Simple Greek Chicken and Potatoes One-Pan Meal Recipe

If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug in food form, this Simple Greek Chicken and Potatoes One-Pan Meal Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a beautifully balanced dish where juicy, crispy chicken thighs meet tender, golden Yukon Gold potatoes, all infused with the bright tang of lemon and the earthy aroma of oregano and thyme. What makes this recipe truly special is how everything cooks together on just one pan, allowing the flavors to mingle and intensify while keeping cleanup delightfully easy. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish promises comfort, simplicity, and that unmistakable Mediterranean flair in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for this Simple Greek Chicken and Potatoes One-Pan Meal Recipe is surprisingly straightforward. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to contribute to the dish’s vibrant flavors and appealing textures, making sure every bite bursts with personality and freshness.

• Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: These deliver juicy, tender meat with wonderfully crispy skin perfect for absorbing the marinade’s bright flavors.
• Yukon Gold potatoes: Their creamy texture and buttery flavor soak up the marinade beautifully while roasting to a golden perfection.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps everything crisp up just right in the oven.
• Minced garlic: Packs a fragrant punch that blends seamlessly with the herbs and lemon.
• Lemon juice: Lends a zesty brightness that lifts the entire dish.
• Dried oregano: A classic Greek herb that brings an earthy, piney note—a must-have for authentic flavor.
• Dried thyme: Complements oregano with mild floral and minty tones.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, bringing the ingredients together harmoniously.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and bite.
• Fresh parsley: Sprinkled on top at the end, it adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness.

How to Make Simple Greek Chicken and Potatoes One-Pan Meal Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is key for crisping the chicken skin and roasting the potatoes to a golden, caramelized finish without drying them out.

Step 2: Mix the Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk everything together until well blended. This marinade is the magic potion that will infuse the chicken and potatoes with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, gently turning each piece until it’s fully coated with the marinade. Let the chicken soak up all those gorgeous flavors for at least 30 minutes—though if you have a couple of hours, refrigerate it for deeper taste and tenderness.

Step 4: Prepare the Potatoes

While the chicken marinates, wash and peel your Yukon Gold potatoes. Cutting them into uniform, bite-sized pieces ensures they cook evenly and soak up plenty of that delicious leftover marinade.

Step 5: Coat the Potatoes

Remove the chicken from the marinade and set it aside, then toss the potatoes in the marinade left in the bowl. This step ensures every bite of potato is infused with the garlicky, lemony goodness that defines this dish.

Step 6: Assemble in the Baking Dish

Spread the marinated potatoes evenly in a large, oven-safe baking dish. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs on top, skin side up, to allow the skin to crisp beautifully while cooking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken hits an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is wonderfully crispy. The potatoes should be tender with golden edges.

Step 8: Midway Check

Halfway through baking, peek in to see if the potatoes are drying out. If they are, drizzle a little more olive oil or spoon some of the flavorful chicken juices over them. This keeps everything moist and delicious.

Step 9: Rest and Garnish

Once out of the oven, let the chicken and potatoes rest for about 5 to 10 minutes—this helps the juices redistribute, making each bite more succulent. Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the top for a fresh pop of color and flavor.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Now, dive in! Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, flavor-packed dish with anyone you love. It’s sure to become one of your go-to weeknight favorites.

How to Serve Simple Greek Chicken and Potatoes One-Pan Meal Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the star garnish here—it adds a bright, herbal touch that balances the zesty, savory notes of the chicken and potatoes. You could also consider a sprinkle of crumbled feta for an added Greek twist, or some lemon zest grated over the top to enhance the citrus brightness.

Side Dishes

This one-pan meal stands beautifully on its own, but if you want to round it out, try pairing it with a simple Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and red onion dressed lightly with olive oil and vinegar. A side of tzatziki is also a cool, refreshing companion that complements the warm, savory flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, serve the chicken and potatoes family-style right from the baking dish at the center of the table—warm, rustic, and inviting. Alternatively, plate individual portions with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few whole lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over their plates as they like.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover Simple Greek Chicken and Potatoes One-Pan Meal Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually mellow beautifully, making for great next-day lunches or dinners.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to two months. Just be aware the potatoes may lose a bit of their original texture after freezing and reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which helps retain the crispness of the chicken skin. You can also use a microwave for convenience, but it may soften the skin slightly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, but they tend to dry out faster than thighs. Keep an eye on the cooking time and consider marinating them a bit longer to maintain juiciness.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

You don’t have to, but peeling is recommended for this recipe so the potatoes cook evenly and absorb the marinade better. If you prefer a rustic touch, leaving the skins on can add extra texture and nutrients.

Can I prepare this recipe without marinating the chicken?

While marinating enhances flavor and tenderness, you can skip this step in a pinch. Just mix the marinade ingredients and coat the chicken and potatoes thoroughly right before baking to still get plenty of taste.

What if I don’t have fresh parsley?

Dried parsley can be used as a substitute, but fresh parsley provides a brighter flavor and a lovely, fresh finish to the dish. Other fresh herbs like dill or basil can also add a nice twist.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This Simple Greek Chicken and Potatoes One-Pan Meal Recipe uses naturally gluten-free ingredients, making it a safe and delicious option for those avoiding gluten.

Final Thoughts

This Simple Greek Chicken and Potatoes One-Pan Meal Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. It’s easy to make, full of fresh and vibrant flavors, and it brings a little sunshine and warmth to any table. I can’t wait for you to try this at home and experience just how approachable and satisfying Greek cooking can be. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

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