Name: How to Make the Best Greek Lemon Potatoes & Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: PT-491700H41M5S
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts); 1 1/2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, cut into wedges; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons); 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp dried oregano; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional); 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Tired of dry, flavorless chicken that makes dinner feel like a chore? We’ve all been there. But imagine serving a Greek Lemon Potatoes & Chicken dish so aromatic and tender that everyone at the table falls silent with that first heavenly bite. This Mediterranean-inspired one-pan meal delivers crispy-skinned chicken and potatoes infused with bright lemon, garlic, and herbs that will transport your taste buds straight to a seaside taverna.

After years of perfecting Mediterranean recipes in my home kitchen, I’ve unlocked the secrets to making authentic Greek Lemon Potatoes & Chicken that rivals any restaurant version. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—humble ingredients transformed through a few key techniques.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the perfect chicken cuts, show you my special lemon-herb marinade, reveal the secret to getting those potatoes perfectly crispy yet tender, and answer all your questions for foolproof results every time.

Why This Greek Lemon Potatoes & Chicken Recipe Works

Uses budget-friendly chicken pieces that become incredibly flavorful
The acid in lemon juice naturally tenderizes the chicken while adding brightness
Potatoes absorb all the savory chicken drippings and lemon-herb flavors
One-pan preparation means less cleanup and more flavor development
Works perfectly for both casual family dinners and impressive entertaining
Provides balanced nutrition with protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats

Choosing the Right Chicken for Greek Lemon Potatoes & Chicken

Best Cuts for This Recipe

For authentic Greek Lemon Potatoes & Chicken, bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces are non-negotiable. The bones provide flavor while the skin protects the meat from drying out and crisps beautifully. While a whole chicken cut into parts works wonderfully, you can also use:

Chicken leg quarters (thigh and drumstick attached) for the juiciest result
Bone-in chicken thighs for rich, tender meat
Skin-on chicken breasts (though watch cooking time to prevent dryness)

Buying Tips

When selecting chicken for your Greek Lemon Potatoes & Chicken:

Look for plump pieces with pinkish meat (avoid gray or dried-out edges)
Choose chicken with yellow-tinged skin if possible (indicates corn-fed chickens with better flavor)
If budget allows, opt for free-range or organic chicken for superior taste
Buy similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking

Substitutions

While traditional Greek Lemon Potatoes & Chicken uses bone-in chicken pieces, you can adapt based on what you have:

Boneless chicken thighs work well but reduce cooking time by about 15 minutes
Turkey thighs make an excellent substitute (increase cooking time by 10-15 minutes)
For a vegetarian version, use extra-firm tofu or seitan (reduce cooking time significantly)

Ingredients & Prep for Greek Lemon Potatoes & Chicken

How to Make the Best Greek Lemon Potatoes & Chicken

Chicken Prep Essentials

Proper preparation of your chicken is crucial for Greek Lemon Potatoes & Chicken success:

Pat chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels (ensures crispy skin)
Trim excess fat but leave skin intact
Allow chicken to come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking
Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides

Marinade & Seasonings

For authentic Greek Lemon Potatoes & Chicken flavor, you’ll need:

Fresh lemon juice (3-4 lemons)
Extra virgin olive oil (highest quality you can afford)
Minced garlic (4-6 cloves)
Dried oregano (preferably Greek)
Fresh rosemary (finely chopped)
Chicken broth or stock
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Potato Selection

For the perfect Greek Lemon Potatoes & Chicken, potato choice matters:

Yukon Gold potatoes offer the ideal balance of waxy and starchy texture
Red potatoes hold their shape well if you prefer firmer potatoes
Russets work but will yield a softer, more absorbent result
Cut potatoes into uniform 1.5-inch chunks for even cooking

For more Mediterranean-inspired chicken recipes that will delight your family, check out my Lemon Chicken Veggie Orzo Stir-Fry that transforms weeknight dinners.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Greek Lemon Potatoes & Chicken

Pre-Cooking Prep for Greek Lemon Potatoes & Chicken

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/3 cup olive oil, juice of 2 lemons, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons dried oregano, 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Toss potato chunks in 2/3 of this mixture, ensuring they’re well coated
Place chicken pieces in remaining marinade, turning to coat all sides
Let both chicken and potatoes marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator)

Cooking Method for Greek Lemon Potatoes & Chicken

Arrange potato chunks in a single layer in a large, rimmed baking dish or roasting pan
Pour 1/2 cup chicken broth and juice of 1 lemon over potatoes
Roast potatoes alone for 15 minutes to get a head start
Remove pan from oven, give potatoes a gentle toss
Arrange marinated chicken pieces on top of potatoes, skin side up
Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken and potatoes
Return pan to oven and roast for 45-55 minutes, or until chicken is golden brown and potatoes are tender

Doneness Check for Greek Lemon Potatoes & Chicken

For perfect Greek Lemon Potatoes & Chicken:

Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part
Skin should be deeply golden and crisp
Potatoes should be easily pierced with a fork but still hold their shape
Juices in the pan should be slightly thickened but not completely dried out

Resting Your Greek Lemon Potatoes & Chicken

Remove pan from oven and tent loosely with foil
Allow chicken to rest for 10 minutes to redistribute juices
During resting, squeeze juice of remaining lemon over the dish
Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving

Looking for more Mediterranean inspiration? Find countless recipe ideas on my Pinterest collection featuring vibrant, healthy meals your family will love.

