Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

This Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes dish brings the vibrant flavors of Greece to your dinner table. Perfect for weeknight meals or special gatherings, it combines juicy chicken thighs with crispy roasted potatoes, all infused with the zesty essence of lemon, aromatic garlic, and fragrant oregano. This recipe stands out not just for its incredible taste but also for its ease of preparation, making it a favorite among home cooks.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Flavor: The combination of lemon, garlic, and oregano creates a mouthwatering taste that will leave you wanting more.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal hands-on time, you can have a delicious meal ready in just over an hour.
• Versatile Dish: Ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests, this Greek lemon chicken is sure to impress any crowd.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and wholesome veggies, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious.
• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together in one roasting pan, making cleanup a breeze.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and efficient, gather the following tools before you start. Having everything ready will streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large roasting pan
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Instant-read thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

• Large roasting pan: This is essential for evenly cooking the chicken and potatoes while allowing them to roast beautifully.
• Mixing bowl: A large bowl makes it easy to toss all ingredients together for even coating.
• Instant-read thermometer: Ensures your chicken is cooked perfectly to avoid undercooking or overcooking.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 4 pounds skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
– 3 russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
– 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
– 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 Chicken and Potatoes

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken thighs and quartered potatoes.
• Add in the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, kosher salt, rosemary, black pepper, and cayenne.
• Toss everything together until both the chicken and potatoes are well coated with the marinade.

Step 3: Arrange in Roasting Pan

• Place the marinated chicken pieces skin-side up in the prepared roasting pan.
• Tuck the quartered potatoes around the chicken.
• Drizzle 2/3 cup of chicken broth over the dish. Spoon any remaining marinade from the bowl onto the chicken and potatoes.

Step 4: Bake Initially

Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After this time:
* Toss both chicken and potatoes gently.
* Return chicken skin-side up in the pan.

Step 5: Continue Baking

Continue baking until the chicken is browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 25 minutes more. Use an instant-read thermometer near the bone; it should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Step 6: Prepare for Serving

Transfer cooked chicken to a serving platter to keep warm while leaving potatoes in the pan.

Step 7: Broil for Crispiness

Turn on your broiler or set your oven to its highest heat setting. Toss potatoes again in their juices:
* Broil for about 3 minutes until they are crisped to your liking.

Step 8: Final Touches

Transfer crispy potatoes to serve alongside the chicken on your platter.

Step 9: Make Gravy from Pan Juices

Place the roasting pan on medium heat on your stovetop:
* Add remaining 1/3 cup of chicken broth.
* Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for flavor.

Step 10: Serve It Up!

Strain those delicious pan juices into a measuring cup:
* Pour over your beautifully plated Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes.

Finally, sprinkle with fresh oregano before serving. Enjoy this delightful meal!

How to Serve Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

Serving Greek lemon chicken and potatoes is easy and enjoyable. This dish is flavorful and pairs well with various accompaniments, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Accompany with Fresh Salad

• Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta to balance the richness of the chicken.
• Tossed Green Salad: Light greens with a simple vinaigrette can add freshness and contrast to the dish.

Add Bread for Dipping

• Pita Bread: Soft pita is great for soaking up the delicious juices from the chicken and potatoes.
• Crusty Baguette: A slice of crusty bread can complement the meal, perfect for dipping in pan drippings.

Serve with Rice or Quinoa

• Lemon Rice: Fluffy rice infused with lemon complements the flavors of the chicken beautifully.
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds texture and nutrients while being a gluten-free option.

Pair with Roasted Vegetables

• Seasoned Roasted Carrots: Sweet carrots roasted until tender provide a lovely side that matches the dish’s flavors.
• Garlic Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans sautéed in garlic add a vibrant color and taste to your plate.

How to Perfect Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

To ensure your Greek lemon chicken and potatoes come out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality chicken and organic vegetables will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Marinate Longer: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice and spices for a few hours or overnight.
• Ensure Even Cooking: Arrange chicken and potatoes in one layer on the roasting pan to promote even cooking.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
• Crisp Potatoes Under Broiler: Broiling at the end ensures crispy potatoes that contrast beautifully with tender chicken.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like oregano or parsley before serving enhances both flavor and presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

Pairing side dishes with Greek lemon chicken can elevate your dining experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Tzatziki Sauce: This cool, creamy yogurt dip is perfect for adding a refreshing touch alongside your main dish.
2. Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears seasoned simply make a delightful addition that complements the meal well.
3. Hummus Platter: A variety of hummus served with veggie sticks or pita chips offers a healthy crunch alongside the rich flavors.
4. Mediterranean Couscous: Fluffy couscous tossed with olives, feta, and herbs provides a flavorful grain option that pairs nicely.
5. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas): These savory rolls filled with rice and herbs bring an authentic Greek flair to your table.
6. Feta Cheese Dip: Creamy feta dip served with crackers or vegetables makes for a great starter before diving into your main course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to make mistakes when cooking Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the marination: Failing to let the chicken marinate reduces flavor. Marinate for at least 30 minutes for best results.
• Not using a meat thermometer: Overcooking can happen without checking doneness. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165 degrees F.
• Ignoring potato size: Cutting potatoes unevenly can lead to inconsistent cooking. Quarter them uniformly for even roasting.
• Not preheating the oven: Baking in a cold oven affects cooking time and texture. Always preheat before placing your dish inside.
• Using too little broth: Insufficient liquid may dry out the chicken. Ensure you use the recommended amount of chicken broth for moisture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

• Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for reference.

Reheating Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat to 350 degrees F, cover with foil, and warm for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Use medium power, heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of broth and cook until warmed through, stirring frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes.

Can I use different cuts of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute boneless chicken breasts or drumsticks if preferred; adjust cooking times accordingly.

What sides pair well with Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes?

Consider serving with a fresh Greek salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

How do I make this dish more spicy?

To add heat, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or serve with hot sauce.

Can I prepare Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

What is the best way to customize flavors?

Experiment with additional herbs like thyme or parsley, or add lemon zest for extra citrus flavor!

Final Thoughts

Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes is a delightful dish that combines juicy chicken with crispy potatoes, making it perfect for any weeknight dinner. Its versatility allows you to customize flavors according to your preferences. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love how easy it is!

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Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x

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Description

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Greece with this Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes recipe. This dish features succulent chicken thighs roasted to perfection alongside crispy potatoes, all infused with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and fragrant oregano. Ideal for both casual weeknight dinners and special occasions, it’s a one-pan meal that delivers incredible taste with minimal cleanup. With just over an hour from prep to plate, this recipe is not only easy to follow but also packed with healthy ingredients, making it a favorite for families and entertaining alike.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 pounds skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
• 3 russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 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 black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly oil a large roasting pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine chicken thighs and quartered potatoes. Add lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper; toss until coated.
3. Arrange chicken skin-side up in the pan with potatoes around it. Drizzle with broth.
4. Bake for 20 minutes; gently toss chicken and potatoes.
5. Continue baking for another 25 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. For crispiness, broil potatoes for about 3 minutes.
7. Serve hot with pan juices drizzled over the top.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 150mg