If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bright, zesty flavors and hearty comfort, you simply have to try this Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of tender, juicy chicken thighs roasted alongside golden, crispy potatoes all infused with fresh lemon, garlic, and herbs. The magic here lies in the simplicity, where just a handful of ingredients come together to produce a vibrant meal that feels like a warm invitation to your table. Whether for a casual weeknight or a special gathering, this recipe promises a delicious experience that will quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes Recipe plays an essential role in creating layers of flavor and the ideal texture. From the brightness of fresh lemon juice to the earthy aroma of oregano and rosemary, each component is straightforward but packed with purpose.
- 4 pounds skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs: These provide juicy, flavorful meat that stays tender and moist during roasting.
- 0.5 cup fresh lemon juice: The star of the dish, delivering that unmistakable tangy freshness.
- 0.5 cup olive oil: Helps keep the chicken and potatoes beautifully golden while adding richness.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a warm, savory depth that complements the lemon perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano: Brings a fragrant, herbaceous note synonymous with Greek cuisine.
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Lends a pine-like aroma, adding complexity to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle spicy bite that brightens the palate.
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper: Just enough heat to awaken the flavors without overwhelming.
- 3 russet potatoes, peeled and quartered: Their starchy texture crisps up beautifully on the outside while staying fluffy inside.
- 1 cup chicken broth, divided: Keeps everything moist as it cooks and creates the delicious pan sauce.
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano, or to taste: A fresh finishing touch that intensifies the herbaceous flavor.
How to Make Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Roasting Pan
Start by preheating your oven to a hot 425°F (220°C) to achieve that golden, crispy finish that makes this dish so irresistible. Lightly oil a large roasting pan to prevent sticking and to help with even browning. This initial step sets the stage for perfectly roasted chicken and potatoes with minimal fuss.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken and Potatoes
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine your chicken thighs with the quartered potatoes. Pour over the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and minced garlic, then sprinkle in oregano, salt, rosemary, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure that each piece is well coated. This marinade is the heart of the recipe, infusing each bite with vibrant Mediterranean flavors and a touch of heat.
Step 3: Arrange in Roasting Pan and Add Broth
Place the chicken thighs skin-side up in your prepared roasting pan, nestling the potatoes closely around the chicken. This arrangement allows the juices to mingle beautifully as they cook. Drizzle 2/3 cup of chicken broth over everything to keep the flavors moist and help develop a savory pan sauce during roasting.
Step 4: Initial Bake and Gentle Toss
Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 20 minutes before gently tossing the chicken and potatoes to promote even cooking and browning. This careful stirring step ensures that all surfaces get exposed to the oven’s heat, making the skin crispy and the potatoes perfectly golden.
Step 5: Continue Baking Until Golden and Cooked Through
Return the roasting pan to the oven and bake for about 25 more minutes. The chicken should develop a beautiful browned crust, and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) guarantees it’s thoroughly cooked and juicy. This step transforms the simple ingredients into a harmonious, mouth-watering dish.
Step 6: Crisp the Potatoes Under the Broiler
Once your chicken is perfectly roasted, transfer it to a platter and set your oven to broil. Place the potatoes under the broiler for approximately 3 minutes to add an irresistible crunch. This final touch makes all the difference, bringing texture contrasts that elevate the meal.
Step 7: Combine and Drizzle with Pan Sauce
Bring the crispy potatoes back together with the chicken on your serving platter and drizzle generously with the pan sauce that has developed during roasting. Sprinkle fresh chopped oregano on top, adding a burst of color and freshness that finishes the dish beautifully.
How to Serve Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkling of fresh oregano or rosemary leaves is a wonderful way to brighten the presentation while reinforcing those classic Greek aromas. Add lemon wedges to provide an extra citrusy kick for those who love an extra splash of brightness on their plate.
Side Dishes
Green salads with a simple vinaigrette or tangy tzatziki sauce are perfect companions to this dish. You might also serve crusty bread to soak up the delicious pan sauce or a side of sautéed greens for some added freshness and texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the chicken and potatoes family-style on a large platter surrounded by fresh herbs and lemon slices. Alternatively, create individual plates by slicing the chicken and fanning the potatoes alongside for a restaurant-quality presentation that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The chicken and potatoes will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy this Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes Recipe on busy days afterward.
Freezing
If you want to keep this meal on hand longer, freezing is an option. Wrap portions tightly or use freezer-safe containers, then freeze for up to 2 months. To preserve texture, it’s best to freeze the chicken separate from the potatoes if possible.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to maintain crispness and juiciness. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the crispy skin and texture of the potatoes, as the oven will bring back that delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
You can swap in chicken breasts, but keep in mind they cook faster and tend to dry out more easily. Keep a close eye on cooking times and consider marinating longer to keep them juicy in this Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes Recipe.
What’s the best type of potato to use?
Russet potatoes are ideal here because they crisp up nicely while staying fluffy inside. You could also try Yukon Golds for a slightly waxier texture, but avoid red potatoes as they don’t crisp as well.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can mix the chicken and potatoes with the marinade a few hours or even the night before to deepen the flavors. Just keep everything covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to roast.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, this Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses whole ingredients without any wheat-based products. Just double-check your chicken broth to ensure it’s gluten-free if you’re especially sensitive.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To amp up the heat, add more cayenne pepper or even a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade. You could also serve with a spicy Greek-style sauce or sprinkle extra pepper when plating.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is truly a joy to make and share. It brings together simple ingredients to create a dish bursting with sunshine-bright lemon, fragrant herbs, and savory, crispy textures. I hope you find as much happiness in cooking and savoring this recipe as I do—trust me, it’s destined to become one of your all-time favorites!
Print
Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
A classic Greek recipe featuring tender, juicy chicken thighs roasted with lemon, garlic, and aromatic herbs, paired perfectly with crispy roasted potatoes. This dish is bursting with Mediterranean flavors and comes together in just over an hour, making it a perfect weeknight or weekend meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 pounds skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
- 0.5 cup fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 cup olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper
Potatoes and Broth
- 3 russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 cup chicken broth, divided
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano, or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly oil a large roasting pan to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Prepare Chicken and Potatoes: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken thighs and quartered potatoes. Add fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, kosher salt, dried rosemary, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure the chicken and potatoes are evenly coated with the flavorful marinade.
- Arrange in Pan: Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side up in the prepared roasting pan. Arrange the potatoes neatly around the chicken. Drizzle with 2/3 cup of the chicken broth to add moisture and enhance flavor during roasting.
- Initial Bake: Bake the chicken and potatoes in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After this initial roasting, gently toss the chicken and potatoes to redistribute the marinade and juices for even cooking.
- Finish Baking: Return the pan to the oven and continue baking for an additional 25 minutes or until the chicken is beautifully browned and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safely cooked.
- Crisp Potatoes: Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a platter and set aside. Place the potatoes under the broiler for about 3 minutes to crisp their edges, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Combine the crispy potatoes with the chicken on the serving platter, drizzle with the pan sauce and sprinkle with chopped fresh oregano for a fresh finish. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Greek lemon chicken and potatoes.
Notes
- Use skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs for the best flavor and juiciness.
- Make sure to peel and quarter the potatoes evenly for uniform cooking.
- Keep an eye on the potatoes when broiling to avoid burning.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
- Rest the chicken for a few minutes before serving to retain juices.
