Greek Lemon Chicken With Potatoes

Enjoy Greek lemon chicken with potatoes, featuring a zesty lemon-olive oil marinade and aromatic spices. This dish is perfect for family gatherings, dinner parties, or a cozy weeknight meal. The crispy skin and tender meat, combined with the flavorful potatoes, create a delightful experience that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Zesty Flavor: The combination of lemon juice, garlic, and herbs creates a vibrant taste that elevates the chicken and potatoes.
• Easy Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish without any hassle.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for any occasion, this recipe pairs well with a variety of sides or can be enjoyed on its own.
• Crispy Perfection: The slow-baking method ensures that the chicken skin turns beautifully crispy while keeping the meat juicy and tender.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients like fresh garlic, rosemary, and olive oil, this dish is both nutritious and delicious.

Tools and Preparation

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

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking dish
• Parchment paper
• Blender
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking dish: A spacious baking dish allows you to cook all the chicken and potatoes evenly without overcrowding.
• Parchment paper: This makes cleanup easier by preventing sticking and helps keep the marinade in place.
• Blender: A blender ensures that your marinade is smooth and well-mixed for even flavor distribution.

Ingredients

To make Greek lemon chicken with potatoes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken

• 8 Chicken pieces (or as much fits in your dish)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Oregano
• Paprika

For the Marinade

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

For the Potatoes

• 4 potatoes

How to Make Greek Lemon Chicken With Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare Your Dish

1. Place your chicken pieces skin side up in a lined baking dish. Use extra-wide parchment paper to prevent any leaks during cooking.

Step 2: Cut the Potatoes

1. Chop your potatoes according to your desired thickness. Place them around the chicken in the dish.

Step 3: Season Everything

1. Generously sprinkle salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika over both the chicken and potatoes.
2. Flip the chicken so that it is skin side down. Season the bottom side with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika as well.

Step 4: Make the Marinade

1. In a blender, combine:
2. Lemon juice
3. Olive oil
4. Garlic cloves
5. Onion
6. Rosemary
7. Honey

8. Mustard

9. Blend until everything is well mixed.

Step 5: Coat Chicken and Potatoes

1. Pour roughly half of the marinade over the chicken (bottom side) and potatoes; spread it to coat evenly.
2. Flip your chicken back so that skin side is facing upwards.
3. Pour the remaining marinade over the top of the chicken to completely cover it.

Step 6: Bake

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.

Step 7: Crisp It Up

1. After 90 minutes, remove the covers and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until fully cooked to your liking.

Step 8: Rest & Serve

1. Allow to rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
2. Enjoy this flavorful Greek lemon chicken with potatoes!

How to Serve Greek Lemon Chicken With Potatoes

Serving Greek lemon chicken with potatoes can elevate your dining experience. The zesty flavors and crispy texture make it a delightful main course that pairs well with various sides and garnishes.

Fresh Salad

• A simple green salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and olives adds a refreshing crunch to balance the richness of the chicken.

Tzatziki Sauce

• This creamy cucumber yogurt dip is perfect for enhancing the flavors of the dish. Serve it on the side for dipping.

Warm Pita Bread

• Soft, warm pita bread complements the meal beautifully. Use it to scoop up chicken and potatoes or spread tzatziki.

Roasted Vegetables

• Seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots can add color and nutrition to your plate.

Lemon Wedges

• Fresh lemon wedges provide an extra burst of citrus flavor. Squeeze them over your chicken just before serving for added zest.

Feta Cheese Crumbles

• Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the dish for a salty, creamy contrast that enhances the overall taste.

How to Perfect Greek Lemon Chicken With Potatoes

To achieve the best results with Greek lemon chicken with potatoes, consider these simple tips. They will help you enhance flavor and texture for a delicious meal.

• Marinate longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate for several hours or overnight can intensify the flavors.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh rosemary and oregano provide a vibrant taste compared to dried herbs.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go—feel free to increase or decrease salt and pepper according to your preference.
• Monitor cooking time: Each oven may vary; check that your chicken is fully cooked using a meat thermometer (internal temperature should reach 75°C).
• Rest before serving: Letting the chicken rest for about 10 minutes allows juices to redistribute, ensuring moist meat.
• Crisp skin: For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for a few minutes at the end of cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Greek Lemon Chicken With Potatoes

Pairing side dishes with Greek lemon chicken with potatoes can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement this flavorful dish.

1. Greek Salad
   A mix of cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta dressed in olive oil makes a fresh accompaniment.

2. Quinoa Pilaf
   Fluffy quinoa cooked with herbs provides a nutritious base that absorbs any savory juices from the chicken.

3. Steamed Asparagus
   Lightly steamed asparagus drizzled with lemon juice offers bright color and flavor contrast on your plate.

4. Garlic Bread
   Crispy garlic bread is perfect for sopping up juices from the chicken and potatoes while adding a crunchy element.

5. Rice Pilaf
   A fragrant rice pilaf with nuts and herbs adds texture and complements the dish’s savory notes beautifully.

6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   Caramelized Brussels sprouts seasoned with balsamic vinegar create a deliciously sweet yet savory side dish.

7. Mediterranean Couscous
   Couscous mixed with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and parsley complements the Greek flavors wonderfully.

8. Baked Sweet Potatoes
   Sweet potatoes offer a natural sweetness that balances out the tangy lemony chicken perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Greek lemon chicken with potatoes, there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the marinade: Not allowing the chicken to marinate can result in bland flavors. Always let it sit for at least 30 minutes or longer for better taste.
• Overcrowding the dish: Packing too much chicken and potatoes into one dish can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure there is enough space for air circulation.
• Ignoring resting time: Cutting into the chicken immediately after cooking can cause juices to run out. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
• Inconsistent potato sizes: If your potato pieces are not uniform, they will cook unevenly. Cut them into similar sizes for consistent doneness.
• Forgetting to check doneness: Relying solely on cooking time without checking if the chicken is fully cooked can be risky. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches safe internal temperatures.
• Not adjusting seasoning: Tastes vary from person to person. Always taste and adjust salt, pepper, and spices according to your preference.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Greek Lemon Chicken With Potatoes

• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Greek Lemon Chicken With Potatoes

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and heat covered with foil for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover; heat in short intervals until hot, about 2-3 minutes depending on portion size.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Greek lemon chicken with potatoes.

How long does it take to prepare Greek Lemon Chicken With Potatoes?

The total time is approximately 140 minutes, which includes about 20 minutes of preparation and 120 minutes of cooking.

Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers alongside the potatoes for added flavor and nutrition.

What should I serve with Greek Lemon Chicken With Potatoes?

This dish pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a day prior or prepare the entire dish and reheat it when ready to serve.

Can I substitute chicken with another protein?

Yes, you can use turkey or lamb as alternatives while keeping the marinade flavors intact.

Final Thoughts

Greek lemon chicken with potatoes is an enticing dish that brings vibrant flavors together. Its versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on your preferences. Whether you enjoy it with fresh salad or roasted veggies, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Give this recipe a try!