Mary Berry Mediterranean Chicken Thighs Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

If you’re looking for a meal that’s bursting with flavor and effortlessly delicious, Mary Berry’s Mediterranean chicken thighs recipe is a must-try. Packed with zesty Mediterranean herbs, vibrant veggies, and tender, juicy chicken, this dish brings a perfect balance of savory and fresh tastes to your plate.

It’s easy to prepare, and the combination of ingredients gives it a richness that’s sure to impress anyone at the dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this recipe will quickly become a go-to for satisfying your cravings and impressing guests!.

Mary Berry Mediterranean Chicken Thighs Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To create a rich, flavorful dish like Mary Berry’s Mediterranean Chicken Thighs, you need to assemble a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients that meld together to create the perfect balance of tastes. This recipe brings together the savory, herbaceous essence of Mediterranean cuisine with the tender, juicy texture of chicken thighs. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken Thighs (Bone-in, Skin-on): The star of the show!

  Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are ideal as they stay juicy and tender while cooking, and the skin crisps up nicely when roasted. You can substitute with boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer, but the skin-on variety will offer a richer flavor.

• Olive Oil: Olive oil forms the base for the marinade and also helps the skin crisp up beautifully in the oven. Its fruity, slightly peppery notes are quintessential in Mediterranean cooking.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for that pungent, aromatic depth of flavor that infuses the chicken and complements the other herbs and vegetables.

• Lemon: Zest and juice from fresh lemons will provide a bright, citrusy tang to balance the richness of the chicken thighs. The zest brings an intense lemon flavor while the juice adds acidity and freshness.

• Dried Oregano: Oregano is a classic Mediterranean herb, known for its robust, earthy flavor. It pairs wonderfully with both the chicken and vegetables, providing that familiar Mediterranean flair.

• Fresh Thyme: Fresh thyme gives a subtle woodsy flavor that blends perfectly with the chicken. It’s slightly less potent than dried thyme, so it adds more nuance than punch.

• Cherry Tomatoes: These add a burst of sweetness and juiciness to the dish, creating contrast to the savory chicken. When roasted, their skins blister, and their flavors become even more concentrated.

• Red Onion: The red onion brings a sweet and slightly tangy flavor that softens as it roasts, providing a great textural contrast to the tender chicken and tomatoes.

• Green Olives: Pitted green olives lend a briny, slightly bitter contrast to the sweetness of the tomatoes and onions, creating a classic Mediterranean combination.

• Feta Cheese (optional): Feta cheese, crumbled or in blocks, is an optional addition. Its creamy, tangy flavor adds a rich finish to the dish, bringing everything together in a wonderfully decadent way.

Equipment Needed

The equipment needed for Mary Berry’s Mediterranean Chicken Thighs is straightforward and designed to make cooking easier, without requiring any special gadgets or tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Oven: A standard oven is essential for roasting the chicken thighs and vegetables to perfection. Roasting at a high temperature helps to achieve that crispy skin while ensuring the chicken remains tender inside.

• Roasting Tray or Baking Dish: A large roasting tray or baking dish is necessary to hold the chicken thighs and vegetables as they cook. A sturdy tray allows for even cooking and ensures that the juices from the chicken stay with the meat for maximum flavor.

• Sharp Knife: A sharp knife is key for chopping the vegetables and garlic with ease. Make sure to cut the red onions and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces, and mince the garlic finely for maximum flavor distribution.

• Zester or Grater: A zester or fine grater is needed to extract the zest from the lemon. You can also use a microplane grater if you don’t have a zester. Fresh zest enhances the citrus aroma of the dish without adding any liquid.

• Basting Brush: A basting brush helps to coat the chicken thighs evenly with olive oil and marinade, ensuring every part of the skin gets crisped up while baking.

• Measuring Spoons: For precise measurements of the dried oregano, thyme, and other seasonings, measuring spoons will ensure you don’t go overboard with any one flavor.

How To Make Mary Berry’s Mediterranean Chicken Thighs

The process of making Mary Berry’s Mediterranean Chicken Thighs is relatively simple, but the result is packed with complex, vibrant flavors. Let’s break it down step-by-step.

Step 1: Prepare The Chicken Thighs

Start by patting the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This will help the skin crisp up beautifully when roasted.

Place the chicken in a large bowl or tray. Season generously with salt and pepper. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken, ensuring each thigh is coated evenly.

Step 2: Make The Marinade

In a separate bowl, combine minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried oregano, and fresh thyme. Whisk together until the mixture is well-blended.

Pour this marinade over the chicken thighs and rub it into the skin and meat to ensure full coverage. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or if you have more time, you can leave it in the fridge for a couple of hours to really allow the flavors to infuse.

Step 3: Prepare The Vegetables

While the chicken marinates, chop the cherry tomatoes and red onion into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using feta cheese, crumble it or cut it into small cubes.

Step 4: Assemble The Dish

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the marinated chicken thighs in a roasting tray or baking dish.

Add the chopped cherry tomatoes, red onion, and olives around the chicken. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the vegetables, and season them with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Roast The Dish

Put the roasting tray in the preheated oven. Roast for about 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the skin is golden and crisp.

