Looking for a crowd pleasing one pan chicken and potatoes dinner? Just throw chicken thighs and potatoes into a pan, pour over a lemon, olive oil and oregano marinade, and bake. Made with just 6 ingredients, this roasted Greek chicken and potatoes is perfect for a midweek meal, but impressive enough for guests. Don’t forget a Greek salad on the side!
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Why this will become a go-to recipe
Transport yourself to sunny Greece! One of the fastest ways to imagine yourself eating in Greece in a cute taverna with blue wooden chairs is to make this easy chicken and potatoes in the oven.
It’s one of the simplest every day meals in Greece. If you’d grown up there, something like this would have appeared on the dinner table regularly.
But while this is an authentic Greek recipe (which is what you can proudly tell your friends when they’re tucking into it!), It doesn’t have a fancy name. It’s just called roasted Greek chicken and potatoes.
You could say it’s the Greek aunt of this simple stove top chicken and rice.
This is one of the many reasons I love Greek food so much. It often doesn’t sound (or even look) anything special, but one bite and you’ll be blown away…
- It’s a one pan meal. And who doesn’t love those?
- You only need about 10 minutes hands on time to make it.
- It’s a 6-ingredient recipe made with everyday ingredients. Buy some chicken thighs and a lemon and you probably have everything else already.
- It’s a crowd pleaser. Who wouldn’t enjoy juicy chicken thighs marinated in lemon and simple Greek flavours with yummy crispy potatoes? Even the pickiest eaters will love it.
- It’s easy – but it’s impressive! Serve it as a super easy midweek meal for your family, or for guests with a Greek salad, crusty fresh bread and tzatziki sauce (recipe in this post). It’ll look like a Greek feast!
- You can prepare the potatoes and marinade ahead. All you have to do when you’re ready to eat is pop the potatoes in the oven for 20 minutes, nestle in the chicken, then pour over the marinade and bake.
- It’s an easy and super delicious way to try out the Mediterranean diet! (Hello olive oil, oregano, and super healthy Greek salad ingredients!)
Ingredients
This is all you need (I told you it was easy):
- potatoes roughly sliced into chunky wedges
- skinless boneless chicken thighs
For the Greek chicken marinade:
- the juice and zest of a lemon
- lots of olive oil (but it doesn’t taste oily)
- dried oregano
And finally:
- plenty of salt & pepper
Yep, just 6 ingredients!
Pro tip: Grind more salt over this dish than you would usually. Just trust me on this one!
How do you make Greek chicken and potatoes?
You only need to follow 5 simple steps to get this on your dinner table in about an hour (with only about 10 minutes hands-on time!)
Step 1: Toss some potato wedges in olive oil, then roast in the oven for about 20 minutes. To give them a head start! (Photo 1)
Step 2: Make the easy Greek marinade. (Photo 2)
Step 3: Nestle chicken thighs in among the part cooked potatoes (Photo 3), then drizzle over the marinade. Mostly over the chicken, but it doesn’t matter if some goes over the potatoes too. (Photo 4)
Step 4: Drizzle the whole dish with the delicious Greek chicken marinade. (Photo 4)
Step 5: Tuck the used lemon halves into the pan as well, then sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. Bake for about 45 minutes. (Photos 5 and 6)
Note about the marinade: As you make the marinade, you might be thinking it’s a lot of oil to use.
But again, trust me. As the chicken cooks, the juices run into the marinade and create the most delicious lemon oregano ‘sauce’ to mop up with your bread.
The oven does most of the work. And that’s where the magic happens. While the dish is baking, the juices from the chicken mix with the marinade to make the most incredible ‘sauce’. They also run into the potatoes and make them perfectly tasty, tender, and crispy.
What to serve with this meal
The best way to serve this amazing Greek lemon chicken dinner is with:
- a traditional Greek salad (see this post: how to make a Greek salad for a perfect recipe and how-to video!)
- fresh crusty bread. We like to serve this 2-minute toasted bread with olive oil and salt.
- tzatziki (or just Greek yogurt if you like – that’s what I usually serve!)
Don’t skip these amazing Greek side dishes. They turn a good meal into a fantastic meal – one you can just as equally enjoy as an easy midweek meal, or as a delicious Mediterranean feast to serve to guests.
On that note, if you’re having a Greek dinner party, check out this list of 15 easy Greek appetizers. You’re bound to find something you like there!
Make sure you have a bit of everything on your fork, including some feta from the salad and a bit of Greek yogurt or tzatziki. Then close your eyes and imagine yourself at a taverna at the foot of the Acropolis in Athens.
Helen’s top tips
- After you’ve made this a couple of times, you could probably make it without the recipe. Have you added a little more or less of each ingredient? No problem!
- You will find that the potatoes are half crispy and half soaked in the delicious lemon oregano ‘sauce’. This is exactly how they are supposed to be. Enjoy!
- If you find your potatoes stick to the pan a bit (or a lot), no problem! In fact, all the better. Scrape up all those delicious crispy bits and the person who gets them will be one very happy diner!
