Greek Lemon Chicken with Roasted Baby Potatoes
This Greek Lemon Chicken with Roasted Potatoes is a zesty, oregano infused dish that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with garlicky Mediterranean flavors. Roasted alongside golden potatoes, this easy one-pan Greek lemon chicken meal is perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40-50
- Total Time: 1 Hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Ingredients
Greek Lemon Chicken
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or skin-on breast)
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried thyme (or rosemary)
1 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for color)
1/2 cup chicken broth (for extra moisture)
Lemon slices (for roasting and garnish)
Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
1/4 cup plain Greek Yogurt (optional, but will make the chicken more tender)
Roasted Baby Potatoes
1.5 to 2 lbs. potatoes, halved if large
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for color)
Juice of 1/2 lemon (for extra flavor)
Crumbled feta for garnish (optional)
Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat Oven to 400°F for an easy to make roasted dish.
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional but will help make the chicken more tender)
3. Marinate the Chicken
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Place them in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the potatoes (or refrigerate for up to 24 hours).
3. Prepare the Potatoes
In a separate bowl, toss the potatoes for this recipe with:
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- Juice of ½ lemon
4. Arrange in the Pan
In a large roasting pan or baking dish, arrange the marinated chicken skin side up. Scatter the seasoned potatoes around the chicken in a single layer. Pour ½ cup chicken broth into the bottom of the pan. Add a few lemon slices over the chicken and potatoes.
5. Roast
Roast in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) checking with a meat thermometer and the potatoes are golden and tender.
(If using boneless chicken, reduce the roasting time to about 25-30 minutes and continue roasting the potatoes until crispy, if needed.)
Optional Crisping
For perfectly crisp skin and potatoes, turn the oven to broil during the last 3-5 minutes of cooking. Watch carefully to watch the chicken doesn’t burn.
6. Rest and Garnish
Remove the pan from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or fresh oregano and a final squeeze of lemon juice. Feel free to use a sprinkle of crumbled feta just before serving taking the flavors to the next level, adding a creamy, tangy kick that perfectly complements the roasted potatoes.
7. Serve
Serve the golden brown chicken and roasted potatoes with the lemony sauce from the pan juices spooned over the top. Enjoy!
Notes
Perfect Pairings
Greek Salad – Crisp cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese with olive oil dressing.
Warm Pita Bread – Great for scooping up every bite.
Tzatziki Sauce – Cool, creamy yogurt with cucumber and garlic.
White Wine or Lemonade – A refreshing complement to the citrusy flavors
- Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in?
Yes! Boneless chicken breasts or thighs will work, but they may cook faster than bone-in pieces. Reduce the baking time accordingly to avoid drying out the chicken. I recommend using bone-in chicken for a more intense flavor.
- How do I make the potatoes extra crispy?
To get crispy roasted potatoes, spread the chicken pieces out on the baking sheet so they aren’t overcrowded. Toss them in olive oil and preheat the pan before adding them. You can also broil them for the last few minutes for extra crispiness.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken and potatoes overnight for a deeper flavor. When ready to cook, simply arrange them on a baking sheet and roast as directed; you can bake for another 10 minutes if needed. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
- What type of potatoes should I use?
For the best roasted potatoes, use Yukon Gold potatoes, red potatoes, and fingerlings; they are ideal as they have a high moisture content that creates a crispy exterior and tender interior, perfect for a chicken and potatoes recipe. Baby potatoes also work well, maintaining their shape and offering a smooth, creamy texture.
Love this Greek Lemon Chicken with Roasted Potatoes? Try it for your next family dinner or meal prep for a flavorful week ahead! Don’t forget to pair it with tzatziki and warm pita for the ultimate Mediterranean experience; it’s an easy to make meal that delights. For an added touch, consider serving a fresh Greek salad on the side, featuring crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, red onion, and Kalamata olives, all tossed in a light olive oil and lemon dressing. This vibrant dish not only enhances the meal but also provides a burst of freshness that perfectly complements the savory chicken and potatoes.
If you want to elevate your dinner even further, why not whip up a batch of baklava for dessert? This sweet treat, with its layers of flaky pastry, nuts, and honey syrup, will be the perfect ending to your Mediterranean feast.
Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and making it your own. Feel free to add herbs like oregano or dill to the chicken marinade for extra flavor, or swap out the potatoes for seasonal vegetables. With this Greek Lemon Chicken as your base, the possibilities are endless! Enjoy your culinary journey!
Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate based on standard ingredients and serving sizes. Actual values may vary depending on specific products used and portion sizes. This information is provided for convenience and should not be considered medical or dietary advice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Protein: 30