You’ll fall head over heels in love with this authentic recipe for Greek lemon chicken with potatoes. Guys, the chicken turns out insanely golden and is fall-apart tender. The potatoes... let me tell you, soak up all the spiced, herby, lemony sauce. You’re going to burn your fingers – there’s no way you can wait to try the first bite.
Looking for more Greek one pan recipes? Check out my lamb kleftiko but if your looking for another chicken recipe and keen cook on the BBQ, check out my chicken gyros on the souvla.
Jump to:
- Why you’ll love this lemon chicken and potatoes in oven
- How To Make This Dish - Short Video
- How To Make This Dish - Long Version Video
- Ingredients needed to make authentic greek lemon chicken
- Top tips for making greek lemon chicken and potatoes in the oven
- What to serve with baked Greek chicken and potatoes
- FAQs for Greek Lemon Chicken with Potatoes
- 📖 Recipe
Why you’ll love this lemon chicken and potatoes in oven
Here’s why this chicken and potatoes in the oven Greek style is going to rock your world:
- The taste: Plain and simple. Nothing is more delicious than the (Greek) combination of lemon, oregano, garlic, etc, deeply soaked into succulent chicken and potatoes.
- One pan: This effortless lemon chicken with potatoes is an easy weeknight recipe with minimal fuss and hardly any dishes. Prepare it the night or day before and let the marinade soak in a little longer.
- Family-friendly: It's a crowd-pleaser! Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, Greek lemon chicken and potatoes will be a hit with everyone at the table
How To Make This Dish - Short Video
How To Make This Dish - Long Version Video
Ingredients needed to make authentic greek lemon chicken
- Chicken pieces: Go for bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces like thighs or drumsticks for maximum flavour and juiciness. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer.
- Potatoes: Choose waxy potatoes yellow or red potatoes. These hold their shape well during cooking. Cut them into wedges or chunks for even cooking.
Seasonings:
- Salt, Pepper, Oregano, and Paprika: Tailor the seasoning to your taste, ensuring an even coat of these vibrant spices. Paprika, my favourite for potatoes, enhances their colour to a rich, dark brown, elevating their appearance and flavour.
Marinade:
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Olive oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavour.
- Garlic cloves: Use fresh over bottled garlic for best results.
- Rosemary and oregano: Fresh rosemary and dried oregano, please!
- Honey: A touch of honey balances the tartness of the lemon juice and adds a subtle sweetness to the marinade. It also aids in caramelization during cooking.
- Mustard: Choose your favourite type of mustard to add depth and complexity to the marinade.
Top tips for making greek lemon chicken and potatoes in the oven
This is a super easy recipe but here’s what I’d recommend to take it over the edge:
- Use the right type of potatoes: Choose waxy potatoes Yellow potato or red potatoes, as they hold their shape well during roasting and develop a creamy texture. Cut them into evenly sized pieces.
- Arrange in a single layer: Spread the chicken pieces and potatoes in a single layer in the roasting pan. Overcrowding the pan can cause the ingredients to steam instead of roast, resulting in soggy chicken and potatoes.
- Crispy skin: For crispy chicken skin, pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels before marinating them. This removes excess moisture, allowing the skin to crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked through. The thickest part of the meat should register at least 165°F (74°C). The potatoes should be golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork.
- Enjoy fresh or as leftovers: This dish tastes fantastic fresh out of the oven, but it also reheats well. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven or microwave for a quick and tasty meal later on.
What to serve with baked Greek chicken and potatoes
If you don’t have time to make sides, it's perfect alone. If you have time, make a simple green or horiatiki salata, Greek salad. For another fresh, healthy option with a tangy twist, just like this dish, try serving it with my chickpea beetroot salad.
Try it with a loaf of my crusty bread and a side of this ultra-creamy tzatziki. You’ll never make chicken any other way again! Leftovers can be added to salad, pasta or flaked and then stirred into soup.
End the meal with something sweet…and Greek like baklava or this Greek custard pie with syrup, Galaktoboureko.
FAQs for Greek Lemon Chicken with Potatoes
Are you racing through this recipe post? Here’s what you might like to know:
What is Greek lemon chicken with potatoes?
It is a traditional Greek dish made with tender chicken marinated in a flavourful blend of lemon, garlic, and herbs, then roasted alongside potatoes until both are golden and delicious.
