This recipe delivers a vibrant, lemon-infused chicken and potato dinner with minimal effort. It’s designed for ease: everything cooks together in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze. The key to its success lies in a bright, garlicky marinade that seeps into both the chicken and potatoes, resulting in tender, juicy meat and creamy, flavorful sides.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
The simplicity of this dish is its strength. It cuts down on cooking time without sacrificing taste. The marinade isn’t just about flavor; it tenderizes the chicken and helps the potatoes achieve an almost buttery texture as they absorb the juices during roasting.
This recipe has been tested by home cooks and recipe developers, with results that speak for themselves: one tester noted, “It was delicious! Great lemon flavor, especially on the potatoes, and it was still very flavorful even using water.”
Key Ingredients and Their Role
- Chicken Thighs (Bone-In, Skin-On): These are ideal because the bone and skin contribute to flavor and moisture. Marinating under the skin ensures deep penetration of the lemon-garlic mixture.
- Gold Potatoes: Their firm texture holds up during roasting, and they become wonderfully creamy as they absorb the chicken’s juices.
- Lemon (Zest & Juice): Using both maximizes the bright, citrusy flavor.
- Chicken Broth/Water: A small amount of liquid is essential for creating steam, helping the potatoes cook through and become tender.
How to Make It
- Prepare the Marinade: Combine olive oil, lemon zest and juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate: Coat the potatoes in some of the marinade in the baking dish. Then, loosen the skin of the chicken thighs and rub the remaining marinade under and over the meat. Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes while the oven preheats.
- Roast: Place the chicken skin-side up on top of the potatoes and roast at 425°F (220°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are tender. Spooning the pan juices over the chicken during the last few minutes enhances flavor and keeps it moist.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Serve this dish as a complete meal, or pair it with a simple Greek salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner.
Ultimately, this recipe is about delivering big flavor with minimal effort. The result is a satisfying, aromatic meal that’s sure to become a weeknight staple.
