Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

Greek Chicken and Potatoes is a classic. I don't have the energy or courage to make one for a living, but if I did, this lemon dish would be one of my favourite recipes, and not just for big, fat weddings. It's a proven crowd pleaser, simple to make, and affordable.

Ingredients

• 4 pounds skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs

• 3 russet potatoes, peeled and quartered

• ½ cup fresh lemon juice

• ½ cup olive oil

• 6 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt

• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 pinch cayenne pepper

• 1 cup chicken broth, divided

• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano, or to taste

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Lightly oil a large roasting pan.

2. Place the chicken and potatoes in a large bowl. Add lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, dried oregano, salt, rosemary, black pepper and cayenne. Toss until chicken and potatoes are evenly coated.

3. Place chicken pieces, skin side up, in prepared pan. Press the potato pieces around the chicken. Drizzle with 2/3 cup chicken broth. Spoon the remaining marinade in the bowl over the chicken and potatoes.

4. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes. Toss the chicken and potatoes, then place the chicken skin side up again.

5. Continue cooking until chicken is browned and cooked through, about 25 minutes; An instant-read thermometer inserted near the bone should register 165 °F (74 °C).

6. Remove chicken to a serving plate and keep warm; leave the potatoes in the pan.

7. Turn on the broiler or set the oven to the highest temperature. Toss the potatoes again to coat in the pan juices. Place the pan under the broiler and broil until the potatoes are crisp, about 3 minutes.

8. Take out the potatoes along with the chicken in a plate. Place the roasting pan on the stove over medium heat. Add remaining 1/3 cup chicken broth and scrape up browned bits from bottom of pan. Pour pan juices over chicken and potatoes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Tips:

Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes is a classic Mediterranean dish that combines the tart, vibrant flavour of lemon with the rich, hearty flavour of chicken and potatoes. The dish is a staple of Greek cuisine, known for its simplicity, strong flavors, and use of fresh ingredients.

The main ingredients in this dish are chicken and potatoes. The chicken used is usually skin-on, bone-in thighs, which are known for their tenderness and flavour. The skin crisps up when roasted, adding a delightful texture to the dish. Potatoes, usually russet, are peeled and cut into quarters. They absorb the flavor of the marinade and become beautifully caramelized in the oven.

The magic of this dish lies in the marinade. Fresh lemon juice is its star, giving it its bright, tangy flavour. Olive oil adds richness and helps the chicken and potatoes roast to perfection. Garlic adds a kick of flavor, while dried oregano, rosemary and a pinch of cayenne pepper give the dish its distinctive Greek flavor profile. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper enhance all these Flavors.

The preparation process is straightforward. The chicken and potatoes are tossed in the marinade until evenly coated, then arranged in a roasting pan with the chicken skin side up. A little chicken broth is added to the pan to keep everything moist and flavourful during cooking.

The dish is cooked in a preheated oven. After the initial baking period, the chicken and potatoes are tossed to cook evenly, then returned to the oven until the chicken is fully cooked and the potatoes are soft. The result is a dish with a beautiful balance of Flavors – the tartness of the lemon, the flavourful chicken, the hearty potatoes, and the aromatic herbs all come together to create a truly satisfying meal.

Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes is not just a dish, but a culinary experience that brings the warmth and vibrancy of the Mediterranean to your table. It's a testament to the Greek philosophy of cooking – using simple, fresh ingredients and letting their natural Flavors shine. Whether served as a weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes is sure to impress.

Finally, Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes is a delicious, hearty dish that is easy to prepare. Its bright, tangy Flavors and satisfying texture make it a favourite in households around the world. So, the next time you're looking for a dish that's simple yet impressive, consider making Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes. You will not be disappointed!