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts for this recipe. However, bone-in chicken pieces tend to have more flavour and stay moist during roasting.
How long does it take to cook?
The cooking time can vary depending on the size of your chicken pieces and potatoes, but typically, it takes around 2 hours to roast the chicken and potatoes until they are golden and cooked through, using this method.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken ahead of time, even overnight, for more intense flavour. You can also slice the potatoes in advance and store them in water until ready to use. Then, simply assemble everything on a baking dish when you're ready to cook.
What should I serve with it?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, such as a Greek salad, tzatziki sauce, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through before serving.
Can I freeze this oven baked chicken and potatoes recipe afterwards?
While you can freeze leftovers, the texture of the potatoes may change slightly upon thawing. If you plan to freeze the dish, store the chicken and potatoes in separate containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
📖 Recipe
Greek Lemon Chicken With Potatoes
Ingredients
- 8 Chicken pieces (Or as much fits in your dish)
- 4 potatoes
Seasonings (Add to your likings)
- salt
- pepper
- oregano
- paprika
Marinade
- 100 ml lemon juice
- 100 ml olive oil
- 5 garlic cloves
- 1 onion (large)
- 1 tablespoon rosemary (fresh)
- 1.5 tablespoon honey
- 1.5 tablespoon mustard (choose your favourite)
Instructions
- Place your chicken (skin side up) in a lined dish. Mine is 39 cm x 31 cm. I use extra wide parchment paper as I want this to hold all the chicken and marinade without leaking out the sides and making clean up a breeze.
- Cut up your potatoes to your desired thickness and place them inside.
- Cover everything with your desired amount of salt, pepper, oregano and paprika.
- Flip the chicken so skin is down and apply salt, pepper, oregano and paprika to the bottom. (Leave them this way for now)
- To a blender add inside:Lemon juiceOlive oilGarlic clovesBrown onionRosemaryHoneyMustard
- Blend this all together well.
- Pour roughly half the mixture onto the chicken (bottom side) and the potatoes. If needed spread it around to coat everything well.
- Flip your chickens so skin side is facing upwards.
- Pour the second half of the marinade completely covering the top of the chickens (skin side).
- Cover with wet baking paper and alfoil.
- Place in a pre heated oven at 175 degrees Celsius (fan forced) for 90 minutes.
- After 90 minutes remove the covers and cook for another 30 minutes. (mine is completely done at 2 hours. If you need more colour, leave in oven until you are happy)
- Allow to rest for 10 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
Video
Ali says
Had this for dinner tonight .. Will defo be cooking it again and again!
Thanks Niko 🥰
Nikolopaa says
Amazing! Thanks for letting me know 🙂 Glad you enjoyed!!
Theo says
Made this the other night for my inlaws in England, was bloody beautiful and so easy!!
Thanks for making the instructions so straight forward.
This will definitely be a regular dish from now on
Nikolopaa says
Amazing! Hope they loved it 🙂 And no worries Theo, glad you found it easy to follow! Haha that sounds good, its such a quick dish to prepare on rotation weekly!
Andrea Kaczmarek says
Just put this in the oven!!! Can’t wait!!
Nikolopaa says
Beautiful 🙂 Hope you enjoy!
Greg says
Chicken turned out great. My Mother-In-Law (Yia Yia) wasn’t so sure about the rosemary, but unless you make it to Yia Yia’s recipe, you probably did it wrong.
Nikolopaa says
Hey Greg! Amazing, glad to hear! Haha did she end up tasting it ? I'll try impress her on a new recipe 😉 Thanks for making it
Hellen Kalogetopoulos says
Holy mother of God! It is sooo good! Thank you for this wonderful recipe.
Nikolopaa says
Yiasou Hellen! Im glad you love it 🙂 Thanks for commenting and thanks for the support!
Tim says
This is so delicious. Thanks for sharing!
Nikolopaa says
No worries Tim!! Happy you liked it 🙂
Therese O'loughlin says
In the oven, can't wait 😀 the marinade proportions are spot on....soooo tasty. We're a 1 person, 1 dog home, I used 6 Marylands...hope the neighbours are hungry 🤣
Nikolopaa says
Haha thats a big feast! Your a neighbour of dreams if your sharing like that 🙂 Hope you enjoyed Therese!
Nicolle says
Had this for dinner tonight. It was a big success. Kids couldn't stop eating. Thank you very much for sharing your recipes. Love from the Netherlands.
