Easy One-Pan Greek Chicken and Potatoes Recipe for Beginners

As the sun sets behind the olive trees, the smell of garlic, lemon, and oregano fills the air. It reminds me of my family’s kitchen in Greece. The scent of this dish was always a comfort, bringing us together at the table.

I’m thrilled to share this recipe with you! It brings a taste of the Mediterranean right into your kitchen.

This dish is packed with flavor and incredibly easy to make. It has tender chicken and fluffy potatoes. The mix of chicken and potatoes is amazing. With Mediterranean spices, lemon juice, and olive oil, it’s a hit with families.

Key Takeaways

• One-pan Greek chicken and potatoes is a timeless Mediterranean dish that’s simple to prepare and bursting with flavor.
• The recipe features bone-in chicken thighs or legs, Yukon Gold potatoes, and a blend of aromatic Greek spices.
• The dish is roasted in a single pan at 450°F for about an hour, resulting in tender, juicy chicken and soft, buttery potatoes.
• This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences.
• The combination of chicken, potatoes, and Mediterranean seasonings creates a delicious and comforting dish that’s sure to satisfy.

Essential Ingredients for Greek Chicken and Potatoes

The key to perfect Greek chicken and potatoes lies in using the right ingredients. You’ll need flavorful chicken, the right potatoes, and Greek seasonings. Each part is crucial for a delicious Mediterranean dish.

Selecting the Right Chicken Cuts

Choose bone-in chicken thighs or legs with skin. They help keep the dish moist and infuse it with juicy flavor. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work too, but thighs and legs give a truer Greek taste.

Best Potatoes for Mediterranean Cooking

Yukon Gold potatoes are perfect for making this lemon garlic chicken with roasted potatoes. They’re creamy and hold their shape well. Alternatively, you can opt for red-skinned or Russet potatoes.

Greek Seasonings and Aromatics

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Garlic (minced or grated)
• Dried oregano
• Dried thyme (optional)
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Chicken broth or water

These Greek seasonings and aromatics mix with chicken and potatoes for a flavorful dish. It’s like a trip to the Mediterranean.

Kitchen Equipment and Preparation Tips

For the perfect healthy recipes like one-pan Greek chicken and potatoes, you need the right tools and prep. Let’s look at the key equipment and tips for smooth meal prep.

You’ll need a 13×9-inch baking dish or pan, preferably metal for better heat. Slice your potatoes into wedges of the same size for even cooking. Before seasoning, pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the marinade stick.

To make the marinade, mix olive oil, lemon juice, broth, mustard, and Greek seasonings in a bowl. Cover the dish with parchment paper and aluminum foil for the first cooking phase. This helps keep moisture and flavors in.

1. For best results, use a 13×9″ baking dish, or a larger one if you have it, with a metal pan being ideal for better heat conduction.
2. Peel and slice the potatoes into evenly sized wedges to ensure consistent cooking.
3. Pat chicken dry before seasoning.
4. Make the marinade by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, broth, mustard, and spices together.
5. Cover the dish with parchment paper and aluminum foil for the initial cooking phase.
6. An instant-read thermometer is useful for checking chicken doneness.

Lastly, an instant-read thermometer is great for checking chicken is cooked to 175°F. With these healthy recipes and meal prep tips, you’ll make a delicious one-pan Greek chicken and potato dish easily.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making a flavorful one-pan Greek chicken and potatoes dish is a breeze. Just follow these easy steps. You’ll get a flavorful, family-friendly meal that’s great for quick dinners.

Preparing the Marinade

Begin by mixing the marinade in a big bowl or right in the baking dish. Use a combination of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Arranging in the Baking Pan

• Put the chicken thighs in the marinade, making sure they’re all coated.
• Add the potatoes to the marinade and toss them until they’re evenly coated.
• Place the chicken in the baking dish with the skin side facing up, making sure it rests directly on the bottom.
• Arrange the potatoes around the chicken, filling in the spaces between them.

Temperature and Timing Guide

1. Heat your oven to 450°F.
2. Cover the dish with parchment paper and foil, and bake for 45 minutes.
3. Uncover and bake for another 15-30 minutes. The chicken should be golden and at 160°F.
4. To get it crispy, broil it for a few minutes before serving.
5. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This lets the juices spread out.

By following these steps, you’ll have a delicious Greek chicken and potatoes dish ready fast. It’s a great choice for busy weeknights.

Why This One-Pan Mediterranean Dish Works

This one-pan Mediterranean chicken and potato dish is a crowd favorite. It’s easy to make in one pan and follows the Mediterranean diet principles. The slow roasting brings out the flavors of za’atar, sumac, and lemon, making a tasty sauce.

The dish cooks at high heat, making the chicken skin crispy and the meat juicy. The potatoes, carrots, and red onion become sweet and flavorful. It’s simple to make and you can change ingredients to fit your taste or diet.

Looking for a healthy weeknight recipe or a dish to wow your guests? This one-pan Mediterranean chicken and potatoes is perfect. It has protein, veggies, and Mediterranean flavors, making it a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

FAQ

What are the essential ingredients for one-pan Greek chicken and potatoes?

You’ll need bone-in chicken thighs or legs with skin, Yukon Gold potatoes, and olive oil. Also, lemon juice and Mediterranean seasonings like oregano and thyme are key. Don’t forget garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Why is it important to use bone-in chicken with skin?

Bone-in chicken with skin stays moist and flavorful. This makes the chicken tender and the skin crispy.

Which potatoes are best suited for this dish?

Yukon Gold potatoes are perfect because they get soft and buttery. But, you can use other types too.

What tools do you need to make one-pan Greek chicken and potatoes?

You’ll need a 13×9″ baking dish, preferably metal for better heat. An instant-read thermometer helps check the chicken’s doneness.

How do you prepare the marinade for this dish?

Mix olive oil, lemon juice, chicken broth, mustard, and Greek seasonings. This marinade coats the chicken and potatoes before baking.

What’s the cooking process for one-pan Greek chicken and potatoes?

Bake at 450°F. Cover and bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15-30 minutes. This makes the skin crispy and the chicken tender.

Why is this one-pan Mediterranean dish a good choice for busy weeknights?

It’s simple to make, healthy, and ideal for busy weeknights. The slow roast melds flavors, and the high heat crisps the skin. It’s a delicious, convenient meal.