Indulge in the simplicity and flavor of Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes, featuring tender chicken thighs, creamy Yukon gold potatoes, zesty lemon, and aromatic garlic. A complete meal perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Remember those impromptu family gatherings at my Yia Yia’s house, where laughter filled the air and the scent of lemon and oregano wafted from the kitchen? That’s where I fell in love with cooking. My Yia Yia, a wizard in the kitchen, used to whip up her special Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes, and it quickly became a family favorite. This dish was more than just a meal; it was her way of bringing everyone together, a delicious blend of love and tradition. Every bite of this recipe takes me back to those cherished gatherings, reminding me of the joy and warmth shared around the table.
Why You’ll Love This Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes isn’t just another chicken dinner; it’s a vibrant dish that brings the Mediterranean right to your dining table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet, meaning fewer dishes and more time to enjoy with family.
- Flavor Fusion: The perfect blend of zesty lemon and earthy oregano marries beautifully with the juiciness of chicken and the creaminess of potatoes.
- Weeknight-Friendly: With just 40 minutes from start to finish, this dish is ideal for a quick yet utterly satisfying dinner.
- Healthful and Hearty: Balancing protein-rich chicken and nutrient-packed potatoes, it’s a wholesome meal that doesn’t skimp on taste.
Ingredients Notes
Every ingredient in Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes plays a pivotal role in crafting a dish bursting with Mediterranean flavors. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is essential.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes are chosen for their buttery texture and ability to soak up all the delicious lemony sauce without falling apart.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon not only tenderizes the chicken but also provides a bright, citrusy burst that cuts through the richness of the skin-on thighs.
- Garlic: Adds a subtle kick that complements the lemon and oregano, infusing the dish with depth and warmth.
- Chicken Thighs: Opt for bone-in, skin-on thighs as they remain juicier and more flavorful than breast meat, plus the skin crisps up beautifully in the oven.
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How To Make Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes
Transform your dinner routine with this foolproof Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes recipe. Here’s how to make it step by step, ensuring a perfect result every time.
- Preparation: Start by heating your oven and boiling a pot of salted water. This multitasking step saves time and paves the way for perfectly cooked potatoes and chicken.
- Potatoes and Chicken Prep: While the water heats, tackle the potatoes and chicken. Quartering the potatoes ensures they cook quickly and evenly, while seasoning and browning the chicken develops deep flavors right from the start.
- Brown and Boil: As the chicken skin crisps up in the skillet, boil your potatoes until just tender. This dual cooking method shortens cooking time and enhances texture.
- Combine and Cook: After browning, combine the ingredients in the skillet. This step not only melds the flavors but also uses the chicken’s juices to further flavor the potatoes.
- Final Roast: A quick roast in the oven finishes cooking the chicken and melds all the flavors together. The lemon slices add a final zesty touch that makes this dish distinctly Greek.
- Serve with a Squeeze: Don’t forget the fresh squeeze of lemon juice before serving—it’s like a bright splash of sunshine on the plate!
Storage Options
Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes tastes best fresh out of the oven, but if you have leftovers, they store quite nicely. Keep the dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a delightful next-day meal. For longer storage, freeze portions in suitable containers for up to a month, ensuring a quick and tasty meal is always at hand.
Variations and Substitutions
While the classic Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes is delightful, it’s always fun to tweak recipes to suit your taste or pantry availability.
- Different Potatoes: No Yukon golds? No problem! Try red potatoes or even sweet potatoes for a different twist.
- Citrus Varieties: Swap out lemon for orange or lime for a slightly different citrus note.
- Herb Changes: If oregano isn’t your favorite, feel free to use thyme or rosemary for a change of pace.
- Vegan Adaptation: For a plant-based version, substitute chicken with thick slices of cauliflower or tofu, adjusting the cooking time as needed.
With these tips and variations, your Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes can continue to evolve, keeping each dinner exciting and new!
Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds of small Yukon gold potatoes
- 1 medium lemon
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (approximately 1.5 to 2 pounds)
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt divided
- 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper divided
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 teaspoons of dried oregano
- Chopped fresh parsley leaves for garnishing (optional)
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Concurrently, bring a medium-sized pot of water, salted to taste, to a boil.
- Prepare Potatoes and Chicken: Quarter the potatoes to ensure even cooking. Thinly slice one-half of the lemon into rounds, removing any seeds, and reserve the other half. Thinly slice the garlic cloves. Dry the chicken thighs with paper towels and season evenly with 1/2 teaspoon of the kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the black pepper.
- Cook Chicken: Pour the olive oil into a 10-inch or larger oven-safe skillet and place over medium heat. Add the chicken, skin-side down, and cook without moving until the skin is well-browned and crisp, approximately 15 minutes.
- Boil Potatoes: While the chicken is cooking, add the quartered potatoes to the boiling water. Cook until they are fork-tender, about 10 minutes, then drain.
- Sauté Potatoes with Aromatics: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, skin-side up. To the same skillet, add the boiled potatoes, sliced garlic, dried oregano, remaining 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir and cook until the potatoes are lightly browned in spots, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Combine and Roast: Place the chicken skin-side up atop the sautéed potatoes in the skillet. Arrange the lemon slices over the chicken. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast until the chicken is thoroughly cooked, about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Final Flavoring: Squeeze the juice from the reserved lemon half over the cooked chicken and potatoes right before serving. If desired, garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
