Zesty Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes Recipe for Family Dinners

Crispy, golden-brown greek lemon chicken dances on the plate with vibrant Mediterranean charm.

Sunny ingredients whisper stories of coastal kitchens and family traditions.

Zesty aromas promise a culinary journey through greece’s rustic landscapes.

Tangy lemons brighten tender chicken pieces nestled alongside perfectly roasted potatoes.

Garlic and oregano weave their aromatic magic into every succulent bite.

Salt and pepper provide simple, elegant seasoning that celebrates fresh, wholesome flavors.

You’ll find this dish transports your senses to a sun-drenched greek taverna.

Grab a fork and let the delicious adventure begin!

Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes That Shine

• Master One-Pan Magic: Craft a complete meal using just a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor with this Greek-inspired chicken and potato dish.
• Unlock Crispy Perfection: Achieve golden-brown chicken skin and perfectly caramelized potatoes through a strategic cooking method that combines stovetop and oven techniques.
• Burst with Mediterranean Flavors: Infuse your meal with zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and classic oregano, transporting your taste buds to the sunny shores of Greece with every bite.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping chicken thighs with other protein options or adding your favorite herbs to make this dish uniquely yours.

Ingredients for Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy meat that becomes crispy and golden when cooked in the skillet and oven.

• Potatoes, Garlic, Lemon: Hearty potatoes that provide a comforting base, garlic adds deep flavor, and lemon brings bright citrus notes to the dish.

• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Dried Oregano, Fresh Parsley: Salt and pepper enhance the overall taste of the chicken and potatoes, oregano adds Mediterranean character, and parsley provides a fresh finishing touch.

• Olive Oil: Helps create a crispy chicken skin and provides a rich, smooth base for cooking the ingredients.

• Water: Used for boiling potatoes to ensure they are tender before sautéing.

How to Prepare Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven rack in the center and heat to 400°F. Get a pot of water ready and bring it to a boil with a pinch of salt.

Step 2: Prep the Ingredients

• Quarter potatoes into even chunks
• Slice half a lemon into thin rounds
• Thinly slice garlic cloves
• Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels
• Season chicken with salt and pepper

Step 3: Crisp the Chicken Skin

Pour olive oil into a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Lay chicken skin-side down and cook without moving until the skin turns golden and crispy, about 15 minutes.

Step 4: Soften the Potatoes

Drop quartered potatoes into boiling water. Cook until they’re tender and can be easily pierced with a fork, around 10 minutes.

Drain completely.

Step 5: Build Flavor Base

Remove chicken from skillet.

• Boiled potatoes
• Sliced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Remaining salt and pepper

Sauté until potatoes develop light brown spots, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 6: Combine and Roast

Arrange chicken skin-side up over the potatoes.

Scatter lemon slices across the top. Transfer skillet to the oven and roast until chicken is fully cooked, 8-10 minutes.

Step 7: Add Final Touches

Squeeze remaining lemon half over the dish. Sprinkle chopped parsley if desired before serving.

Tips to Nail Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

• Pat chicken thoroughly with paper towels to ensure crispy, golden-brown skin that locks in maximum flavor.
• Boil potatoes before sautéing to create a creamy interior and achieve perfectly crisp exterior edges.
• Use fresh lemon slices and juice to brighten the entire dish with zesty, tangy Mediterranean notes.
• Select bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for more succulent and richly flavored meat that stays incredibly juicy during roasting.
• Opt for a cast-iron or heavy oven-safe skillet to develop superior caramelization and even heat distribution throughout cooking.

Flavor Variations on Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace oregano with a blend of fresh thyme, rosemary, and basil for a more complex herbal profile.
• Spicy Greek-Style Variation: Add red pepper flakes and smoked paprika to the seasoning for a fiery kick that enhances the traditional flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower florets to create a lighter, low-carbohydrate version of the classic dish.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, marinated in similar Greek-inspired seasonings for a plant-based alternative.

Pairing Ideas for Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

• Choose a crisp, acidic white wine like Assyrtiko from Santorini, which complements the lemon's brightness and cuts through the chicken's richness.
• Brew a refreshing Greek mountain tea with sage and thyme, echoing the oregano in the dish and providing a soothing herbal counterpoint to the robust flavors.
• Prepare a classic horiatiki salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, and kalamata olives, offering a cool, tangy contrast to the warm, lemony chicken and potatoes.

Storage Advice for Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the chicken and potatoes together. Refrigeration preserves freshness for 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Frozen meals maintain quality for up to 2 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Place portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

• Why boil potatoes before roasting?

Boiling helps potatoes cook faster and more evenly, ensuring they’re tender inside while getting crispy edges during roasting.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful. If using breasts, reduce cooking time to prevent drying out.

• What does skin-side down cooking do?

Cooking chicken skin-side down renders fat and creates a crispy, golden-brown exterior that adds incredible texture and flavor to the dish.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it’s safe to eat while remaining juicy.

Greek Lemon Chicken And Potatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Greek lemon chicken and potatoes showcase Mediterranean flavors with zesty citrus and herbal notes. Rustic ingredients create a comforting meal that connects families around warm dinner tables.

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Ingredients

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• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (approximately 1.5 to 2 lbs)
• 1.5 lbs small Yukon gold potatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium lemon
• 2 tsps dried oregano
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp kosher salt (divided)
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper (divided)
• Chopped fresh parsley leaves (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F, positioning the rack in the center. Simultaneously, prepare a pot of salted water for boiling.
2. Quarter potatoes for uniform cooking. Slice half a lemon into thin rounds, removing seeds. Thinly slice garlic cloves. Pat chicken thighs dry and season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a 10-inch oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Place chicken skin-side down, cooking until skin turns golden and crispy, approximately 15 minutes.
4. Add quartered potatoes to boiling water, cooking until fork-tender, about 10 minutes. Drain completely.
5. Remove chicken from skillet. Add boiled potatoes, garlic, oregano, remaining salt, and pepper to the same skillet. Sauté until potatoes develop light brown spots, 3-5 minutes.
6. Arrange chicken skin-side up over potatoes in the skillet. Layer lemon slices on top of chicken. Transfer skillet to the oven, roasting for 8-10 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.
7. Just before serving, squeeze remaining lemon half over the dish. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley as a garnish.

Notes

• Enhance potato crispiness by ensuring they’re thoroughly dried after boiling to achieve golden-brown edges and prevent soggy texture.
• Maximize chicken skin’s crispness by not moving the meat during initial skillet searing, allowing natural caramelization and deep flavor development.
• Consider substituting chicken thighs with boneless chicken breasts for a leaner option, adjusting cooking time to prevent dryness and maintaining moisture.
• Customize herb profile by experimenting with fresh rosemary or thyme alongside oregano for increased aromatic complexity and personalized Mediterranean-inspired flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg