Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes Recipe

Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes Recipe

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 4 pounds skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
  • 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
  • cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • cup Greek olive oil
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup chicken broth, divided
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano, or to taste

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 425F (220C) and lightly grease a large roasting pan.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs and quartered potatoes. Add lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, kosher salt, rosemary, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken and potatoes are well coated.
  3. Transfer the chicken pieces to the prepared roasting pan, skin-side up, and arrange the potatoes around the chicken. Pour 2/3 cup of chicken broth over the chicken and potatoes. Spoon any remaining marinade from the bowl over the top.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, toss the chicken and potatoes, then return the chicken skin-side up and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken near the bone, which should register 165F (74C).
  5. Remove the chicken from the roasting pan and keep warm on a serving platter. Leave the potatoes in the pan.
  6. Set your oven to broil or the highest heat setting. Toss the potatoes in the pan juices and broil for about 3 minutes, or until they are crisp and golden brown.
  7. Transfer the potatoes to the platter with the chicken.
  8. Place the roasting pan on the stovetop over medium heat. Add the remaining 1/3 cup of chicken broth to the pan and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Strain the pan juices into a measuring cup and drizzle it over the chicken and potatoes.
  9. Sprinkle the dish with fresh chopped oregano and serve. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

  • Calories: 1139
  • Total Fat: 75g (96% Daily Value)
  • Saturated Fat: 17g (85% Daily Value)
  • Cholesterol: 284mg (95% Daily Value)
  • Sodium: 1866mg (81% Daily Value)
  • Total Carbohydrate: 35g (13% Daily Value)
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g (11% Daily Value)
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 80g (161% Daily Value)
  • Vitamin C: 26mg (28% Daily Value)
  • Calcium: 93mg (7% Daily Value)
  • Iron: 6mg (36% Daily Value)
  • Potassium: 1428mg (30% Daily Value)

Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes Recipe

FAQ about Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes Recipe

Leftover Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the chicken and potatoes in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions if preferred.

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and potatoes ahead of time. Marinate the chicken and potatoes in the marinade for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator before cooking. When you're ready to cook, just bake as instructed. This can save time, especially for a dinner party or a busy weeknight.

If you don't have rosemary, you can substitute with fresh or dried thyme, oregano, or even a little bit of sage. Adjust to taste, as these herbs will give a different but still flavorful profile to the dish.

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. However, keep in mind that boneless chicken may cook faster than bone-in pieces, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. You might also want to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it's fully cooked.

Yes, you can freeze the chicken and potatoes. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, defrost overnight in the refrigerator, then bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes or until heated through.

Russet potatoes work well for this recipe due to their starchy texture, which helps them become crispy on the outside. However, you can also use Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or even sweet potatoes if you prefer. Just ensure they are cut into even-sized pieces for uniform cooking.

If you prefer a more subtle lemon flavor, you can reduce the amount of lemon juice used in the marinade. Conversely, for a more intense lemon flavor, feel free to add lemon zest or extra lemon juice. You can also marinate the chicken and potatoes for a longer time to allow the lemon flavor to penetrate more.

If you like spicy food, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add red pepper flakes to the marinade. Another option is to add a sliced fresh chili pepper to the pan when roasting the chicken and potatoes.

This dish pairs well with a light Greek salad, steamed vegetables, or a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful pan juices. You could also serve it with rice, quinoa, or couscous for a more substantial meal.

If the chicken isn’t browning as expected, you can turn on the broiler for the last few minutes of cooking to get a crispy skin. Alternatively, you can increase the oven temperature slightly, but be sure to monitor the chicken to avoid overcooking.

Comments

Sarah Anderson

01/25/2025 03:08:45 AM

I have cooked this dish multiple times for my family, and each time my wife has enthusiastically proclaimed it as her top favorite. The only adjustment I've made is opting for skinless chicken breast tenders over skin-on thighs. To prevent the chicken from drying out, follow the original preparation steps but bake only the potatoes for the first 20-25 minutes. Afterward, remove the pan from the oven, add the chicken coated in marinade, and bake for the remaining 20 minutes. This method ensures that the dish turns out moist and bursting with flavor consistently.