Pro Tips for Perfect Greek Lemon Potatoes & Chicken

Avoiding Dry Chicken

Don’t overcook! Use a meat thermometer for precision
The lemon juice marinade helps tenderize, but don’t marinate longer than 4 hours or the meat can become mushy
Arrange chicken skin-side up over the potatoes to protect the meat while crisping the skin
Adding chicken broth to the pan creates steam that keeps everything moist

Tool Recommendations

For exceptional Greek Lemon Potatoes & Chicken:

Heavy-duty rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan (allows heat circulation)
Instant-read meat thermometer for perfect doneness
Microplane for zesting lemons before juicing
Good quality olive oil dispenser to control the pour

Storage & Reheating

Greek Lemon Potatoes & Chicken stores beautifully:

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through
Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to prevent drying out
For meal prep, you can marinate chicken and prepare potatoes up to 24 hours ahead

Flavor Variations for Greek Lemon Potatoes & Chicken

Mediterranean Twist

Add 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives for the last 15 minutes of cooking
Sprinkle 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese over the dish immediately after removing from oven
Add 2 tablespoons capers to the marinade for a briny punch
Include 1 thinly sliced fennel bulb with the potatoes

Herb Variations

Substitute dill and parsley for a lighter, fresher profile
Use za’atar seasoning for a Middle Eastern twist
Add 1 teaspoon dried thyme along with the oregano
Incorporate fresh mint leaves just before serving

Diet-Friendly Adaptations

Dietary Need	Adaptation	Flavor Impact
Low-Carb	Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets	Lighter texture, similar flavor absorption
Whole30	Use compliant chicken broth with no additives	No significant difference
Dairy-Free	Already compliant!	N/A
Lower Calorie	Remove chicken skin after cooking	Reduces fat but also some flavor

For festive occasions, consider serving these Greek Lemon Potatoes & Chicken alongside appetizers like my Mini Pizzas with Brie for an impressive Mediterranean-inspired spread.

Serving Suggestions for Greek Lemon Potatoes & Chicken

Complete your Greek Lemon Potatoes & Chicken meal with these perfect accompaniments:

Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and feta
Warm pita bread for soaking up the delicious pan juices
Tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping
Steamed green beans or asparagus drizzled with olive oil and lemon
Simple rice pilaf with a touch of lemon zest and parsley

For beverages, consider:

Crisp white wine like Assyrtiko (Greek white wine) or Sauvignon Blanc
Light lager or pilsner
Sparkling water with lemon and mint

FAQs about Greek Lemon Potatoes & Chicken

Can I make Greek Lemon Potatoes & Chicken with frozen chicken?

For best results, thaw chicken completely before marinating. Frozen chicken releases excess water during cooking, which dilutes flavors and prevents proper browning.

Why aren’t my potatoes getting crispy?

Ensure you’re not overcrowding the pan—potatoes need space for moisture to evaporate. Also, try parboiling potatoes for 5 minutes before marinating for extra crispiness.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dish up to the point of baking, then refrigerate. When ready to cook, allow an extra 10-15 minutes of cooking time since you’re starting with cold ingredients.

How can I make this dish more lemony?

For intense lemon flavor, add the zest of 1-2 lemons to the marinade along with the juice. You can also finish the dish with an additional squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish reheats beautifully and flavors often improve after a day in the refrigerator. Portion into meal prep containers with some fresh greens for complete lunches.

Conclusion

Greek Lemon Potatoes & Chicken represents Mediterranean cooking at its finest—simple ingredients transformed through thoughtful preparation. The magic happens when the chicken’s savory juices mingle with bright lemon, aromatic herbs, and the potatoes absorb it all like flavor sponges.

Tonight, bring a taste of Greece to your table with this one-pan wonder. The minimal prep time belies the maximum flavor payoff, making this a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma, and your family will think you’ve been cooking all day.

Thousands of home cooks have made this their go-to comfort food with a healthy twist. Share your results with me on social media—I love seeing how you make this recipe your own!

How to Make the Best Greek Lemon Potatoes & Chicken