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You’ll fall head over heels in love with this authentic recipe for Greek lemon chicken with potatoes. Guys, the chicken turns out insanely golden and is fall-apart tender. The potatoes... let me tell you, soak up all the spiced, herby, lemony sauce. You’re going to burn your fingers – there’s no way you can wait to try the first bite.
Looking for more Greek one pan recipes? Check out my lamb kleftiko but if your looking for another chicken recipe and keen cook on the BBQ, check out my chicken gyros on the souvla.
Also if you want to see the full version of my making this beautiful Greek dish, see the YouTube video below on my channel! Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss any of my future videos!
Why you’ll love this lemon chicken and potatoes in oven
Here’s why this chicken and potatoes in the oven Greek style is going to rock your world:
- The taste: Plain and simple. Nothing is more delicious than the (Greek) combination of lemon, oregano, garlic, etc, deeply soaked into succulent chicken and potatoes.
- One pan: This effortless lemon chicken with potatoes is an easy weeknight recipe with minimal fuss and hardly any dishes. Prepare it the night or day before and let the marinade soak in a little longer.
- Family-friendly: It's a crowd-pleaser! Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, Greek lemon chicken and potatoes will be a hit with everyone at the table
Ingredients needed to make authentic greek lemon chicken
- Chicken pieces: Go for bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces like thighs or drumsticks for maximum flavour and juiciness. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer.
- Potatoes: Choose waxy potatoes yellow or red potatoes. These hold their shape well during cooking. Cut them into wedges or chunks for even cooking.
Seasonings:
- Salt, Pepper, Oregano, and Paprika: Tailor the seasoning to your taste, ensuring an even coat of these vibrant spices. Paprika, my favourite for potatoes, enhances their colour to a rich, dark brown, elevating their appearance and flavour.
Marinade:
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Olive oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavour.
- Garlic cloves: Use fresh over bottled garlic for best results.
- Rosemary and oregano: Fresh rosemary and dried oregano, please!
- Honey: A touch of honey balances the tartness of the lemon juice and adds a subtle sweetness to the marinade. It also aids in caramelization during cooking.
- Mustard: Choose your favourite type of mustard to add depth and complexity to the marinade.
Top tips for making greek lemon chicken and potatoes in the oven
This is a super easy recipe but here’s what I’d recommend to take it over the edge:
- Use the right type of potatoes: Choose waxy potatoes Yellow potato or red potatoes, as they hold their shape well during roasting and develop a creamy texture. Cut them into evenly sized pieces.
- Arrange in a single layer: Spread the chicken pieces and potatoes in a single layer in the roasting pan. Overcrowding the pan can cause the ingredients to steam instead of roast, resulting in soggy chicken and potatoes.
- Crispy skin: For crispy chicken skin, pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels before marinating them. This removes excess moisture, allowing the skin to crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked through. The thickest part of the meat should register at least 165°F (74°C). The potatoes should be golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork.
- Enjoy fresh or as leftovers: This dish tastes fantastic fresh out of the oven, but it also reheats well. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven or microwave for a quick and tasty meal later on.
What to serve with baked Greek chicken and potatoes
If you don’t have time to make sides, it's perfect as is. If you have time, make a simple green or Greek salad. It's delicious with roasted veggies or steamed greens like broccoli and spinach.
Try it with a loaf of my crusty bread and a side of this ultra-creamy tzatziki. You’ll never make chicken any other way again! Leftovers can be added to salad, pasta or flaked and then stirred into soup.
End the meal with something sweet…and Greek like baklava or this Greek custard pie with syrup, Galaktoboureko.
FAQs for Greek Lemon Chicken with Potatoes
Are you racing through this recipe post? Here’s what you might like to know:
What is Greek lemon chicken with potatoes?
It is a traditional Greek dish made with tender chicken marinated in a flavourful blend of lemon, garlic, and herbs, then roasted alongside potatoes until both are golden and delicious.
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts for this recipe. However, bone-in chicken pieces tend to have more flavour and stay moist during roasting.
How long does it take to cook?
The cooking time can vary depending on the size of your chicken pieces and potatoes, but typically, it takes around 2 hours to roast the chicken and potatoes until they are golden and cooked through, using this method.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken ahead of time, even overnight, for more intense flavour. You can also slice the potatoes in advance and store them in water until ready to use. Then, simply assemble everything on a baking dish when you're ready to cook.
What should I serve with it?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, such as a Greek salad, tzatziki sauce, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through before serving.
Can I freeze this oven baked chicken and potatoes recipe afterwards?
While you can freeze leftovers, the texture of the potatoes may change slightly upon thawing. If you plan to freeze the dish, store the chicken and potatoes in separate containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat thoroughly before serving.