Diane Allen

04/28/2025 12:41:35 AM

The simplicity and deliciousness of this dish took me by surprise. I chose to exclude Rosemary & Cayenne as some guests are not fond of these spices, opting instead for the classic combination of oregano, lemon, olive oil, and salt. I reduced the amount of olive oil to around 3 tbsp and let everything marinate in the fridge for a few hours. While I typically use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, I went with bone-in, skin-on for this recipe to cook everything together. Following the instructions, the chicken turned out beautifully browned, tender, and juicy. A quick broil for the potatoes for 2 minutes left them perfectly cooked. I will definitely be making this again.

Kenneth Phillips

03/21/2023 03:30:41 PM

We have made this recipe twice now and it has become a staple in our meal rotation! I made a few adjustments based on recommendations from other reviews. I reduced the amount of oil and chicken broth to 1/4 cup each. Instead of following the recipe step by step, I simply mixed all the seasonings and liquids in the roasting pan, added the chicken and potatoes, tossed everything together, and popped it in the oven. We opted for both gold and red potatoes, halved, instead of russet potatoes. Towards the end, I broiled it until slightly browned and served it right away, skipping the final steps to make it a one-pan dish. The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the touch of lemon adds a delightful twist!

Ruth Torres

07/25/2024 06:01:13 PM

Great outcome! I decided to double the recipe and it was a hit with my family of 7, especially the potatoes. I will definitely be making it again, maybe tripling the potatoes next time but reducing the amount of oil by half as it was a bit too oily for our liking. The doubled sauce was actually more than enough, almost too much for my professional-sized pan. I will stick with the doubled amount of chicken for next time. Marinating everything in the sauce for a few hours sounds like a good idea too! I thickened the sauce after straining it and it turned out amazing. Allowing everything to soak in those delicious flavors for longer can only improve the dish! I'm interested in trying the same sauce recipe with pork as well. Thank you for the wonderful recipe! It was well-presented, easy to follow, and allowed for personal experimentation. Looking forward to trying more of Chef John's recipes, they never disappoint.

Melissa Rodriguez

03/21/2024 12:06:58 AM

I absolutely adore this recipe because it has a gourmet taste, yet it's surprisingly simple to make! Whenever I have guests over, I can have the dish prepped in advance and simply pop it into the oven when they arrive. As it bakes, the delightful aroma fills the air, teasing my guests' taste buds while they enjoy some light snacks. I've also prepared it multiple times for my family, and they can't get enough of it. I often skip using a separate bowl and instead toss all the ingredients directly into the roasting pan, including the chicken and potatoes. I find that broiling for a few extra minutes at the end really elevates the flavors of the dish.

Nicholas Adams

09/05/2023 05:58:31 AM

I prepare this dish frequently as it is always a hit with everyone. My secret is adding lemon zest, 3/4 cup of oil, and lemon juice to enhance the flavors. We prefer a generous amount of sauce, so sometimes I thicken it with a little corn starch after removing the chicken and veggies. To make it a convenient one-pot meal, I also toss in Brussels sprouts halfway through the cooking process. It's a simple and delicious recipe that requires minimal effort, perfect for a hassle-free dinner.

Christopher Mitchell

08/25/2023 02:59:41 PM

I had to adjust this recipe slightly since I was cooking for one person and had boneless, skinless chicken thighs that were already seasoned with lemon pepper from the store. I used the juice of two lemons, 2/3 cup of olive oil (divided), and petite gold potatoes that I halved. After the suggested cooking time, the potatoes turned out perfectly cooked with a nice color, but the chicken needed more color. Instead of finishing them in the broiler, I decided to heat up a skillet and finish them on the stovetop. While the chicken and potatoes were browning on medium-high heat, I used half of the chicken broth to deglaze the pan that was in the oven. I then poured this mixture over the chicken and potatoes and let it thicken slightly. I plated the chicken and divided it into containers. The potatoes were so tasty that it was hard to resist eating them all at once! I would recommend doubling the amount of lemon juice and marinating the chicken and potatoes before putting them in the oven to enhance the lemon flavor.

