Bringing the Mediterranean to Your Table: Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes Sheet Pan Recipe

Name: Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes Sheet Pan Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on); 1.5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes (cut into wedges); 1/4 cup olive oil; Juice of 2 lemons; Zest of 1 lemon; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley (chopped (for garnish)); Optional: kalamata olives (feta cheese for serving)

Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes Sheet Pan recipe is a quintessential Mediterranean dish that combines the zesty freshness of lemon, the aromatic flavors of herbs, and the comforting taste of roasted chicken and potatoes. This easy-to-make sheet pan recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and delightful family dinners. Today, we’re diving into everything you need to know to make this recipe, how to get the kids involved, and why you’ll love it!

Ingredients Needed for Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes Sheet Pan Recipe

Here’s a list of all the ingredients you’ll need to create this flavorful dish:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
6 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup chicken broth
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

40 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Estimated Cost

$15 – $20

Equipment Needed

Large sheet pan
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Whisk
Knife
Cutting board
Aluminum foil (optional, for easy cleanup)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup if desired.
Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour half of the marinade over them. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the potatoes.
Season the Potatoes: In another bowl, toss the potato wedges with the remaining marinade until they are well coated.
Arrange on the Sheet Pan: Place the marinated chicken breasts on one side of the sheet pan. Arrange the potato wedges around the chicken, making sure they are in a single layer for even cooking.
Add Chicken Broth: Pour the chicken broth over the potatoes to help them stay moist during roasting.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are golden and tender. You can turn the potatoes halfway through cooking for even browning.
Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Nutritional Facts

Calories: 450
Protein: 40g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 100mg
Sodium: 780mg
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 3g

How Kids Can Help with This Recipe

Cooking can be a fun and educational activity for kids. Here’s how they can get involved:

Measuring Ingredients: Kids can help measure out the olive oil, lemon juice, and spices.
Mixing: Let them whisk together the marinade ingredients.
Tossing Potatoes: Kids can toss the potato wedges with the marinade.
Arranging on the Sheet Pan: Let them help arrange the chicken and potatoes on the sheet pan.

Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes Sheet Pan

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, here’s how to store them:

Refrigeration: Place the leftover chicken and potatoes in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or use a microwave for a quicker option.

Substitutions and Additions

Here are some ways to customize this dish to suit your tastes:

Chicken: Use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of breasts for a juicier option.
Potatoes: Swap out potatoes for sweet potatoes or a mix of root vegetables like carrots and parsnips.
Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary or basil can be used in place of dried herbs.
Vegetables: Add bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to the sheet pan for more color and nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I marinate the chicken overnight? A: Yes, marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavors even more.

Q: Can I use bone-in chicken? A: Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time as bone-in chicken takes longer to cook.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare everything and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, just bake it in the oven.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

There are many reasons to fall in love with Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes:

Flavorful: The combination of lemon, garlic, and herbs creates a delicious and aromatic meal.
Easy: This sheet pan recipe is simple to prepare and requires minimal cleanup.
Healthy: Packed with protein and fiber, this dish is nutritious and satisfying.
Kid-Friendly: Kids will enjoy helping to make and eat this tasty meal.

Nutritional Value of Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious:

Calories: 450
Protein: 40g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 100mg
Sodium: 780mg
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 3g

Shortcuts and Alternative Versions

Pre-Cut Vegetables: Use pre-cut potatoes or mixed vegetables to save time.
Marinade in a Bag: Place the chicken and marinade in a resealable plastic bag for easy mixing and cleanup.
Grill Option: Grill the chicken and potatoes instead of baking for a smoky flavor.

The History and Cultural Aspects of Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

Greek cuisine is known for its use of fresh ingredients, herbs, and spices. Lemon chicken and potatoes are a staple in Greek households, often enjoyed during family gatherings and celebrations. The bright flavors of lemon and herbs are reflective of the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes fresh produce, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This dish brings the essence of Greek cooking to your table, offering a taste of the Mediterranean’s rich culinary heritage.

Busting Myths: Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

Myth: Greek food is always spicy. Fact: Greek cuisine focuses on fresh herbs and aromatic spices rather than heat. This dish is flavorful without being spicy.

Myth: You need special ingredients to cook Greek food. Fact: Many Greek recipes, including this one, use common pantry staples like olive oil, lemon, and garlic.

Experimenting with Ingredients

Encourage your kids to get creative with the recipe. Here are some ideas:

Seasoning: Let them choose additional spices or herbs to add to the potatoes.
Vegetables: Allow them to pick their favorite vegetables to add to the sheet pan.
Toppings: Kids can add their favorite toppings, like feta cheese or olives, after baking.

Foods That Go Well with Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes

This dish pairs wonderfully with:

Greek Salad: A fresh salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese.
Tzatziki Sauce: A creamy yogurt-based sauce with cucumber and garlic.
Pita Bread: Warm pita bread for scooping up the delicious flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Presentation: Serve the chicken and potatoes on a large platter, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
Accompaniments: Pair with a Greek salad or tzatziki sauce for a complete meal.

A Personal Touch

One of my favorite memories is making Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes with my family. The kitchen would fill with the tantalizing aroma of garlic and herbs, and we’d all gather around the table, eagerly awaiting the first bite. Watching my kids enjoy the food they helped create is always a joy. These moments in the kitchen are truly priceless.

Conclusion

The Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes sheet pan recipe is a perfect meal for busy weeknights or special occasions. It’s flavorful, healthy, and easy to make, bringing the vibrant taste of the Mediterranean to your table. Get your kids involved in the cooking process and create lasting memories together. Happy cooking!

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