If you’re searching for a truly satisfying and flavorful meal that promises minimal kitchen fuss and simple cleanup, then this Sheet Pan Greek Chicken and Potatoes recipe is about to become your new favorite.
Sheet Pan Greek Chicken and Potatoes: Your Ultimate One-Pan Mediterranean Feast
Imagine a meal that brings the vibrant, fresh flavors of the Mediterranean directly to your dinner table, all cooked on a single sheet pan. This Sheet Pan Greek Chicken and Potatoes is precisely that – an effortlessly delicious and wholesome dish designed for ease and maximum flavor. It features tender, succulent chicken, perfectly marinated in a bright blend of lemon juice, fragrant garlic, and traditional Greek herbs, roasted alongside golden, crispy potatoes. The result is a harmonious combination of textures and tastes that will delight your palate and streamline your cooking process, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or relaxed family gatherings. And with just one pan to wash, you’ll spend more time enjoying your culinary creation and less time at the sink!
The Irresistible Allure of an Easy, Delicious One-Pan Meal
In today’s fast-paced world, finding meals that balance nutritional value, incredible taste, and practical convenience can be a challenge. This Sheet Pan Greek Chicken and Potatoes offers the perfect solution, proving that you don’t need extensive culinary skills or a sink full of dishes to create a memorable dinner. Here are several compelling reasons why this recipe stands out:
- Effortless Preparation: The beauty of a sheet pan meal lies in its simplicity. Chop, marinate, arrange, and bake. That’s it! This streamlined process means less hands-on time in the kitchen and more moments spent with loved ones.
- Explosion of Authentic Greek Flavors: Every component of this dish is steeped in the rich culinary heritage of Greece. The chicken is infused with a zesty, herbaceous marinade featuring fresh lemon, robust garlic, and aromatic oregano, while the potatoes absorb these incredible flavors, crisping up to perfection.
- A Wholesome and Balanced Choice: Rich in lean protein from the chicken, complex carbohydrates from the potatoes, and healthy fats from olive oil, this meal is inherently balanced and nutritious. It aligns perfectly with the principles of the Mediterranean diet, promoting well-being without sacrificing flavor.
- Minimal Cleanup: Perhaps one of the most celebrated aspects of any sheet pan recipe is the cleanup. With everything cooking on a single baking sheet (especially when lined with parchment paper), washing up becomes a trivial task.
- Highly Customizable: While the core recipe is stellar, it serves as a fantastic foundation for culinary creativity. Easily incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to boost nutrition and color.
- Ideal for Meal Prepping: This dish holds up beautifully, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep. Cook a larger batch on Sunday, and enjoy healthy, flavorful lunches or dinners throughout the week, saving you precious time.
“This is a first, and it is amazing! Flavorful! A new favorite, the whole family loved it. Thank you!”
– Genevieve
The Secret to Sizzling Greek Flavors: A Powerful Marinade
The heart and soul of this Sheet Pan Greek Chicken and Potatoes recipe lie in its exquisite marinade. This isn’t just about coating ingredients; it’s about transforming them, infusing every fiber of the chicken and every porous surface of the potato with a symphony of Mediterranean tastes. The marinade tenderizes the chicken, ensures deep flavor penetration, and contributes significantly to the irresistible crispiness of the potatoes. Crafted from essential Greek pantry staples, our marinade boasts:
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Providing a critical burst of citrusy zest and acidity, lemon juice not only brightens the flavor profile but also acts as a natural tenderizer for the chicken, making it incredibly juicy.
- Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The liquid gold of the Mediterranean, olive oil serves as the perfect base, carrying the aromatic flavors, ensuring moisture, and promoting beautiful caramelization and browning during roasting.
- Tangy Red Wine Vinegar: A touch of red wine vinegar adds another layer of mild acidity and a subtle tang that complements the lemon and enhances the overall complexity of the marinade.
- Pungent Minced Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for that authentic, robust flavor foundation characteristic of Greek cuisine.
- Earthy Dried Oregano: The signature herb of Greece, oregano delivers a warm, peppery, and slightly sweet aroma that instantly transports you to the Aegean.
- Warm Dried Coriander: This spice adds a unique, warm, and citrusy undertone that beautifully rounds out the herbaceous notes of the oregano.
- Balanced Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are crucial for drawing out and amplifying all the other wonderful flavors.
The time spent marinating is not merely a suggestion; it’s an investment in flavor. Allowing your chicken and potatoes to soak in this aromatic concoction for at least 45 minutes, or ideally several hours, will elevate the dish from good to truly exceptional. This step ensures that every bite is bursting with the vibrant, sun-drenched taste of Greece.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sheet Pan Greek Chicken
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic and often more forgiving alternative to chicken breasts. They tend to be more moist and flavorful due to their higher fat content. When using chicken thighs, be mindful that they may require a slightly longer cooking time than breasts. Adjust baking duration as needed, typically until they reach an internal temperature of 175°F (80°C) for optimal tenderness, compared to 165°F (74°C) for chicken breasts.
