1. Marinate the Chicken
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). The high heat will help the chicken achieve that perfect crispy skin while keeping the meat juicy.
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined. This marinade is the key to infusing the chicken and potatoes with vibrant Greek flavors.
Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and pour half of the marinade over them. Rub the marinade all over the chicken, making sure it gets under the skin as well. Let the chicken marinate while you prepare the potatoes, or if you have time, let it sit for 30 minutes to an hour for even deeper flavor.
Tip: For an even more intense flavor, marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for up to 12 hours. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before roasting.
2. Prepare the Potatoes
While the chicken is marinating, peel and cut your potatoes into wedges. The shape should be thick enough to hold up during roasting, yet small enough to cook through in the same time as the chicken.
Place the potato wedges in a large mixing bowl and pour the remaining marinade over them. Toss the potatoes to coat them thoroughly with the lemon, garlic, and herb mixture.
Pro Tip: Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they have a creamy texture and crisp up beautifully when roasted, but you can also use russet potatoes if you prefer.
3. Assemble the Dish
In a large roasting pan or baking sheet, arrange the marinated potatoes in a single layer. Pour the chicken broth (or water) into the pan, which will help keep the potatoes moist while roasting and create a flavorful base for the dish.
Next, nestle the marinated chicken thighs on top of the potatoes. Make sure the chicken skin is facing up, so it gets beautifully browned and crispy. Pour any remaining marinade from the bowls over the top of the chicken and potatoes.
4. Roast to Perfection
Place the pan in the preheated oven and roast for about 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the skin is golden and crispy. The potatoes should be tender on the inside and slightly crispy on the edges.
Tip: Halfway through cooking, give the potatoes a stir and spoon some of the juices from the pan over the chicken. This will ensure that everything is evenly coated and roasted to perfection.
For extra crispiness, you can turn on the broiler for the last 5 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it, though, as you don’t want to burn the chicken or potatoes.
5. Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken and potatoes are perfectly roasted, remove the pan from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more tender and flavorful.
Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus. The brightness of the lemon will complement the rich, roasted flavors of the chicken and potatoes beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out with a few side dishes, here are some great options:
- Greek Salad: A classic combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta, dressed with olive oil and oregano.
- Tzatziki Sauce: A refreshing yogurt-based dip made with cucumber, garlic, and dill—perfect for spooning over the chicken or dipping the potatoes.
- Pita Bread: Serve warm pita alongside the dish to soak up the delicious juices.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try adding some zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant to the roasting pan for a colorful, veggie-packed version.
Final Thoughts
Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes is a dish that embodies the essence of Mediterranean cooking—simple, fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and a focus on quality. The zesty lemon marinade, combined with garlic and herbs, brings the chicken to life, while the potatoes soak up all the savory juices. This meal is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining guests.
Not only is it easy to prepare, but it’s also a great recipe for meal prepping. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors will only deepen with time. Serve it up for lunch or dinner throughout the week, and you’ll never get bored of this Greek classic.
Enjoy this wholesome, flavorful dish, and let the warmth of the Mediterranean fill your home!