More things to know (recipe FAQ)
Honestly? It really doesn’t matter. I’ve used every kind of potato imaginable, and they all work well. The best thing about this dish is that it’s super super easy. Which means you use whatever you already have or like!
To be honest, I’ve used so many different kinds of dishes for this! The main thing is that you don’t want the chicken and potatoes to be too crowded. I find that the best size dish is a 9 x 11 inch baking dish or equivalent.
If you want to serve more people, simply double the ingredients and use either a huge baking dish or two dishes if you prefer.
Yes, actually you can! I usually use boneless chicken thighs but I find them easier to eat. But if you use bone in skin on thighs arguably your meal will be even more juicy and delicious!
The cooking time should be the same. Just check with a meat thermometer in the deepest part of the thigh that the temperature is at least 165F.
Absolutely! What I usually do is prepare the marinade and pop it in the fridge until I want to use it. Then I prepare the potatoes, put them in the baking dish and keep that covered in the fridge too.
Then all I have to do to finish off this amazing meal is pre-cook the potatoes, then tuck the chicken in with the potatoes, then pour the marinade over and roast!
This is what makes this such a great meal for entertaining!
Another great thing about this meal is that it keeps really well once it’s cooked. It will keep for up to 4 days in the fridge. When you want to eat the leftovers, just reheat as described below! All you’ll have to do is make a fresh Greek salad!
Surprisingly… yes! I usually just reheat slowly (on 50% power) in the microwave. There are fewer crispy bits, but it’s more intensely flavoured by the marinade by the second day.
FORGET THE CHICKEN, JUST FEED ME POTATOES! If you just need a potato side dish that’s easy but a little bit different, try these amazing crispy Greek potatoes. They truly are the best! Serve with chicken, fish, steak, anything…
More scrumptious Greek main meals
- Greek oven baked fish (your new favourite way to cook fish!)
- Easy moussaka (the ultimate guide!)
- One pan Greek couscous with halloumi (a vegetarian option)
- Greek lamb with lemony garlic potatoes (highly recommended if you’re looking to impress!)
- Greek stuffed peppers and tomatoes
- Baked Greek chicken orzo (another tasty one pot chicken dinner)
Or if you’re just enjoying the whole Greek food vibe in this post, you might like to check out my Greek recipes archives!
Last but not least: Need a quick and easy dessert to serve after this meal? Here are 11 really easy dessert recipes (6 ingredients or less).
IF YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE, LET ME KNOW HOW YOU GET ON BY LEAVING A COMMENT AND RATING BELOW… AND DON’T FORGET TO SIGN UP TO RECEIVE ALL MY NEW RECIPES BY EMAIL!
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Amazing Roasted Greek Chicken And Potatoes
Equipment (affiliate links)
Ingredients (UK/Australia? Click below for grams/ml)
- 1¾ pounds medium-sized potatoes peeled & sliced into wedges
- ¼ cup olive oil plus a little extra
- 2 pounds skinless boneless chicken thighs (8-10 thighs)
- 1 lemon zest & juice
- 1 large teaspoon dried oregano
- salt & black pepper
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 390F/200C.
- Put the raw potato wedges into a large baking dish or roasting pan (in one layer if you can). Drizzle with a little olive oil, toss with your hands and bake for about 20 minutes.
- Remove the potatoes from the oven and nestle the chicken thighs in amongst them in the dish. Add the squeezed lemon halves as well.
- Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice & zest & oregano and drizzle all over the chicken and potatoes. Grind over plenty of salt and black pepper, then put the dish back in the oven and bake for 45 minutes or until the chicken juices run clear when you poke the meat with a knife and the whole dish is golden.
- Serve with a big traditional Greek salad, Greek yogurt and crusty bread.
Notes
Nutrition
Note: This post has been updated from its original version to include new photos, step-by-step cooking instructions, an FAQ, similar recipes, and a how-to video. I hope you like it!
Ashley says
I just completely love the simplicity of this meal! And it sounds so so good!
And I cannot wait for that greek salad recipe … one of my absolute favs!!
Helen says
Aw, thanks, Ashley! Do try the chicken dinner – we had it again tonight and it can’t fail to please. Greek salad recipe just posted!
[email protected] Well Floured Kitchen says
This dinner is amazing! Love all of those greek flavors- I cook with them often. Wish I was on the coast of the Mediterranean! Great giveaway too 🙂
Helen says
Hi, Sherri! Thanks so much for taking the time to pass by and comment. So glad you like this dinner – I just love the flavours and simplicity of Greek food. I wish I was over in the Mediterranean, too … although perhaps not today as it’s snowing there, I hear! 🙂
Annie @ ciaochowbambina says
So perfect for a weeknight meal! I love the combination of flavors… especially when enhanced by crispy potatoes!!
Helen says
Hi, Annie, and Happy New Year! So happy you approve of this meal!
Eva says
Un repas méditerranéen? J’ai dit oui!! Surtout avec la grisaille de l’hiver !