The vegetables should soften and release their juices, creating a flavorful sauce around the chicken. You can also check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) to ensure it’s safe to eat.

Step 6: Add Feta (Optional)

If you’re using feta cheese, crumble it over the chicken and vegetables during the last 10 minutes of cooking. The heat from the oven will slightly melt the cheese, adding a creamy, tangy layer of flavor to the dish.

Step 7: Serve

Once the chicken thighs are done, remove the tray from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve the chicken thighs alongside the roasted vegetables, drizzling some of the flavorful pan juices over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs or extra feta if desired.

Expert Tips

1. Marinate for Longer: If you have time, marinate the chicken thighs for several hours or overnight. This will deepen the flavors and result in even more tender, flavorful meat.

2. Crisp the Skin: To get the skin extra crispy, place the chicken thighs under the broiler for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking. Keep an eye on it so the skin doesn’t burn!

3. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme and oregano make a significant difference in this dish. They infuse the chicken and vegetables with vibrant flavors that dried herbs just can’t match.

4. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to get creative with the vegetables. Zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant are all excellent additions that will complement the Mediterranean flavors.

5. Serving Suggestions: Serve this dish with a side of couscous, rice, or a fresh green salad to round out the meal.

6. Make It Ahead: This recipe is great for meal prepping. You can roast everything in advance and reheat it in the oven or microwave. The flavors will only get better after sitting for a while!

Mary Berry’s Mediterranean Chicken Thighs are the epitome of easy yet elegant comfort food. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic herbs, sweet roasted tomatoes, and briny olives creates a dish that is bursting with Mediterranean flavors.

This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, but it also has a sophistication that makes it great for entertaining. By following these simple steps and expert tips, you’ll be able to bring the tastes of the Mediterranean straight to your kitchen in no time!.

Easy Recipe Variations For Mary Berry’s Mediterranean Chicken Thighs

Mary Berry’s Mediterranean Chicken Thighs offer a flavorful, aromatic blend of classic Mediterranean ingredients-perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal. But, if you’re feeling creative or want to customize the dish to fit your preferences, there are plenty of easy recipe variations to experiment with!

1. Spicy Mediterranean Chicken Thighs

If you’re someone who loves a bit of heat, why not give the dish a spicy twist?

Add some crushed red pepper flakes, paprika, or even a chopped fresh chili to the seasoning. You could also drizzle a little harissa sauce over the chicken before roasting to introduce a deep, smoky heat. The spice will balance out the rich flavors of the olives, garlic, and tomatoes, offering a perfect contrast.

2. Herbed Mediterranean Chicken Thighs

For an even more aromatic version, take advantage of a variety of Mediterranean herbs. Try adding fresh basil, oregano, and thyme to the dish, either chopped and sprinkled over the chicken before cooking or blended into the marinade. Fresh rosemary, sage, or mint can also elevate the flavor profile, bringing out the earthy richness of the thighs while complementing the sweetness of roasted tomatoes and peppers.

3. Lemon And Olive Twist

For a burst of citrus freshness, enhance the lemony flavors by adding zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving. You can also incorporate lemon slices or wedges under the chicken while it roasts for that bright, zesty flavor to soak into the meat. Pair this with Kalamata olives, which already offer a sharp, briny contrast to the sweet flavors of the tomatoes and garlic.

4. Vegetable Variation

To make this dish more robust, consider adding other Mediterranean vegetables like roasted eggplant, zucchini, or artichokes. These vegetables blend perfectly with the chicken thighs and soak up the savory, herby juices from the roasting pan. Tossing in some baby potatoes can also turn the dish into a full meal, with the potatoes acting as little sponges for the savory sauce.

5. Greek-Inspired Chicken Thighs

For a Greek twist, swap out the tomatoes and peppers for a combination of cucumbers, feta cheese, and olives. You could even add a drizzle of tzatziki sauce at the end to add a creamy, cool contrast to the roasted chicken. To enhance the flavor, season the chicken with a touch of oregano and lemon zest, and top with crumbled feta just before serving.

6. Balsamic Glazed Mediterranean Chicken

If you want a bit of sweetness to complement the savory elements, add a balsamic glaze or vinegar to the dish. Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the chicken thighs toward the end of roasting or in the last few minutes of cooking. The glaze will caramelize on the chicken, giving it a beautiful sheen and a tangy-sweet depth.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

After savoring the wonderful flavors of Mary Berry’s Mediterranean Chicken Thighs, you might be left with some tasty leftovers. Properly storing these will ensure they remain fresh and flavorful for later enjoyment. Here are some best practices:

1. Cool And Refrigerate Quickly

The first step in storing any leftover dish is to let it cool to room temperature. Avoid leaving the chicken out for more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth.

Once cooled, transfer the chicken and vegetables into airtight containers. It’s always a good idea to store the chicken separate from the sauce, especially if you plan to reheat it later.

2. Refrigeration

Store your leftovers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you’re storing the chicken thighs with the vegetables, try to keep the sauce at the bottom of the container to preserve the texture of the vegetables.

