Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by mixing the olive oil, lemon juice, Greek seasoning, Spike seasoning, and dried thyme in a bowl. This marinade will not only flavor the chicken but also keep it juicy during cooking.
- Set aside a quarter cup of the marinade to use later. This will add an extra burst of flavor to the chicken and green beans before serving.
- Prepare your chicken thighs by trimming away any excess skin and fat. I like to use kitchen shears for this task; it makes the job much easier.
- Cut small slits through the skin on the top of each thigh to help the marinade penetrate the meat.
- Place the trimmed chicken thighs in a Ziploc bag with the remaining marinade. Let it marinate for four to eight hours, or if you're short on time, even thirty minutes will work.
- Once you're ready to cook, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). It’s essential for the chicken to come to room temperature before cooking, so drain it in a colander placed in your sink while the oven heats up.
- Spread the marinated chicken thighs on a large sheet pan and roast them in the oven for about eight minutes. This initial cooking time helps to sear the chicken.
- While the chicken is roasting, prepare your green beans. Trim the ends off and cut them in half for even cooking.
- Next, halve the cherry tomatoes. These will add a sweet burst of flavor to the final dish.
- After eight minutes, remove the sheet pan from the oven. Use paper towels to blot any moisture released from the chicken. This step is crucial for achieving that golden-brown finish.
- Add the green beans to the sheet pan and brush the chicken and green beans with the reserved marinade.
- Season everything with fresh-ground black pepper and a pinch of salt, keeping in mind that feta cheese will add saltiness later.
- Return the sheet pan to the oven and roast for an additional fourteen minutes. You want to keep an eye on the chicken to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
- As the cooking time nears the end, tuck the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken and green beans. Aim to keep everything in a single layer for even cooking.
- Cook for another six minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the green beans are tender. You can check the chicken for doneness with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (75°C).
- Finally, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese before serving hot. The creamy cheese adds a delightful finish to the dish!
Notes
This dish is not only delicious but also versatile. Here are some helpful notes for making the best Sheet Pan Greek Chicken Meal.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for the best results.
- Freezing: You can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking for best results.
- Pairing: Serve this dish with a side of rice or a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini based on seasonal availability.
- Herb Additions: Fresh herbs like parsley or dill can be added before serving for an extra pop of flavor.
- Serving Size: This recipe makes a generous serving for four but can easily be doubled for a crowd.
