Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

This Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes recipe is a delightful combination of juicy chicken thighs and crispy roast potatoes, bringing vibrant flavors to your dinner table. Perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions, this dish showcases the bright zing of lemon paired with aromatic herbs. The easy preparation and comforting taste make it a favorite for families and dinner parties alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful Combination: The blend of garlic, lemon, and oregano creates a mouthwatering experience that will impress your guests.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, you can have this delicious meal on the table in just an hour.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect as a family dinner or for entertaining guests, this dish fits any occasion with ease.
• Crispy Potatoes: The roasting method ensures that the potatoes are perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining fluffy inside.
• Healthy Option: Made with wholesome ingredients, this recipe offers a nutritious meal without sacrificing flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather these essential tools before starting. Having everything on hand will help you focus on creating this delicious Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large roasting pan
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Large roasting pan: Ideal for ensuring even cooking and browning of both chicken and potatoes.
• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to easily toss the chicken and potatoes with the marinade without spilling.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes quick work of chopping ingredients like garlic and potatoes.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure your flavors are perfectly balanced.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this flavorful Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes:

For the Chicken

• 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

For the Potatoes

• 3 russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 1 cup chicken broth, divided
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano, or to taste

How to Make Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Lightly oil a large roasting pan to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
1. Fresh lemon juice
2. Olive oil
3. Minced garlic
4. Dried oregano
5. Kosher salt
6. Dried rosemary
7. Black pepper
8. Cayenne pepper

Toss until well mixed.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken and Potatoes

Add the chicken thighs and quartered potatoes to the bowl with the marinade. Toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Arrange in Roasting Pan

Place the chicken pieces skin-side up in the prepared roasting pan. Tuck potato pieces around them. Drizzle with 2/3 cup of chicken broth.

Step 5: First Bake Session

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Step 6: Toss and Continue Baking

After 20 minutes, carefully toss the chicken and potatoes. Return them to the oven skin-side up again.

Step 7: Final Cooking Phase

Continue baking until browned and cooked through (about 25 minutes more). The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Step 8: Keep Chicken Warm

Transfer chicken to a serving platter but keep it warm while you finish cooking the potatoes.

Step 9: Broil for Crispiness

Turn on your broiler or set oven to high heat. Toss remaining potatoes in pan juices, then broil for about 3 minutes until crispy.

Step 10: Prepare Pan Juices

Place the roasting pan on medium heat on your stovetop. Add remaining chicken broth while scraping up browned bits from the bottom.

Step 11: Serve

Strain pan juices into a measuring cup and pour over both chicken and potatoes. Sprinkle with fresh oregano before serving.

Enjoy your Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes!

How to Serve Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

This Greek lemon chicken dish is not only full of flavor but also versatile in how it can be served. Here are some suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Serve with Fresh Salad

• A simple green salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the chicken and potatoes.

Add Warm Pita Bread

• Warm pita bread can be served alongside to soak up the delicious juices from the chicken and potatoes.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or dill over the dish before serving for an added pop of color and flavor.

Pair with Tzatziki Sauce

• Tzatziki, a yogurt-based sauce, complements the lemony flavors of the dish perfectly; serve it on the side for dipping.

How to Perfect Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

Achieving perfection in this recipe requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out amazing every time.

• Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh lemons and quality olive oil will enhance the flavors significantly.
• Marinate longer: If time allows, marinating the chicken for a few hours or overnight will infuse more flavor into the meat.
• Check doneness carefully: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) near the bone for safe consumption.
• Crisp potatoes effectively: Broil them at the end to achieve that desired crispy texture; keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Best Side Dishes for Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

Complement your Greek lemon chicken and potatoes with these delightful side dishes for a well-rounded meal.

1. Greek Village Salad
   A classic combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, red onion, and feta cheese drizzled with olive oil.
2. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant roasted until tender make a colorful addition.
3. Quinoa Tabbouleh
   A refreshing salad made with quinoa, parsley, mint, and diced tomatoes; serves as a nutritious option alongside your main dish.
4. Lemon Rice Pilaf
   Fluffy rice cooked in broth with lemon zest adds a zesty touch that complements the chicken beautifully.
5. Grilled Asparagus
   Lightly seasoned asparagus grilled until tender offers a crisp contrast to the richness of the chicken and potatoes.
6. Chickpea Salad
   Chickpeas tossed with diced veggies and a light dressing provide protein and texture while keeping things light.
7. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas)
   These flavorful grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs add an authentic touch to your meal.
8. Greek Yogurt Dip
   A simple blend of Greek yogurt mixed with herbs makes for a creamy side that pairs well with all components of your dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes, it’s easy to make errors that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.

• Boldly skip marinating: Failing to marinate the chicken can lead to bland meat. Make sure to toss the chicken with the marinade for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor.
• Boldly overcrowding the pan: Placing too many chicken pieces in one pan can result in steaming instead of roasting. Ensure there’s enough space between each piece for even cooking.
• Boldly ignoring temperature: Cooking at a lower temperature will not achieve that perfect crispy skin. Preheat your oven properly and maintain a high heat for roasting.
• Boldly neglecting seasoning: Under-seasoning can leave your dish flat. Use salt and spices generously, but taste as you go.
• Boldly skipping the broil step: Not broiling at the end means missing out on crispy potatoes. Always finish with a quick broil to get that golden-brown finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

• Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 20-25 minutes, until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of broth if needed, until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes?

Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes is a flavorful dish featuring roasted chicken thighs seasoned with lemon, garlic, and oregano, served with crispy potatoes.

How do I make Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes healthier?

To make it healthier, consider using skinless chicken thighs or drumsticks. You can also reduce the amount of olive oil used in the marinade.

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes! You can substitute russet potatoes with Yukon Gold or fingerling potatoes for different textures and flavors.

What can I serve with Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes?

This dish pairs well with a fresh salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.

How long does it take to prepare Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes?

The total cook time is about 60 minutes, including preparation (10 minutes) and baking (50 minutes).

Final Thoughts

This Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding seasonal vegetables or adjusting the spices according to your taste. Give it a try for your next weeknight dinner!