If you’re craving a hearty meal that’s bursting with fresh flavors and simple enough for any night of the week, you’ve got to try this Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes Roast Recipe. I absolutely love how the tangy lemon and fragrant herbs come together, making every bite feel like a cozy Sunday dinner in a sunlit Greek kitchen. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll be coming back to it again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday items that come together to create an unforgettable flavor combo.
- Comforting Yet Light: The lemon keeps it bright and fresh, perfect for any season.
- One-Pan Wonder: Easy prep and cleanup with chicken and potatoes roasting together beautifully.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this classic, and I bet yours will too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes Roast Recipe is chosen to bring out that signature Mediterranean tang and herbaceous aroma. The fresh herbs and zest really make a difference, so grab the best quality you can find!
- Free-range chicken: I always choose free-range because the flavor is richer and the skin crisps up beautifully.
- Yukon gold potatoes: These hold up well roasting without getting mushy and soak in all the delicious marinade.
- Lemons: Use fresh lemons for their juice and zest—bottled juice just won’t give you the same bright kick.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Don’t skimp here; the fruity olive oil is key to that authentic Mediterranean flair.
- Mustard: Adds a nice subtle tang, balancing the lemon and olive oil perfectly.
- Garlic: A whole head of garlic roasted alongside gives a mellow sweetness that complements the lemon beautifully.
- Fresh thyme, sage, and rosemary: These herbs bring earthy, piney notes—just like you’d get in a traditional Greek kitchen.
Variations
I love experimenting with this Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes Roast Recipe. Feel free to swap out herbs or tweak the marinade to suit your family’s tastes—it’s all about making it your own!
- Herb swaps: I’ve tried adding oregano or marjoram when I didn’t have fresh sage, and it still sings with flavor.
- Spicy kick: For a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes; my husband loves that added touch.
- Vegetable additions: Toss in some carrots or bell peppers to roast with the potatoes for an even heartier meal.
- Skin-on wings: If you prefer smaller cuts, chicken wings work well and roast up crispy too.
How to Make Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes Roast Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken and Potatoes
Start by cutting your free-range chicken into 8 pieces — this helps everything cook evenly and ensures those crispy edges we all crave. Then, wash and cut your Yukon gold potatoes into wedges. The key I learned is to keep the wedges big enough so they roast to fluffy perfection inside without becoming mushy.
Step 2: Mix Your Vibrant Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice and zest, extra virgin olive oil, mustard, and a good amount of minced garlic. Add your thyme, sage, and rosemary sprigs whole—they infuse flavor beautifully as everything roasts. This lemony marinade is what makes the dish feel so vibrant, so don’t hold back on the fresh juice!
Step 3: Marinate Chicken and Potatoes
Toss the chicken pieces and potato wedges in the marinade, making sure every piece is well coated. I usually do this in a large bowl or directly on a rimmed baking sheet, letting the lemony oil and herbs soak in for at least 15 minutes, though longer is always better. Sometimes I marinate it for a couple of hours if I’m planning ahead, and you can taste the difference!
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Arrange the chicken and potatoes skin-side up on a roasting pan, adding the whole garlic head (top sliced off so the cloves are exposed). Roast at 375°F (190°C) for about 90 minutes. The chicken should be golden, juices running clear, and potatoes perfectly tender. Don’t forget to baste a couple of times with the pan juices for extra flavor and moistness.
Pro Tips for Making Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes Roast Recipe
- Pat the Chicken Dry: Before marinating, dabbing your chicken pieces dry helps the skin crisp better in the oven.
- Use Fresh Garlic: I discovered roasting a whole garlic head alongside the chicken mellows out sharpness and adds heartwarming notes.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Leaving space between pieces lets heat circulate, so everything roasts evenly and crisps up perfectly.
- Baste Smartly: I avoid opening the oven too often but baste twice during roasting to keep the chicken juicy without lowering the temperature.