This recipe is incredibly versatile and welcomes a variety of vegetables! Bell peppers (any color), zucchini, red onions, cherry tomatoes, or even thicker-cut carrots and broccoli florets would be delicious additions. For best results, ensure all vegetables are cut into roughly even-sized pieces to promote uniform cooking. Delicate vegetables like cherry tomatoes or asparagus can be added halfway through the baking process to prevent them from becoming overcooked or mushy. Don’t forget to toss them with a little extra olive oil and seasoning!
While you could technically season the chicken and potatoes right before baking, we emphatically recommend against skipping the marinating step. The marinade is the heart of this Greek dish, allowing the zesty lemon, aromatic garlic, and earthy herbs to deeply penetrate and tenderize both the chicken and the potatoes. This process significantly enhances the flavor, juiciness, and overall texture of the final meal. For an authentic and truly delicious Greek experience, let those flavors meld!
Achieving wonderfully crispy potatoes is key to this recipe’s success! The most important tip is to avoid overcrowding the sheet pan. If the potatoes are too close together, they will steam rather than roast, preventing that desirable crisp exterior. Use two sheet pans if necessary to give everything ample space. Also, cut your potatoes into relatively even pieces and ensure they are well-coated with the olive oil in the marinade. For an extra golden-brown and crispy finish, consider placing the sheet pan under a preheated broiler for 2-3 minutes at the very end of cooking, but watch them diligently to prevent burning.
The homemade tzatziki sauce, with its cool, creamy, and herbaceous notes, provides a spectacular counterpoint to the savory chicken and potatoes, truly completing the Greek experience. We highly recommend making it from scratch as it’s simple and tastes far superior to most store-bought versions. However, if time is extremely limited, a good quality store-bought tzatziki will work. The dish is still delicious without it, but the homemade touch adds a layer of authenticity and freshness that’s hard to beat.
Yes, this recipe is incredibly well-suited for advance preparation, making it a meal-prepper’s dream! You can prepare and marinate both the chicken and potatoes in their separate bags up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them in the refrigerator. The homemade tzatziki sauce can also be made a day or two ahead of time and kept refrigerated in an airtight container, allowing its flavors to deepen beautifully. When you’re ready to cook, just assemble the prepped ingredients on your sheet pan and bake. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, making for convenient and delicious subsequent meals.
Essential Ingredients for Your Sheet Pan Greek Chicken Meal
Crafting this flavorful Greek feast requires a selection of fresh and aromatic ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Baby Potatoes: Approximately 1.5 pounds (about 680g). Red or yellow baby potatoes are ideal as they roast evenly and develop a delightful crispness. Halve them for optimal cooking.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: 4 pieces. Choose breasts of similar size to ensure uniform cooking. You can also butterfly larger breasts or cut them into thick strips if you prefer smaller portions.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: ¼ cup (about 60ml). A high-quality olive oil is crucial for authentic flavor and proper roasting.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: ¼ cup (about 60ml). Freshly squeezed lemon juice is paramount for the vibrant, zesty Greek essence. Avoid bottled lemon juice if possible.
- Red Wine Vinegar: 2 Tablespoons (about 30ml). This adds a subtle tang and complex acidity to the marinade.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic provides a potent, aromatic base.
- Dried Oregano: 2 teaspoons. The hallmark herb of Greek cooking, offering an earthy, slightly peppery, and sweet flavor.
- Dried Coriander: ½ teaspoon. This spice introduces a warm, citrusy note that wonderfully complements the other Mediterranean flavors.
- Kosher Salt: 1 ½ teaspoons. Adjust to your taste, but this amount provides a good foundational seasoning.
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon. Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle heat and enhances the overall spice profile.
For the Homemade Tzatziki Sauce (Optional, but Highly Recommended):
- Plain Greek Yogurt: 1 ½ cups (about 360g). Full-fat Greek yogurt yields the richest, creamiest texture.
- Cucumber: 1 cup, peeled and finely diced (about 120g). Adds a refreshing, cooling element.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: 1 Tablespoon (about 15ml). A splash of lemon brightens the sauce.
- Fresh Dill: 1 Tablespoon, chopped. Its distinctive, slightly anisy flavor is essential for authentic tzatziki.
- Garlic: 1 teaspoon, grated. Grated garlic ensures a smooth texture and even distribution of flavor.
- Kosher Salt: ½ teaspoon.
