Greek Lemon Chicken Potatoes: Divine One-Pan Meal

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Greek Lemon Chicken Potatoes

Greek Lemon Chicken Potatoes has always felt like a warm hug from my Yiayia’s kitchen, even though I never actually visited Greece. This dish, truly an authentic Greek lemon chicken potatoes experience, transports me straight to a sun-drenched village with its bright, zesty flavors and comforting aromas. I remember the first time I tried to recreate it myself, hoping to capture that magic. The smell of garlic and oregano filling my home as the chicken and potatoes roasted to a perfect golden hue was incredible. This easy Greek lemon chicken potatoes recipe is my go-to for a delicious, fuss-free meal that always impresses. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Greek Lemon Chicken Potatoes

  • The taste is absolutely divine – tender chicken and crispy potatoes bursting with lemon and herbs.
  • It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights, boasting a short prep time.
  • This Greek lemon chicken and potatoes recipe is a healthier option, packed with lean protein and healthy fats.
  • It’s a budget-friendly meal that uses simple, accessible ingredients.
  • Your whole family will adore this dish; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
  • Cleanup is a breeze since it’s a fantastic one-pan Greek lemon chicken potatoes meal.
  • The flavors are bright, zesty, and authentically Mediterranean.
  • It’s a truly satisfying Greek lemon chicken and potatoes recipe that feels both comforting and fresh.

Ingredients for Greek Lemon Chicken Potatoes

Gather these simple ingredients for a truly authentic taste of Greece. The star of our Greek chicken potatoes lemon marinade is extra virgin olive oil, which helps create that beautiful golden crust on the chicken and tenderizes the potatoes. We’re using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness, and Yukon gold potatoes, which get wonderfully tender inside with slightly crispy edges. Don’t forget the fresh lemon juice and garlic; they are key to that signature bright, zesty flavor that makes this dish so irresistible. For more information on the benefits of olive oil, you can check out Harvard Health.

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs – for juicy, flavorful meat
  • 1.5 lbs Yukon gold or red potatoes, quartered – these absorb the delicious marinade beautifully
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil – the base for our rich marinade
  • Juice of 2 large lemons (about 1/4 cup) – essential for that bright, authentic flavor
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced – adds a wonderful aromatic depth
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano – a classic Greek herb
  • 1 teaspoon salt – to enhance all the flavors
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – for a touch of warmth
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth – adds moisture and helps create a flavorful pan sauce
  • Lemon wedges and fresh oregano (for garnish, optional) – to finish and brighten the dish

How to Make Greek Lemon Chicken Potatoes

This Greek lemon chicken potatoes recipe is incredibly straightforward, making it a weeknight winner. You’ll achieve that perfect balance of juicy chicken and tender, flavorful potatoes with just a few simple steps.

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat is crucial for achieving that lovely golden color and crispy texture we’re after.
  2. Step 2: Arrange the chicken thighs, skin-side up, in a large baking dish or a sturdy baking sheet. I like to use a rimmed one to catch all those delicious juices. Then, nestle the potato wedges around the chicken. Don’t overcrowd the pan; give everything a little breathing room for optimal roasting.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until they’re beautifully emulsified. This creates our vibrant marinade.
  4. Step 4: Pour this lemony mixture evenly over the chicken and potatoes. Make sure to coat everything well. This is where all that fantastic flavor really starts to build.
  5. Step 5: Roast uncovered for about 45–55 minutes. About halfway through, I like to spoon some of those delicious pan juices over the chicken and give the potatoes a gentle toss. This ensures even cooking and that gorgeous, roasted Greek lemon chicken potatoes finish.
  6. Step 6: Continue roasting until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The potatoes should be fork-tender and slightly caramelized at the edges.
  7. Step 7: For an extra-crispy skin on the chicken and even more tender potatoes, you can finish the dish under the broiler for 2–3 minutes at the very end. Just watch it closely to prevent burning! This step really elevates the roasted Greek lemon chicken potatoes.
  8. Step 8: Serve your perfectly roasted Greek lemon chicken potatoes hot. Garnish with extra lemon wedges or fresh oregano if you like, which adds a lovely pop of freshness.

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Pro Tips for the Best Greek Lemon Chicken Potatoes

I’ve made this dish countless times, and these little tricks really make a difference in achieving that perfect, authentic flavor and texture. For more cooking tips, you can explore resources on our about me page.

  • Always use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They stay incredibly moist and the skin gets wonderfully crispy, which is key to this authentic Greek lemon chicken potatoes dish.
  • Don’t overcrowd your baking pan! Give the chicken and potatoes space to breathe. This allows them to roast and caramelize properly, rather than steam.
  • Let the chicken marinate in the lemon-garlic-herb mixture for at least 30 minutes, or even a few hours in the fridge, for deeper flavor.
  • Ensure your potatoes are cut into roughly uniform sizes so they cook evenly.

What’s the secret to perfect Greek lemon chicken potatoes?

The magic really comes from using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and not overcrowding the pan. This allows everything to roast beautifully, creating that juicy chicken and tender, slightly crispy potato combination that makes these authentic Greek lemon chicken potatoes so special.

Can I make Greek Lemon Chicken Potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! You can absolutely prepare the marinade and chop the potatoes up to a day in advance. Store the marinade in an airtight container in the fridge, and keep the chopped potatoes in a bowl covered with water to prevent browning. Just drain them before adding to the pan. For more information on food storage, consult FoodSafety.gov.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Greek Lemon Chicken Potatoes?