How to Serve Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes Roast Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or even a few extra lemon wedges on the side for anyone who wants a zesty boost. Sometimes I even add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving—it makes everything glow.
Side Dishes
This roast pairs beautifully with simple Greek sides like a crisp cucumber and tomato salad or creamy tzatziki. You can also serve it over fluffy rice or alongside steamed green beans to keep the meal well-balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like laying the chicken pieces over a bed of roasted lemon slices and fresh herbs on a rustic wooden platter. It looks inviting and feels extra festive when entertaining friends or family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftover chicken and potatoes taste even better the next day.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this roast a couple of times with good results—just wrap portions tightly in foil or freezer-safe containers. When thawed, the potatoes soften a bit, so I recommend reheating gently to maintain their texture.
Reheating
Reheating in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes works best. I skip the microwave if I want to keep that lovely crisp on the chicken skin and avoid sogginess.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs or breasts instead of a whole chicken?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great since they stay juicy and flavorful during roasting. Breasts can be used too but watch them carefully as they tend to dry out faster; adjusting cooking time accordingly will help.
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How long should I marinate the chicken for best flavor?
While 15 minutes is enough to get things started, I recommend marinating for at least 1 hour or up to overnight in the fridge. The lemon and herbs really penetrate the meat, enhancing flavor and tenderness.
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What if I don’t have all the fresh herbs on hand?
No worries! You can use dried herbs (about one-third the amount of fresh) or substitute with other Mediterranean herbs you have on hand like oregano or basil. The lemon and garlic will still shine through beautifully.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses simple whole ingredients. Just ensure any mustard you use is free from gluten-containing additives.
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How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is cooked through when juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer is my foolproof method to avoid under- or overcooking.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes Roast Recipe has become one of my culinary staples — it’s surprisingly effortless and always impresses everyone at the table. I love how it balances bright citrus with savory herbs and comforting roasted potatoes, making it a meal that truly feels like home. Next time you’re in the mood for something wholesome yet special, give this a try — I promise it will quickly become a family favorite in your kitchen too.
Print
Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes Roast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 90 min
- Total Time: 1 hr 45 min
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
Classic Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes is a traditional Sunday roast featuring tender chicken pieces and golden crispy Yukon gold potatoes. This dish is infused with a vibrant marinade made from fresh garlic, extra virgin olive oil, fragrant herbs like thyme, sage, and rosemary, and the bright zest and juice of lemons, creating a perfect balance of flavors and a delightful Mediterranean experience.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 free-range chicken (cut into 8 pieces, approximately 3.5-4 lb)
- 2 lemons (juiced and zested)
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup mustard
- 1 garlic head, minced
- 2-3 thyme sprigs
- 2-3 sage sprigs
- 2-3 rosemary sprigs
Potatoes
- 6 Yukon gold potatoes (cut into wedges)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the lemon juice and zest, extra virgin olive oil, mustard, and minced garlic. Add the fresh thyme, sage, and rosemary sprigs to infuse the marinade with herbaceous flavors.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure to coat each piece thoroughly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the Potatoes: While the chicken marinates, wash and cut the Yukon gold potatoes into wedges. Toss the potato wedges in a small amount of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken pieces in a large roasting pan or baking dish. Surround the chicken with the potato wedges, making sure everything is evenly spaced for proper roasting.
- Roast the Chicken and Potatoes: Roast in the preheated oven for about 90 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the potatoes are golden and tender. Halfway through the cooking time, baste the chicken with pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the roasting dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes is a beloved Sunday roast infused with a vibrant marinade of garlic, extra virgin olive oil, fresh herbs, and plenty of lemon.
- Marinating the chicken for longer (up to a few hours) deepens the flavor, but 15 minutes also yields delicious results.
- Use Yukon gold potatoes for their creamy texture and excellent roasting qualities.
- Feel free to add more herbs like oregano or parsley to customize the flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 581 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 214 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 27 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