John Carter

03/31/2024 05:49:11 PM

I substituted boneless skinless thighs for what I had on hand and added them halfway through cooking with the potatoes. Opted for sweet potatoes and Yukon gold instead of russets, as they don't affect my joints. The dish was delicious, and I swapped rosemary for fresh thyme. Will definitely be making this again!

Eric Davis

07/07/2023 04:40:16 PM

The chicken, cooked using boneless and skinless pieces, had a nice flavor, but I felt it could have used more garlic, especially since I only made half the recipe. To enhance the taste, I added lemon zest and juice. Following the cooking instructions, I found there was excess juice at the bottom, which I drained before broiling. Instead of using the rusty metal pan mentioned in the recipe, I made a sauce by mixing the drippings with cornstarch and used it for both the chicken and potatoes. Perhaps deglazing the pan would have added more flavor, but overall, it was decent, and even my picky daughter enjoyed it!

Heather Cruz

11/21/2022 12:53:03 PM

I prepared this dish for dinner last Sunday with a few ingredient substitutions like using boneless skinless chicken breasts and red potatoes. I omitted starting it at a high oven temperature to prevent the chicken from drying out. Contrary to some other reviews, we enjoyed the strong flavor of the potatoes. We paired this delightful meal with steamed broccoli and hearty bread. I followed a suggestion to reserve the 'sauce' for another recipe, and tonight I made the "Greek Inspired seared pork chops" from this site, which was also fantastic. I cooked cubed boiled potatoes, poured the saved 'sauce' over them, and simmered for a while to create a delicious side dish. It was a perfect match and a scrumptious meal overall!

Samuel Thomas

05/15/2024 09:34:03 AM

In terms of presentation, this recipe delivered exactly what I was hoping for. However, when it comes to the taste, it fell short for me. I felt that the quantity of lemon juice called for in the recipe was excessive. If I were to make it again, I would definitely reduce the amount of lemon juice. I am considering halving the lemon and adding more chicken stock to balance it out next time.

Jack Thompson

07/31/2022 12:45:32 PM

We both loved it! My husband enjoyed it too. We will definitely make it again and again.

Jonathan Turner

07/09/2023 08:47:08 AM

I decided to change things up by including chunks of onion and green chilies, omitting the rosemary. I cooked everything together covered with foil for 30 minutes, then removed the foil, stirred it, and broiled it for an additional 15 minutes. I served it with Egyptian pita bread, and the flavors were fantastic. Next time, I might add mayo to make it even richer.

Adam Sanchez

05/26/2023 11:23:59 PM

I tried this recipe and grilled it at 425 degrees in my roasting pan without covering it! It turned out absolutely delicious! I marinated the ingredients for a couple of hours before cooking. I also threw in a sweet potato and some cherry tomatoes 15 minutes before it finished cooking. The flavors were fantastic!

Susan Parker

03/31/2025 01:43:54 PM

This experience was terrible! The potatoes were undercooked and the chicken was not fully cooked. I was extremely disappointed.

Raymond Johnson

03/05/2023 03:57:54 AM

My family absolutely loved this.

Betty Lopez

10/29/2024 05:08:37 AM

Excellent recipe! It was simple to prepare and the taste was fantastic! I decided to pour some sauce on top and then roasted the potatoes under the broiler for approximately 4 minutes.

Dennis Martinez

05/04/2025 05:39:45 PM

This was fantastic! I added green olives, of course. Paired it with Salad Olivieh and saved the potatoes for tomorrow. Thank you, Chef!

Ryan Rivera

04/18/2024 07:28:32 AM

I followed CJ's recipe exactly, just used red Rooster potatoes instead. It turned out perfect, with a delicious sauce that coated the dish. I highly recommend this recipe.

Diane Roberts

03/25/2023 05:35:09 PM

It was a big hit with the family, they absolutely loved it!