Nikolopaa says
Hey Nicolle 🙂 Glad the whole family enjoyed! And no worries its my pleasure. Sending love back to Netherlands from down under ❤️
Shirley Broadway says
Just cooked this Greek lemon chicken. It’s delicious. Even after I’d eaten it I went back to dip bread in the juice. Thank you, I’ll be making more of your gorgeous recipes! Xxx
Nikolopaa says
That's amazing 🙏 Haha I do the exact same thing, the juiced are the best! Thanks for your support ❤️
Jacqui says
Such a flavorful and juicy dish. I love that I can prep it all the night before and chuck in the oven when I get home from work!
Nikolopaa says
Thanks for the comment Jacqui! Yep its a timesaver isn't it 🙂 then just 2 hours the next day and your done!
Nick B says
I made this for dinner last night and it was incredible. My guests all said the same thing, "it's bloody beautiful!"
Thank god for Nikolopaa and these wonderful recipes.
Nikolopaa says
Firstly re Nikolaki you got a good name haha 😉 But honestly I am really glad it was a hit with the guests! Bloody beautiful 🙂
Miriam says
This was delicious!!! My super fussy 5 year old said she would eat it every night of the week. The chicken was juicy and the lemon flavour was intense. This will be a regular meal in our household from now on!
Nikolopaa says
Thank you! That's awesome haha keeping the whole family happy 😉 I'm happy to hear you loved it and that its made it into your dinner rotation ❤️
Gabriela says
Super juicy and aromatic!!!!!! I will try it also with lamb!!!
Nikolopaa says
Thank you! Let me know how it goes 🙂
Androulla Joannou says
This is really tasty, my whole family love this meal
Nikolopaa says
Amazing! Happy you all love it!
Anastasia says
Best marinade hands down. This is a meal I have on regular rotation because the whole family LOVES it. Wetting the parchment paper tip helps to cook the potatoes to perfection. Really a fantastic recipe for a perfect meal!
Nikolopaa says
Thats awesome! Same in my house to!! Glad your whole family enjoys ❤️
Pete says
Made this baby - worked a bloody treat 😋
Nikolopaa says
Haha good to hear! 😁
Maria F says
I made this and it is absolutely delicious. Everyone raved about it!
Nikolopaa says
That's awesome! Glad its a crowd pleaser 😁
Nicole RIZK says
Haven’t met a recipe I don’t like… this one included. Love love love!
Nikolopaa says
It's so simple but packs a punch 💪❤️
Elly Maria Symons says
Niko - you are the best!!! Move over Jamie Oliver - the enthusiasm you share and your infectious quirky style absolutely make my day with each video you post.
And you are an amazing chef who conveys each recipe with such simplicity and clever accuracy. You are a joy to Greek cooking!!!! Bravo. Bravo 🙌🏻 🇬🇷 🇨🇾
Nikolopaa says
Elly, you made my day haha! Thank you so much for your kind words! I really appreciate your comment ❤️ I try my best with every recipe and will do my best to keep bringing your more!
Tomas says
Made this tonight. Was killa. Perfect for a cold night.
Nikolopaa says
Thats killa! Glad you enjoyed Tomas 🙏
Jackie Mazzitelli says
Niko, I love following your recipes. Is the paprika used for this recipe just standard paprika or smoked paprika? It's on the menu for dinner this week...want to get it right.
Jackie
Nikolopaa says
Hey Jackie! Thank you 🙏 It was just standard paprika for the recipe but I have made this with smoked as well and its fantastic. Hope you enjoy!
Elizabeth Dag says
OMG - your recipes are fantastico.... I have made almost all of them and they are better than any other recipes I have tried. I love Greek food and the simple ingredients you use. Thank you for sharing and teaching the world how to cook easy recipes. Keep it up Niko. It's "bloody beautiful" ..... Opa.
Nikolopaa says
Thank you so much, Elizabeth! I'm glad you love the recipes and find them easy to make. Your support means a lot to me! I'll keep sharing more delicious Greek dishes, and we will keep spreading the word 🙂 OPA!
Giselle Satie says
Absolutely delish as are all of your recipes! Thank you!, 💕💕
Nikolopaa says
Thank you so much Giselle! I'm thrilled to hear you enjoyed the recipe! Your support means a lot to me. ❤️🙏