Helen says
Je suis d’accord! Ce repas me rapelle beacoup des vacances d’ete! 🙂
Queen of Spices says
so glad to see a giveaway that isnt restricted to the US! I am new to food blogging and am enjoying seeing such wonderful blogs as yours.
Helen says
Hello! Thanks so much for passing by. I so agree re. the non-US giveaway … it’s a rare thing indeed! Thanks so much for the compliment on the blog (blush) and … of course, a big welcome to food blogging! All the best!
Maggie says
It’s a pity that I didn’t try out this one when I was traveling in Greece! And totally agree that it goes great wit Greek salad. I love the refreshing seasonings in this recipe. Can’t wait to try out soon!
Helen says
Hello, Maggie! Never mind that you didn’t try this in Greece – it’s so easy to make at home and I promise you it tastes just like it would in Greece as it’s so so simple. 🙂
Samina | The Cupcake Confession says
Helen, I am LITERALLY drooling all over my screen right now!!!!!! This looks so so SOOOOOO good!!!!!! I’m just imagining how amazing this chicken will taste with its lemony – oregano flavor. And the juices from the chicken crisping up the potatoes????? THERE IS NOTHING BETTER THAN THAT! <3 I so need to make this (with the Greek Salad, of course!)
Helen says
Hi, Samina! So happy you’re as enthusiastic about this dish as I am. It’s truly one of my favourite easy meals. 😉
cheri says
Love Greek food, especially dishes like this. Great give away Helen!
Helen says
Hi Cheri .. so glad you like it!
Chris @ Shared Appetite says
LOVING all these flavors… I’m a big fan of Greek food and lemon-oregano is the bomb dot com!! Happy New Year Helen!
Helen says
Happy New Year to you, too! 🙂
marcie says
I love the sound of this Mediterranean meal, Helen, and with that salad on the side? Heaven! I’ve really been craving Greek food lately. 🙂 Awesome giveaway, too!
Helen says
This really is a heavenly meal, Marcie … although I say it myself. So simple and yet truly delicious. Glad you like the giveaway, too!
Allie | Baking a Moment says
Thank you so much for the amazing giveaway, and omg! This dish sounds phenomenal!
Helen says
You’re so welcome, Allie … it’s a good one, isn’t it? 😉
Analida says
Sounds delicious. I am a food blogger too. I am glad I found your site. It seems we share the same passion for international foods.
Helen says
Hello, Analinda! So glad you found me as well – I’ll pop over and check out your site, too!
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
I am a big fan of any kind of Greek food. I bet this has so much flavour in it. I have pinned and shared on Twitter too 🙂
Great giveaway!
Helen says
Aw, thanks for pinning and sharing, Dannii … you’re a star! Really glad you like this, too. I love this because it’s got such great flavour and yet is so so simple it’s hardly a recipe. Hope you try it out some time. 🙂
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
What a delicious dinner recipe, the whole family will love this! Also it must smell amazing!
Helen says
You’re right that this is a good family recipe – you can’t really go wrong!
Culinary Ginger says
What a delicious dish, can’t wait to try it. I’m also very happy to be involved in the giveaway with a great group of bloggers.
Helen says
Glad you like it, Janette … and so happy I could take part in this giveaway with you all, too!
Lori @ TheHealthMinded.com says
LOVE the simplicity of this! Visited Greece this summer and this will bring back lovely memories for my family tonight! We all thank you! Off to the store now . . .
Helen says
Aw, Lori, I’m thrilled that you like this enough to give it a go tonight! I really hope you and your family enjoy it as much as we did!
Laura says
Awesome giveaway Helen! You ladies are wonderful!! I’ll have to check out the other blogs. And of course, another nice lightweight recipes. Need that right now after holiday after holiday indulgence. You’re lightening up my waist and wallet. Thanks! (well, if I win, the wallet part, but you know. )
Helen says
Ha! There’s nothing I’d like better than for someone as lovely as you to win, Laura! Please do check out the other blogs (going to add in their links to the post in just a moment) 🙂
whatjessicabakednext says
This sounds like my sort of dinner! I love Greek food, this recipe reminds me of the chicken herb bakes my Mum makes! The giveaway sounds SO amazing! 😀 Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe!
Helen says
So glad you like it, Jess. I know you always appreciate my Greek recipes! 🙂
Mira says
So excited about our giveaway!!!
This dish looks flavorful and delicious! I’ve told you I’m from the Southern part of Bulgaria, close to Greece and we make similar one pot chicken and potatoes. It is so easy to make, great for a light weeknight dinner. Pinned!
Helen says
Me too, Mira! I have a very good Bulgarian friend in Greece and a lot of the food was similar. Yum – I love it all! So glad you approve of this!
Kathleen | hapanom says
YUM!!! Greek food is one of my favs – packed with a ton of flavor, but uncomplicated ingredients! I can’t wait to see the Greed Salad next!
Great GIVEAWAY!
Helen says
Thanks, Kathleen! I’ve been wanting to post about the Greek salad for ages … now seems like the right time 😉