A common pitfall is undercooking the chicken or having mushy potatoes. Make sure your oven is fully preheated to 400°F (200°C) and use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature. Also, giving the potatoes enough space on the pan prevents steaming, ensuring they get tender and slightly crisp.

Best Ways to Serve Greek Lemon Chicken Potatoes

This flavorful Greek lemon chicken potatoes dish is hearty enough to be a main course on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few classic accompaniments. For a truly authentic experience, I love serving it alongside a crisp Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese. The cool, refreshing salad is the perfect counterpoint to the warm, savory chicken and potatoes. Another fantastic option is a dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce; its garlic-yogurt tanginess complements the lemon and oregano wonderfully. These simple Greek lemon chicken potatoes side dishes elevate the meal from great to unforgettable! If you’re interested in making your own tzatziki, check out this guide on how to contact us for tips.

Nutrition Facts for Greek Lemon Chicken Potatoes

This Greek lemon chicken potatoes recipe is a balanced and satisfying meal. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving, based on the recipe yielding 4 servings.

  • Calories: 420
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: (Data not provided)
  • Protein: 28g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 560mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used, such as the leanness of the chicken or the exact size of the potatoes. For more details on nutritional information, please refer to our privacy policy.

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How to Store and Reheat Greek Lemon Chicken Potatoes

Once this delicious Greek chicken and potatoes recipe lemon has cooled, storing it properly is key to maintaining its fantastic flavor and texture. Allow the chicken and potatoes to cool at room temperature for about an hour before transferring them to an airtight container. You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it even longer, this dish freezes beautifully! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your flavorful Greek lemon chicken potatoes again, the best way to reheat is in a moderate oven, around 350°F (175°C), until heated through. This method helps bring back that lovely roasted quality. For information on our affiliate relationships, see our affiliate disclaimer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Lemon Chicken Potatoes

What kind of potatoes are best for Greek Lemon Chicken Potatoes?

For this Greek lemon chicken potatoes recipe, Yukon Gold or red potatoes are my top picks. They have a creamy texture that becomes wonderfully tender when roasted, and their skins crisp up nicely. They also absorb the lemon-herb marinade beautifully, making them a perfect complement to the chicken. You can certainly use russets, but they might break down a bit more.

Can I use boneless chicken for Greek Lemon Chicken Potatoes?

Absolutely! While bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are my preference for maximum flavor and moisture, you can definitely use boneless, skinless thighs or even chicken breasts. If using boneless, skinless chicken, reduce the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes, as they cook more quickly. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t dry out. This adaptability is what makes how to make Greek lemon chicken potatoes so forgiving.

Do I need to marinate the chicken for Greek Lemon Chicken Potatoes?

Marinating isn’t strictly required, but I highly recommend it for the best flavor! Allowing the chicken to sit in the lemon, garlic, and oregano mixture for at least 30 minutes, or even a few hours in the refrigerator, really infuses the meat with those classic Greek flavors. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference in the final taste of your authentic Greek lemon chicken potatoes.

What other vegetables can I roast with Greek Lemon Chicken Potatoes?

You can easily add other Mediterranean-inspired vegetables to this dish! Bell peppers (any color), red onion wedges, zucchini spears, or even cherry tomatoes tossed in the marinade alongside the potatoes would be delicious. Just ensure they are cut to a similar size so they roast evenly with the potatoes. This flexibility is part of why this Greek chicken with lemon and potatoes is so versatile. For terms and conditions regarding recipe usage, please refer to our terms and conditions.

Variations of Greek Lemon Chicken Potatoes You Can Try

This classic Greek lemon chicken potatoes dish is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your dietary needs or flavor preferences. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next meal.

  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a gentle warmth that complements the lemon and herbs.
  • Mediterranean Flair: Toss in some Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese during the last 15 minutes of roasting for an extra burst of salty, briny flavor. This variation truly embraces the Mediterranean lemon chicken potatoes recipe spirit.
  • Air Fryer Method: For an even quicker cook and extra crispy results, try this in your air fryer! Arrange chicken and potatoes in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd, and cook at 380°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  • Vegetable Boost: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell pepper chunks, zucchini slices, or cherry tomatoes to the pan during the last 20-25 minutes of roasting.
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Greek Lemon Chicken Potatoes

Greek Lemon Chicken Potatoes: Divine One-Pan Meal


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  • Author: Dorina
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Description

This Easy Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes recipe brings the comforting flavors of Greek villages and Mediterranean cooking to your kitchen. It’s a simple, one-pan meal featuring juicy, golden-roasted chicken and crispy-edged potatoes infused with lemon, garlic, and oregano.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks)
  • 1.5 lbs Yukon gold or red potatoes, quartered
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 2 large lemons (about 1/4 cup)
  • 5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • Lemon wedges and fresh oregano (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up in a large baking dish or sheet pan. Nestle the potato wedges around the chicken.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and chicken broth until emulsified.
  4. Pour the lemony mixture evenly over the chicken and potatoes.
  5. Roast uncovered for 45–55 minutes. Halfway through, spoon some juices over the chicken and toss the potatoes.
  6. Continue roasting until the chicken is golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature) and the potatoes are tender.
  7. For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges or fresh oregano if desired.

Notes

  • This recipe is forgiving; you can substitute chicken cuts like drumsticks or skin-on breasts.
  • Bottled lemon juice can be used if fresh lemons are unavailable.
  • Consider marinating the chicken in the lemon mixture for 1-2 hours before cooking to enhance flavor.
  • Use Yukon gold potatoes for best results as they hold their shape and absorb flavor well.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper roasting.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 560mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28g
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