Easy Greek Lemon Chicken & Potatoes Recipe
If you’re craving a meal that’s not only bursting with sun-kissed Mediterranean flavor but also a breeze to make on any night of the week, you need to try this Easy Greek Lemon Chicken & Potatoes Recipe. It’s everything we adore about Greek cooking: vibrant lemon, aromatic herbs, juicy chicken, and meltingly soft potatoes roasted to golden perfection. All the work happens in one pan, and every ingredient works its magic quietly in the oven—leaving you with a dish that smells absolutely heavenly and tastes even better!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Greek Lemon Chicken & Potatoes Recipe shines because of its short list of honest, staple ingredients—each one doing its part to make the final dish unforgettable. Don’t skip any, as every item adds its own touch of flavor, aroma, or comforting texture.
- Chicken Thighs (bone-in, skin-on): These offer juicy, flavorful meat that stays tender, plus a crispy, golden skin you’ll want to fight over at the table.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: Creamy and fluffy, these potatoes soak up all the savory juices and deliver melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Olive Oil: A generous drizzle brings smoothness and helps everything roast up beautifully.
- Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: Adds a refreshing, tangy brightness that’s the star of the whole dish.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Just a splash deepens the flavor, balancing the richness of the chicken.
- Garlic (minced): Five cloves bring deep, aromatic flavor—use even more if you love a big garlic punch!
- Dried Oregano: This classic Greek herb infuses the dish with earthy and slightly peppery notes.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors forward—taste and adjust as you like.
- Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and a gentle kick to the overall flavor.
- Paprika: Lends a warm undertone and gorgeous color to the chicken and potatoes.
- Ground Cumin: This adds a mild, earthy note that complements the other Mediterranean spices perfectly.
- Chicken Broth: Keeps things wonderfully moist and makes for delicious pan juices.
- Lemon Slices & Chopped Fresh Parsley (garnish): For a burst of fragrance and a pop of color at the very end.
How to Make Easy Greek Lemon Chicken & Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Make the Marinade
Start by whisking together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, paprika, and ground cumin in a small bowl. This zesty marinade is the secret behind the irresistible flavor in the Easy Greek Lemon Chicken & Potatoes Recipe. Give it a quick taste—get excited, it’s the flavor blueprint for your whole dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Potatoes
Place your chicken thighs and potato wedges in a single layer in a large baking dish or sheet pan. Pour that lively marinade all over, then use your hands or a big spoon to toss and coat everything thoroughly. Make sure every potato and every piece of chicken gets a shiny, herby coating.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Lemon Slices
Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the baking dish—this step ensures the chicken and potatoes stay tender and the pan never dries out. Nestle a few bright lemon slices around the pan; not only do they make the dish look beautiful, but they’ll infuse everything with extra citrus flavor as they roast.
Step 4: Roast to Golden Perfection
Pop the baking dish into a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). Roast for 45 to 50 minutes until the chicken is deeply golden and the potatoes are fork-tender, soaking up all the savory juices. If you love ultra-crispy edges on your potatoes, broil the pan for the last 3–5 minutes. As it cooks, baste everything with those irresistible pan juices a couple of times—this keeps the chicken and potatoes extra juicy and flavorful.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the whole pan with freshly chopped parsley just before bringing it to the table. The pop of green and the herbal freshness take this Easy Greek Lemon Chicken & Potatoes Recipe to the finish line. Spoon up extra pan juices and serve hot for maximum Mediterranean vibes!
How to Serve Easy Greek Lemon Chicken & Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Finish the dish with a final flourish: a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and maybe a few additional lemon slices. These simple touches offer bursts of flavor, a gorgeous flash of color, and a little extra aroma—your guests will be wowed before they even take their first bite.
Side Dishes
This Easy Greek Lemon Chicken & Potatoes Recipe is nearly a complete meal on its own, but you can’t go wrong with extra sides! Serve everything with a crisp Greek salad, a bowl of tzatziki, or some warm pita bread to soak up the glorious juices. A quick side of sautéed greens or simple roasted vegetables also rounds things out beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual gatherings, bring the entire baking dish straight to the table—family style always wins! If you’re aiming for something fancier, arrange the chicken and potatoes on a large platter, overlapping them, and drizzle with extra pan juices. You can even serve individual portions in small cast iron pans for a rustic, bistro-inspired twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Easy Greek Lemon Chicken & Potatoes Recipe keep really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to spoon in a little of those lovely pan juices so the meat and potatoes stay tender and flavorful.
Freezing
While the texture of the potatoes may change slightly when frozen, you absolutely can freeze leftovers! Let everything cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy again.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your chicken and potatoes in the oven at 350°F until warmed through—this helps revive the golden crispness. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, but the skin and potatoes may soften. Pour a spoonful of pan juices over the top before heating to keep everything moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless thighs or even chicken breasts both work well. Just keep in mind they may cook a bit faster, so start checking for doneness at the 30-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
What potatoes work best if I can’t find Yukon Gold?
Red potatoes or regular Russet potatoes are great alternatives. Just try to cut them into similar-sized wedges so they roast evenly alongside the chicken.
Can I prep the Easy Greek Lemon Chicken & Potatoes Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can toss everything in the marinade and refrigerate for up to 8 hours before baking. Marinating even just 30 minutes ahead amplifies the flavor, making this recipe ideal for meal prep or busy nights.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love a little heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade or use a touch of smoked paprika. Both options blend beautifully with the other flavors without overpowering the dish.
Is this Easy Greek Lemon Chicken & Potatoes Recipe gluten-free?
It sure is! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can confidently serve this to anyone avoiding gluten or wheat.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you’ll give this Easy Greek Lemon Chicken & Potatoes Recipe a spot in your regular dinner rotation. It’s a dish that’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough to serve to friends. One pan, big flavor, minimal fuss—what more could we ask for? Let your kitchen fill with the aroma of Greece, and don’t be surprised when everyone comes running for seconds!
Print
Easy Greek Lemon Chicken & Potatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Greek Lemon Chicken & Potatoes recipe is a flavorful one-pan dish that combines tender chicken thighs with crispy potatoes, all seasoned with Mediterranean herbs and zesty lemon. Perfect for a simple and delicious dinner!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Potatoes:
- 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ cup chicken broth
- lemon slices and chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin.
- Marinate Chicken and Potatoes: Place chicken thighs and potato wedges in a large baking dish. Pour the marinade over them, coating evenly. Add chicken broth to the dish and arrange lemon slices on top.
- Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes until chicken is golden and cooked through, and potatoes are tender. Baste with pan juices occasionally.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- For crispier potatoes, broil for the last 3–5 minutes.
- This recipe can also be made with drumsticks or chicken breasts.
- For more flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with potatoes
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