3. Freezing Leftovers

For longer storage, freezing is a great option. Pack the chicken thighs and vegetables into freezer-safe bags or containers.

To prevent freezer burn, squeeze out as much air as possible. When freezing leftovers, aim to consume them within 2-3 months for the best taste and texture.

4. Reheating

When reheating your Mediterranean Chicken Thighs, ensure that they are heated thoroughly, especially if you’ve stored them in the fridge. The microwave works in a pinch, but for the best results, reheat in the oven.

Cover the dish with foil and warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, until the chicken is piping hot. If frozen, it’s best to defrost the leftovers overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What Goes Well With Mediterranean Chicken Thighs

Mary Berry’s Mediterranean Chicken Thighs are rich, flavorful, and versatile, and pairing them with the right sides can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic pairings:

1. Crispy Roasted Potatoes

A side of crispy roasted potatoes with fresh rosemary and garlic complements the chicken perfectly. The potatoes provide a hearty contrast to the savory chicken, and their crispy edges offer a delightful texture to the meal.

2. Greek Salad

A refreshing Greek salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onions, and a sprinkle of feta cheese is the perfect balance to the rich, succulent chicken. The acidity of the salad dressing-made with olive oil, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar-pairs beautifully with the Mediterranean flavors.

3. Grilled Vegetables

If you want to keep the meal in line with Mediterranean cuisine, grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant are fantastic. Their smoky flavor from the grill pairs beautifully with the tender chicken thighs.

4. Rice Pilaf

A fluffy rice pilaf with garlic, herbs, and a dash of lemon is an excellent accompaniment. The rice will absorb the rich juices from the chicken, making every bite flavorful. You can even add slivered almonds or pine nuts to give the pilaf some added texture and depth.

5. Couscous

Light and fluffy couscous, seasoned with a bit of lemon zest, parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil, is another ideal side dish. It provides a soft, delicate base that absorbs the Mediterranean flavors beautifully and complements the chicken without overpowering it.

6. Pita Bread Or Flatbread

For a more casual meal, serve the Mediterranean chicken with soft pita or flatbread. The bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce from the chicken, and it adds a comforting, soft element to the plate.

Conclusion

Mary Berry’s Mediterranean Chicken Thighs are a wonderful dish that combines the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with the convenience of chicken thighs. Whether you follow the recipe to the letter or opt for one of the many variations, you’re sure to end up with a flavorful and satisfying meal.

By following best practices for storing leftovers, you can enjoy the dish for days to come, and with the right sides, you can create a balanced and wholesome meal that caters to a variety of tastes. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a special gathering, or just a comforting weeknight meal, this dish is a timeless classic that brings the warmth and zest of the Mediterranean straight to your table.

FAQs

What Ingredients Do I Need For Mary Berry’s Mediterranean Chicken Thighs?

For Mary Berry’s Mediterranean Chicken Thighs, you will need bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, olive oil, garlic, onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, dried oregano, and lemon. You’ll also need salt, pepper, and fresh parsley to garnish.

How Long Does It Take To Make Mary Berry’s Mediterranean Chicken Thighs?

The total cooking time for Mary Berry’s Mediterranean Chicken Thighs is about 1 hour. This includes approximately 15 minutes for preparation and 45 minutes for cooking in the oven.

Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs For This Recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs in place of bone-in ones. However, the cooking time may be slightly shorter, so be sure to check the chicken for doneness before serving.

What Side Dishes Go Well With Mediterranean Chicken Thighs?

Mediterranean Chicken Thighs pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes such as roasted vegetables, a Greek salad, couscous, or a light rice pilaf. You could also serve them with pita bread or a simple tzatziki sauce for added flavor.

Can I Make This Dish Ahead Of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the Mediterranean Chicken Thighs ahead of time. You can marinate the chicken and prep the vegetables a day in advance. The dish can also be reheated in the oven if needed.

Is This Recipe Suitable For A Gluten-free Diet?

Yes, Mary Berry’s Mediterranean Chicken Thighs recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it does not contain any wheat or gluten-based ingredients. Just ensure that any additional sides or condiments are also gluten-free.

What Kind Of Olives Should I Use In This Recipe?

Mary Berry’s recipe typically calls for Kalamata olives, which add a rich, slightly tangy flavor to the dish. However, you can use other types of black or green olives, depending on your preference.

Can I Substitute Chicken Thighs With Another Cut Of Chicken?

While chicken thighs provide the best flavor and texture in this recipe, you can substitute them with chicken breasts if you prefer. Keep in mind that the cooking time for chicken breasts may be shorter, so be sure to adjust accordingly.

How Do I Make Sure The Chicken Skin Is Crispy?

To get crispy chicken skin, ensure that the skin is dry before cooking. You can pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning. Also, roasting the chicken in a hot oven (around 400°F or 200°C) will help the skin crisp up.

What Can I Do If I Don’t Have Fresh Oregano?

If you don’t have fresh oregano, you can use dried oregano as a substitute. Use about one-third of the amount called for in the recipe since dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, you could try substituting with thyme or basil for a different flavor.