Greek Lemon Chicken With Potatoes

Greek lemon chicken with potatoes is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Greece to your table. This recipe features tender chicken marinated in a zesty lemon and olive oil mixture, paired perfectly with crispy potatoes. It’s an ideal choice for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or special occasions. The combination of fresh ingredients and aromatic spices makes this dish truly stand out!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, this recipe is great for cooks of all levels.
• Flavorful Marinade: The lemon-olive oil marinade infuses the chicken and potatoes with bright, refreshing flavors.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to festive gatherings. Serve it with a side salad or crusty bread!
• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze while maximizing flavor.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and nutrients, it’s a wholesome meal without compromising on taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish
• Parchment paper
• Blender
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: A good-sized baking dish ensures even cooking for both the chicken and potatoes.
• Parchment paper: Using parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Blender: A blender is crucial for creating a smooth marinade that evenly coats your ingredients.
• Sharp knife: A sharp knife allows you to cut your potatoes accurately for uniform cooking.

Ingredients

Enjoy Greek lemon chicken with potatoes, featuring a zesty lemon-olive oil marinade and aromatic spices. Baked to crispy golden perfection!

For the Chicken & Potatoes

• 8 Chicken pieces (or as much fits in your dish)
• 4 potatoes
• salt
• pepper
• oregano
• paprika

For the Marinade

• 100 ml lemon juice
• 100 ml olive oil
• 5 garlic cloves
• 1 large onion
• 1 tbsp fresh rosemary
• 1.5 tbsp honey
• 1.5 tbsp mustard (choose your favorite)

How to Make Greek Lemon Chicken With Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Your Dish

1. Place your chicken (skin side up) in a lined baking dish. Use extra wide parchment paper to catch any marinade spills.
2. Cut your potatoes into your preferred thickness and add them around the chicken.

Step 2: Season Generously

1. Sprinkle salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika over the chicken and potatoes.
2. Flip the chicken so the skin is facing down. Season again on this side.

Step 3: Make the Marinade

1. In a blender, combine lemon juice, olive oil, garlic cloves, onion, rosemary, honey, and mustard.
2. Blend until well mixed.

Step 4: Coat Your Ingredients

1. Pour half of the marinade mixture over the chicken (bottom side) and potatoes.
2. Spread it around if needed to coat everything evenly.

Step 5: Final Preparations

1. Flip the chicken back so skin side is facing up.
2. Pour the remaining marinade over the top of the chicken completely covering it.

Step 6: Bake Your Dish

1. Cover everything with wet baking paper followed by aluminum foil.
2. Place in a preheated oven at 175 degrees Celsius (fan forced) for 90 minutes.
3. After 90 minutes, remove covers and cook for an additional 30 minutes until golden brown.

Step 7: Rest & Serve

1. Allow the dish to rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
2. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Greek lemon chicken with potatoes!

How to Serve Greek Lemon Chicken With Potatoes

Serving Greek lemon chicken with potatoes can elevate your dining experience. This dish pairs well with various sides and garnishes that enhance its flavors.

Enhance with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken for a burst of freshness and color.
• Oregano Sprigs: Add fresh oregano sprigs as a fragrant garnish that complements the dish’s seasoning.

Pair with a Salad

• Greek Salad: A classic Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta adds crunch and acidity.
• Cucumber Yogurt Salad: This cool and creamy salad balances the zesty chicken beautifully.

Accompany with Bread

• Warm Pita Bread: Serve warm pita on the side for dipping into the juices or for making small wraps.
• Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious marinade.

How to Perfect Greek Lemon Chicken With Potatoes

Perfecting Greek lemon chicken with potatoes involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure great results.

• Marinate Ahead of Time: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This enhances flavor absorption and tenderness.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, herbs, and quality olive oil significantly improve the dish’s taste.
• Check Temperature: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) for safe consumption.
• Adjust Cook Time: Cooking times may vary based on your oven. Always check the chicken’s color and texture before serving.
• Baste During Cooking: Basting the chicken halfway through cooking helps keep it moist and flavorful.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for about 10 minutes after cooking helps retain its juices.

Best Side Dishes for Greek Lemon Chicken With Potatoes

Pairing side dishes with Greek lemon chicken can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Tzatziki Sauce: A cucumber-yogurt dip that offers a refreshing contrast to the zesty chicken.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and health benefits, enhancing your plate visually and nutritionally.
3. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad provides added protein and pairs nicely with the flavors of lemon and herbs.
4. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf flavored with herbs makes a wonderful base for soaking up juices from the chicken.
5. Grilled Asparagus: Lightly grilled asparagus adds a touch of elegance along with a nice crunch.
6. Stuffed Grape Leaves: These savory bites bring traditional Mediterranean flavors to your meal.

Enjoy your culinary journey with these serving suggestions, tips, and side dish pairings!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many home cooks face challenges when preparing Greek lemon chicken with potatoes. Here are some common mistakes to keep in mind.

• Using the wrong type of chicken: Always choose fresh, high-quality chicken pieces for better flavor and texture. Frozen chicken may lead to uneven cooking.
• Not marinating long enough: For the best flavor, let your chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight if time allows. This enhances the taste significantly.
• Skipping the resting period: Allowing your chicken to rest for 10 minutes after cooking helps retain moisture and ensures a juicier dish.
• Ignoring potato size consistency: Cut your potatoes into uniform sizes so they cook evenly. Irregular sizes can result in some being overcooked while others remain undercooked.
• Overcrowding the dish: Avoid overcrowding the baking dish as it can cause steaming instead of roasting. Use multiple dishes if necessary for even cooking.
• Not checking doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) for safe consumption.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Greek lemon chicken with potatoes can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Freezing Greek Lemon Chicken With Potatoes

• If you want to freeze, place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Greek Lemon Chicken With Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Cover with foil and reheat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe container and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to prevent sticking, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries about making Greek lemon chicken with potatoes that can help enhance your cooking experience.

How do I make Greek Lemon Chicken With Potatoes more flavorful?

You can add more herbs like thyme or dill, or even incorporate olives for added depth. Experiment with spices to find your perfect balance!

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless chicken works well too! Just adjust the cooking time as boneless pieces tend to cook faster than bone-in options.

What sides pair well with Greek Lemon Chicken With Potatoes?

Consider serving with a fresh Greek salad or steamed vegetables, which complement the flavors beautifully.

How do I know when my Greek Lemon Chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer; it should reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) for safety and optimal tenderness.

Final Thoughts

Greek lemon chicken with potatoes is a delicious and versatile dish that brings bright flavors to your table. You can customize it by adding seasonal vegetables or adjusting spices according to your taste. Give this recipe a try today!