Lemon Greek Chicken and Potatoes One-Pan Dinner
Brighten dinner with Lemon Greek Chicken and Potatoes, a zesty, wholesome dish bursting with Mediterranean goodness. This one-pan meal combines tender, juicy chicken thighs infused with fresh lemon and aromatic herbs alongside golden, crispy potatoes that soak up every bit of flavor. Simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests, this recipe brings bold, vibrant tastes that feel like a warm hug from the Mediterranean sun.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze without sacrificing flavor.
- Vibrant Mediterranean Flavors: Fresh lemon, garlic, and herbs combine to create a bright and savory experience that tantalizes your taste buds.
- Perfectly Crispy Potatoes: The potatoes roast alongside the chicken, soaking up juices and turning crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.
- Nutritious and Balanced: Protein and carbs paired with healthy olive oil and herbs make it a wholesome and satisfying meal.
- Flexible and Family-Friendly: The flavors appeal to all ages, and you can easily adjust seasonings to suit your preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple yet essential ingredients that come together beautifully to give you authentic Lemon Greek Chicken and Potatoes. Each ingredient brings something special—freshness, texture, or a pop of color—that makes the dish irresistible.
- Chicken thighs: Use bone-in, skin-on for maximum juiciness and crispy skin.
- Yukon Gold potatoes: Their creamy texture crisps perfectly when roasted.
- Fresh lemons: Adds zesty brightness and balances savory flavors beautifully.
- Garlic cloves: Infuses a warm, aromatic depth throughout the dish.
- Fresh oregano or dried oregano: Brings the classic Mediterranean herbal note.
- Olive oil: Essential for roasting and adding richness without heaviness.
- Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance all other flavors naturally.
- Optional: Red pepper flakes: For a mild kick if you like a little heat.
Variations for Lemon Greek Chicken and Potatoes
This Lemon Greek Chicken and Potatoes recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to tweak it based on what you have or your dietary preferences to make it your own exciting twist on a Mediterranean classic.
- Swap chicken parts: Use boneless breasts or drumsticks if you prefer leaner cuts or faster cooking times.
- Try different herbs: Rosemary, thyme, or dill work beautifully as alternatives or additions to oregano.
- Add veggies: Toss in bell peppers, red onion, or cherry tomatoes during roasting for extra color and nutrition.
- Dairy-free option: Skip any cheese or cream to keep it naturally dairy-free while retaining full flavor.
- Make it spicier: Increase red pepper flakes or add smoked paprika for a smoky depth and warmth.

How to Make Lemon Greek Chicken and Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the ingredients
Start by washing and halving the potatoes, then slice the lemons thinly. Pat the chicken thighs dry to ensure crispy skin, and mince the garlic. Having everything ready makes the cooking process seamless.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat them thoroughly with the marinade. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes, or up to several hours if time allows, to soak up those vibrant flavors.
Step 3: Arrange in the pan
Place the potatoes in a large baking pan or roasting dish, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Nestle the chicken thighs among the potatoes, then scatter lemon slices over everything for added aroma and tang.
Step 4: Roast until golden and cooked through
Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken has an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the potatoes are tender and crispy on the edges.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle and guarantees each bite is juicy and flavorful.
Pro Tips for Making Lemon Greek Chicken and Potatoes
- Use skin-on chicken thighs: The skin crisps up beautifully and locks in moisture during roasting.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Leave space between pieces so heat circulates evenly, ensuring crispy potatoes and chicken.
- Let the chicken marinate: Even a quick 15-minute marination greatly enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Use fresh lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest pack a far better punch than bottled juice.
- Flip the potatoes halfway: For even browning, give them a gentle toss during cooking.
How to Serve Lemon Greek Chicken and Potatoes
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley or extra oregano sprinkled on top adds a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma that complements the zesty lemon notes perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully filling on its own, but you can elevate the meal with a simple green salad, a dollop of tzatziki, or warm crusty bread to soak up every last drop of those delicious pan juices.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve family-style straight from the roasting pan for a rustic feel, or plate the chicken neatly with potato wedges fanned around, a wedge of lemon on the side, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an inviting, restaurant-quality presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Lemon Greek Chicken and Potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes well. Cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes to maintain crispiness, or microwave if short on time, though the skin may soften slightly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute boneless chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook as they tend to dry out faster than thighs.
What type of potatoes work best?
Yukon Gold or red potatoes are ideal for roasting because they hold their shape and crisp up nicely, unlike starchy varieties like Russets.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. All ingredients in this Lemon Greek Chicken and Potatoes recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Can I prepare this in advance?
You can marinate the chicken and prep the potatoes the day before, then assemble and roast when ready for dinner.
How can I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicy kick that complements the tangy lemon flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Greek Chicken and Potatoes recipe is a delicious celebration of fresh, simple ingredients that come together flawlessly every time. It’s an easy, joyful way to bring vibrant Mediterranean flavors into your kitchen and brighten up any mealtime. Give it a try—you’ll soon find yourself reaching for lemons every week!
Related Posts
- Macaroni with Bechamel Sauce Easy Comfort Food
- Scaloppine al Limone Recipe with Lemon Butter Sauce
- Flavorful Herb Roasted Potatoes Recipe for Any Meal

Lemon Greek Chicken and Potatoes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Brighten dinner with Lemon Greek Chicken and Potatoes, a zesty, wholesome one-pan meal featuring tender, juicy chicken thighs infused with fresh lemon and aromatic Mediterranean herbs, paired with golden, crispy potatoes that soak up every bit of flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with bold, vibrant tastes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh or dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
Potatoes & Other
- 1.5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, washed and halved
- 1 large lemon, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients: Wash and halve the Yukon Gold potatoes. Thinly slice the lemon. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up during roasting. Mince the garlic cloves.
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Add the chicken thighs and coat thoroughly. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to several hours for deeper flavor.
- Arrange in the pan: Place potatoes in a large baking pan or roasting dish. Drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Nestle the marinated chicken thighs among the potatoes. Scatter lemon slices over the top for added aroma and tang.
- Roast until golden and cooked through: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the potatoes are tender and crisp on the edges. Halfway through, gently toss the potatoes to ensure even browning.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to settle. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or extra oregano before serving.
Notes
- Use skin-on chicken thighs for crispy skin and moist meat.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; leave space between chicken and potatoes for even cooking.
- Marinate the chicken at least 15 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Fresh lemons provide the best bright flavor compared to bottled lemon juice.
- Flip the potatoes halfway through roasting for even crispiness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1 chicken thigh with potatoes)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Lemon Greek Chicken, One-Pan Meal, Mediterranean Chicken, Roasted Potatoes, Healthy Dinner