Mediterranean Baked Chicken Thighs with Creamy Herb Yogurt Sauce

A Flavor-Packed Dinner That Even My Toughest Critic Loved

There’s something deeply satisfying about creating a meal that fills your home with warmth and flavor—especially when it gets the stamp of approval from someone who really knows good food.

My boyfriend, James, is a fantastic chef. He’s not only my partner in life but also in the kitchen. While we love cooking together, some of my favorite moments are when I get to cook for him—especially after his long workdays. This dish? He said it was the best meal I’ve ever made. I’ll take that as a win.

These Mediterranean-inspired baked chicken thighs are bursting with flavor—zesty lemon, smoky paprika, rich tomato, and just a hint of honey to balance the spice. Paired with a creamy herb yogurt sauce, this dish is incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple to prepare. It’s also gluten-free and made with fresh, organic ingredients you can feel good about.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Thighs:
• 8 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
• 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 5 tbsp organic tomato paste
• 6-8 organic garlic cloves, minced
• Zest and juice of 2 organic lemons
• 2 tbsp organic smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp organic oregano
• 1/2 tbsp organic red pepper flakes
• 2-3 tbsp raw honey
• Generous pinches of salt and pepper

For the Creamy Herb Yogurt Sauce:
• 4 tbsp thick, organic Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended)
• A bunch of fresh, organic mint (~3 tbsp)
• 2 full organic green onions
• 1/2 small serrano pepper
• 1/2 organic bell pepper
• 1.5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Drizzle of honey

Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Rinse and pat dry the chicken thighs. This helps the skin crisp up while baking.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken with olive oil, tomato paste, garlic, lemon zest and juice, paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes, honey, salt, and pepper. Don’t be afraid to use your hands to fully coat the chicken and massage the marinade in—it makes a difference!
4. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours (up to 6).
5. When ready to cook, transfer the chicken to a deep baking dish (glass or ceramic works well) and pour any remaining marinade over the top. Optional: drizzle a little extra honey over the chicken before baking.
6. Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the skin is crispy and golden.
7. While the chicken bakes, prepare the sauce. In a small blender or food processor, combine yogurt, mint, green onion, serrano pepper, green bell pepper, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and a bit of honey. Blend until smooth and set aside.
8. Serve and enjoy! Plate the chicken and serve with your creamy herb sauce on the side or drizzled over the top.

Why I Love This Dish

I created this recipe using only fresh, organic ingredients—and I truly believe it makes all the difference. The flavor is so vibrant, and the quality of the ingredients takes it to the next level.

It’s also an incredibly nourishing dinner that doesn’t feel heavy. The spices are bold but balanced, and the yogurt sauce adds a cooling, herbaceous contrast that’s perfect for summer evenings or cozy fall nights alike.

My Favorite Pairings

I love to serve this with simple roasted veggies—whatever I’ve picked up from the farmers market that week. Some of my go-to sides:
• Rainbow carrots with sea salt, pepper, dried organic parsley, grass-fed butter, and a little bit of chicken bone broth
• Haricots verts (string beans) with salt, pepper, garlic, and grass-fed butter
• Roasted sweet potatoes with organic dried rosemary and thyme, salt, pepper, grass-fed butter, and a little bit of chicken bone broth

Stay tuned for some easy veggie side recipes coming to the blog soon!

Tips for Success

• Use organic produce and high-quality olive oil for the best flavor and nutritional value.
• If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes of marinating can still infuse great flavor—just let the chicken come to room temperature before baking.
• You can adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the red pepper flakes and serrano.