Greek Lemon Chicken & Potatoes
Greek Lemon Chicken & Potatoes is a hearty and flavorful one-pan meal featuring tender bone-in chicken roasted with golden, crispy potatoes in a bright lemon, garlic, and oregano marinade. Easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this Mediterranean-inspired dish delivers juicy, savory chicken balanced with zesty lemon and aromatic herbs for a satisfying and unforgettable experience.
- Author: Gloria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 4–6 bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks
Vegetables
- 1.5 pounds Yukon gold or baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 4–6 garlic cloves, smashed
Marinade and Seasoning
- Juice and zest of 2 fresh lemons
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Salt, to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon)
Optional Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This mixture will infuse the chicken and potatoes with vibrant Mediterranean flavors that are bright and savory.
- Marinate the Chicken and Potatoes: Add the chicken pieces and halved or quartered potatoes to the marinade, making sure everything is evenly coated. Let the mixture rest for at least 30 minutes to absorb all the delicious seasoning.
- Arrange in a Baking Dish: Place the chicken pieces skin-side up on a large baking dish or roasting pan, then tuck the potatoes around them. Pour any remaining marinade over the top to ensure the chicken and potatoes stay juicy during roasting.
- Roast Until Golden and Tender: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 45-55 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft inside. Baste occasionally with pan juices for extra moistness and flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the finished dish for a pop of color and freshness just before serving. This final touch elevates the presentation and adds a subtle herbal note.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken for juicier, more flavorful meat compared to boneless cuts.
- Don’t skip marinating; 30 minutes allows flavors to deeply penetrate the chicken and potatoes.
- Cut potatoes into uniform sizes to ensure even roasting and crispiness.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to lock in juices.
- Use fresh lemon zest before juicing to add extra aroma and tang.
- Baste the chicken occasionally during roasting with pan juices for moist, flavorful results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 chicken thigh and 1/3 cup potatoes)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Greek chicken, lemon chicken, roasted potatoes, Mediterranean recipe, one-pan meal, garlic, oregano, easy dinner