Mediterranean-Style Crispy Baked Chicken (35-Minute Recipe)
Mediterranean-style crispy baked chicken is a quick and easy recipe for when you want something easy to prepare and loaded with flavor. Skin-on chicken pieces marinated with a Mediterranean spice rub, then pan-fried and oven-roasted until the skin crisps up. The dried dates add a sweetness to the sauce that deserves a good mop-up with plenty of fresh bread.
Equipment
- Large skillet/pan
- Oven-safe dish If skillet can't go in the oven
- Sharp knife
- Chopping board
- Oven
- Small bowl (for mixing the spices and herbs)
Ingredients
- 35 oz 1kg skin-on chicken pieces (we used chicken quarters with the drumsticks cut off)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika we used La Vera smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes or sub for fresh chili
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 small red onion diced
- 4 cloves of garlic minced
- 1/2 cup dried dates cut into small pieces
- Lemon wedges for serving
FOR SERVING (optional)
- Roasted potatoes
- Rice or quinoa
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F/200°C
- In a small bowl, combine the ground cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and red pepper flakes. Season the chicken thighs on all sides.35 oz 1kg skin-on chicken pieces (we used chicken quarters with the drumsticks cut off), 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- In a skillet, pan-fry the chicken pieces in some oil on medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes each side. Once the skin begins to crisp up, transfer the chicken pieces onto a plate and set aside.2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- Add the diced onion to the skillet, and simmer for 1-2 minutes, then add the minced garlic and turn off the heat. Mix well then add the chicken pieces skin side up on top of the onions and garlic.1/2 small red onion, 4 cloves of garlic
- Sprinkle the dates around the chicken, add a tablespoon or two of water (or olive oil) around the chicken and bake for 20 minutes at 400°F/200°C. (If your skillet/pan can’t go in the oven, transfer the chicken and everything to an oven-safe dish before adding dates and water, then bake.)1/2 cup dried dates
- Serve straight away alongside your favorite side dish like some steamed veg. Serve on top of a bed of steamed rice, some roasted potatoes, or quinoa with a Mediterranean-inspired salad.Lemon wedges, Roasted potatoes, Rice or quinoa
