Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

Welcome to SousVideRecipe! I’m Jasmine, a home cook who fell in love with sous vide the moment I realized it could turn everyday meals into restaurant-quality dishes with perfect consistency. My goal is to make sous vide cooking approachable and fun for real home kitchens — no complicated steps, just flavorful, reliable recipes anyone can master. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, I’m here to inspire you to enjoy cooking and create unforgettable meals one perfectly cooked bite at a time.

Creating meals that evoke a sense of home can be transformational. One dish that always brings me back to my roots is Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes. The aroma of lemon and garlic fills the kitchen and transports me to sunny Mediterranean shores with each bite. This dish combines the richness of chicken thighs with the hearty goodness of russet potatoes, making it comfort food at its finest.

As I began to experiment with flavors, the richness of fresh lemon juice married beautifully with olive oil, garlic, and herbs, resulting in a zesty marinade that enhances the chicken and potatoes. Cooking this dish not only satisfies the palate but also brings a sense of fulfillment from sharing it around the table with family and friends. A simple meal can yield such depths of flavor; that’s the magic of Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes.

PART 1 — Greek Lemon Chicken with Potatoes

Fundamentals

Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes balances flavor and simplicity. The key lies in using fresh ingredients, allowing natural flavors to shine through. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide tender, juicy meat, while russet potatoes offer a filling side that absorbs all the delicious juices from the chicken.

Preparing Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes requires minimal effort yet yields impressive results. The marinade, made from lemon juice, olive oil, and a mix of herbs, infuses each ingredient with brightness and aroma. This dish cooks beautifully in the oven, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.

Preparation/setup

Start by gathering your ingredients for this flavorful dish. You will need 4 pounds of skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs and 3 russet potatoes, peeled and quartered. The marinade consists of 0.5 cup fresh lemon juice, 0.5 cup olive oil, 6 cloves of minced garlic, and a blend of dried oregano, kosher salt, dried rosemary, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. With 1 cup of chicken broth, you will achieve the perfect balance of moisture and flavor.

To set up, grab a large bowl. Combine the chicken and potatoes, then add the marinade ingredients. Toss until everything is evenly coated to ensure that every bite bursts with flavor. Prepare your roasting pan by arranging the chicken skin-side up and tucking the potatoes around it, ready to transform into a delightful meal.

Ingredients

• 4 pounds skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs
• 3 russet potatoes, peeled and quartered
• 0.5 cup fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 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. In a large bowl, combine the chicken and potatoes. Add lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, dried oregano, salt, rosemary, black pepper, and cayenne. Toss until coated.
2. Arrange the chicken skin-side up in a roasting pan and tuck the potatoes around it. Drizzle 2/3 cup of chicken broth over the dish.
3. Pour any leftover marinade over the chicken and potatoes. Bake in a preheated oven for 20 minutes.
4. After 20 minutes, gently toss the chicken and potatoes, then reposition the chicken skin-side up. Bake for an additional 25 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Transfer the chicken to a platter and keep warm while crisping the potatoes.
6. Broil or turn the oven heat to the highest setting for 3 minutes to crisp the potatoes.
7. Place the cooked potatoes on the platter with chicken.
8. For finishing touches, add the remaining chicken broth to the roasting pan, scrape up browned bits, strain, and drizzle over the chicken and potatoes.
9. Sprinkle with fresh oregano and serve immediately.

PART 2 — Cooking Techniques and Tips for Greek Lemon Chicken

Technique

Using the right cooking techniques can enhance the flavors and textures of Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes. Roasting allows the chicken skin to become crispy while keeping the meat juicy. Starting with a marinade adds a punch of flavor that seeps into each piece of chicken and potato.

Be mindful of temperature. Keeping track of the internal temperature of the chicken ensures that it cooks safely while achieving tenderness. The combination of high heat from roasting and the moist environment created by the chicken broth works wonders for both the chicken and potatoes.

Tips and tricks

Using fresh ingredients makes a noticeable difference in this dish. Opt for high-quality olive oil and fresh garlic for maximum flavor. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking. You can experiment with the amount of oregano or even add fresh herbs for more depth.

When arranging the chicken and potatoes in the roasting pan, avoid overcrowding. This ensures even cooking and promotes browning. You can also prep the dish ahead of time. Marinate the chicken and potatoes a few hours or even overnight for a more robust flavor.

PART 3 — Achieving Perfect Results with Greek Lemon Chicken

Perfecting results

To achieve the best results with Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes, aim for a balanced combination of crispy skin and juicy meat. Monitor the chicken’s internal temperature closely. A meat thermometer is invaluable for ensuring that the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) without overcooking, which could lead to dryness.

Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more succulent.

Troubleshooting and variations

If you encounter issues with the skin not crisping up, consider broiling for a few minutes at the end. Additionally, ensure you pat the chicken skin dry before marinating. Excess moisture can hinder browning.

Feel free to switch up the potatoes for other seasonal vegetables like carrots or cauliflower. You can even adjust the flavor profile with herbs like thyme or tarragon if you desire a twist on the traditional Greek theme.

PART 4 — Serving and Presentation of Greek Lemon Chicken

Serving and presentation

Serve Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes piping hot from the oven. Placing the chicken and potatoes on a large platter creates an inviting family-style presentation. Sprinkle fresh oregano on top for a pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor.

A side of simple salad would complement the dish perfectly, offering a refreshing contrast to the warm and zesty chicken and potatoes. Prepare a light Greek salad featuring tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese to offer balanced flavors.

Pairings and storage

To keep it simple, consider pairing Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes with fresh green veggies or a tangy yogurt dip. Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious juices.

Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop to maintain the texture and flavor. Enjoy as a quick lunch or dinner throughout the week. The flavors deepen, making the second-day meal surprisingly delightful.

Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes combines simplicity with robust flavors, creating an unforgettable dining experience. This dish invites you to share and savor each bite in the comfort of your home.

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