Greek Lemon Chicken
Recipe Overview
Overview
Greek Lemon Chicken is a dish that truly embodies the essence of Mediterranean cooking. The combination of fresh garlic, zesty lemon, and aromatic herbs creates a marinade that infuses the chicken with incredible flavor. The use of a whole chicken not only makes this dish economical but also allows for a variety of textures, from juicy thighs to tender breasts, ensuring that everyone at the table is satisfied.
The preparation begins with a simple yet effective marinade that includes finely grated garlic, shallots, and lemon zest. This mixture is then combined with olive oil, mustard, and a selection of spices, creating a vibrant blend that will elevate the chicken’s natural flavors. Allowing the chicken to marinate for an extended period ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
As the chicken roasts, the potatoes are prepared separately to achieve that perfect crispy texture. By drying them before cooking and giving them a good sear, they develop a golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken. The final touch of adding garlic and oregano to the potatoes just before serving enhances their flavor, making them a delightful accompaniment.
This dish is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of family and tradition. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed on a cozy night in, Greek Lemon Chicken is sure to impress and satisfy. It’s a recipe that you’ll want to keep in your rotation, as it brings together simplicity and bold flavors in a way that feels both comforting and special.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Grate 6 cloves of garlic and 1 tablespoon of shallot into a bowl.
Zest 2 lemons and squeeze out their juice.
Add 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons of dry oregano, and 5-6 sprigs of fresh thyme.
Season with salt and pepper, then whisk in 1/2 cup of olive oil.
Tip: Use a food processor to save time on the marinade.
Mix in 1/4 cup of water to thin out the marinade.
Taste the marinade for flavor intensity.
Bring out a 3.5 to 4 lb whole roasting chicken.
Use a knife to separate the chicken into parts: breast, thighs, and legs.
Transfer the chicken pieces to a 13x9 dish.
Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel.
Tip: Pat the chicken dry to help the marinade adhere better.
Pour the marinade over the chicken and massage it in.
Cover the chicken with plastic wrap or place it in a zip bag.
Refrigerate the marinated chicken for 12 to 48 hours.
Tip: Marinate the chicken for 12 to 48 hours for better flavor.
Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Spread the marinated chicken in a roasting pan, leaving space between pieces.
Cover the pan with a lid or foil.
Cook the chicken for 45 minutes.
Tip: Roughly dry potatoes before roasting to ensure they brown well.
Roughly dry the potato wedges with paper towels.
Peel and halve 3 lbs of Yukon Gold potatoes, then cut into wedges.
Tip: Leave potatoes untouched for the first few minutes to enhance browning.
Tip: Flip potatoes halfway through cooking for even browning.
Remove the lid from the chicken after 45 minutes.
Cook the chicken uncovered for an additional 35 to 40 minutes.
Heat olive oil in a skillet and add the potatoes.
Leave the potatoes untouched for 3 to 4 minutes to brown.
Tip: Add garlic at the end of cooking potatoes to prevent burning.
Season the potatoes with salt and pepper and toss.
Tip: Use leftover pan juices to enhance the flavor of the chicken.
Cook the potatoes in the oven under the chicken for 20 minutes.
Tip: Finish sauces with butter for added richness.
Whisk in chicken stock with the pan juices and cook for 4 to 5 minutes.
Plate the potatoes and chicken, then drizzle with sauce.
Optionally add lemon slices and fresh oregano leaves for garnish.
Stir in 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to finish the sauce.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Coconut Cream
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Marinating chicken for 12 to 48 hours enhances its flavor and tenderness.
- •Using a whole chicken is more economical and allows for better flavor.
- •Crispy potatoes can be achieved by drying them before cooking.
- •The addition of garlic at the end of cooking helps to preserve its flavor.
