine is known for its vibrant, healthful ingredients—think olive oil, fresh herbs, and tangy olives. Our recipe simplifies these flavors for home cooks, delivering a dish that's both approachable and sophisticated. The optional dates add a North African twist, balancing the savory elements with a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients
For 4 servings, gather these essentials:
- 4 skin-on chicken thighs (6-8 oz each, organic if possible)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
- ½ small yellow onion (thinly sliced)
- ⅓ cup pitted kalamata olives (halved)
- ⅓ cup pitted medjool dates (chopped, optional)
Substitution Tip: Swap dates for dried apricots for a similar sweet note, or omit for a fully savory dish. Use avocado oil for a higher point.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place a large cast-iron skillet (or other oven-safe skillet) on the stovetop.
Kitchen Tip: If you don't have a cast-iron skillet, a heavy-bottomed, oven-safe pan works too.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tsp each of sea salt, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels for crispier skin.
- Rub the spice blend evenly over both sides of each thigh, ensuring full coverage.
Flavor Note: The spice mix creates a smoky, slightly spicy crust that pairs perfectly with the sweet and briny toppings.
Step 3: Sear for Crispiness
- Heat 1 tsp olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 1 minute).
- Add chicken thighs, skin side down, and sear for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip and sear the other side for 3-4 minutes.
Pro Tip: Don't overcrowd the pan—sear in batches if needed to ensure a crispy crust.
Step 4: Add Veggies and Bake
- Turn off the heat and nestle ½ sliced onion around the chicken, placing some under the thighs.
- Scatter ⅓ cup halved kalamata olives and ⅓ cup chopped dates (if using) around the pan.
- Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 170°F (77°C), avoiding with the thermometer.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Remove skillet from oven and let rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken for a bright, tangy finish.
- Serve thighs with the pan sauce, onions, olives, and dates spooned over top.
Presentation Tip: Plate with the skin side up to show off that golden crispiness!
Serving Suggestions
Veggies: Pair with a cucumber-tomato salad or roasted zucchini for extra freshness.
Potatoes: Try with roasted baby potatoes ($3 for 1.5 lbs) drizzled with the pan sauce.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
Why You'll Love This Dish
Lykkers, these chicken thighs are a flavor explosion! The crispy skin, tender meat, and sweet-savory medley of olives and dates make every bite unforgettable. With just 30 minutes and one skillet, you'll create a dish that feels like a Mediterranean getaway.
The smoky spices and zesty lemon finish elevate it to gourmet status, all while keeping prep and cleanup a breeze.
Share Your Culinary Creations!
How did your chicken thighs turn out, Lykkers? Did you add dates or go all-in on the olives? Share your favorite pairings or spice tweaks in the comments below, and let's swap ideas for more Mediterranean magic! Happy cooking!