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Delicious Sheet Pan Greek Chicken Meal
Follow these straightforward instructions to create a healthy, hearty, and flavorful Greek dinner with minimal effort:
Prepare Potatoes: Begin by thoroughly washing the baby potatoes. Slice each potato in half. If using larger potatoes, quarter them to ensure they cook evenly and match the chicken’s cooking time. Place all prepared potatoes into a large, gallon-size resealable bag.
Freshly sliced baby red potatoes, perfectly prepared for roasting. Prepare Chicken: Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them into a separate large, gallon-size resealable bag. This method of separate bagging is shown for those who prefer to keep meats and vegetables distinct during marination due to cross-contamination concerns, though proper cooking temperatures will eliminate any risk.
Chicken breasts and sliced potatoes, neatly portioned into individual bags. Whisk the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ¼ cup fresh lemon juice, 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar, ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 cloves minced garlic, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, ½ teaspoon dried coriander, 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together vigorously until a well-emulsified and fragrant marinade forms.
Marinate Chicken and Potatoes: Divide the prepared marinade evenly between the two resealable bags (one for potatoes, one for chicken). Take half a lemon and slice it into thin rounds; add these slices directly into the bag with the chicken breasts. Seal both bags tightly, ensuring as much air as possible is removed, then gently massage the contents to ensure that the marinade thoroughly coats all surfaces of the chicken and potatoes. Place both bags into the refrigerator and allow them to marinate for a minimum of 45 minutes. For a more intense flavor, you can marinate them for up to 4 hours.
Chef’s Note: While marinating chicken and potatoes separately is demonstrated here to address common concerns about cross-contamination, rest assured that cooking both ingredients at a high oven temperature makes it perfectly safe to marinate them together in a single large bag or bowl if you prefer the added convenience.The aromatic marinade being carefully distributed over the chicken and potatoes. Chicken and potatoes fully enveloped in the zesty Greek marinade, ready for optimal flavor absorption. Prepare Tzatziki Sauce (Optional): While the chicken and potatoes are marinating, you can prepare the refreshing tzatziki sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the 1 ½ cups plain Greek yogurt, 1 cup peeled and finely diced cucumber, 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh dill, 1 teaspoon grated garlic, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
The fresh ingredients for the homemade tzatziki sauce, waiting to be combined. Mix and Chill Tzatziki: Stir all the tzatziki ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and the flavors are evenly distributed. Cover the bowl and place it into the refrigerator until you are ready to serve the meal. The longer the tzatziki sits, the more the flavors meld and intensify, making it even more delicious.
Creamy tzatziki sauce, freshly stirred and ready for chilling. Chilled tzatziki sauce, garnished with delicate fresh dill sprigs. Preheat Oven and Arrange: When your ingredients have finished marinating and you are ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large, sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper; this will prevent sticking and make cleanup incredibly easy. Carefully remove the marinated chicken and potatoes from their bags, discarding any residual marinade. Arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is sufficient space between each piece to allow for even roasting and crisping. Place the reserved lemon slices directly on top of the chicken breasts.
Marinated chicken and potatoes artfully arranged on a baking sheet, ready for the oven. Bake to Perfection: Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer at its thickest part. The potatoes should be fork-tender on the inside and beautifully golden-brown and crispy on the outside. Cooking times may vary depending on the exact size and thickness of your chicken breasts and potatoes.
The Sheet Pan Greek Chicken and Potatoes, perfectly roasted and garnished with fresh herbs. Achieve Extra Crispiness (Optional Broil): For an extra layer of crispiness on your potatoes and a delicate char on the chicken, you may choose to briefly broil the dish. Carefully transfer the baking pan under a preheated broiler for about 2-3 minutes. It is crucial to watch the pan continuously during this step, as broilers cook very quickly and can easily burn food. Once the desired crispness is achieved, remove the pan from the oven.
A close-up of the tender and flavorful Greek chicken breast, showcasing its perfect cook. Garnish and Serve: Once removed from the oven, garnish the cooked Sheet Pan Greek Chicken and Potatoes with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a light dusting of dried oregano, if desired. Serve the meal immediately, accompanied by the chilled homemade tzatziki sauce on the side. Enjoy this complete and utterly delightful Greek-inspired feast!
A perfectly roasted potato, dipped into creamy, homemade tzatziki sauce.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Sheet Pan Greek Chicken and Potatoes
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: This is arguably the most important tip for any roasted dish, especially for crispy potatoes. If your chicken and potatoes are packed too tightly, they will steam rather than roast, resulting in a soggy outcome. Use two sheet pans if necessary to ensure ample space for air circulation.
- Evenly Sized Ingredients: For uniform cooking, ensure your potatoes are cut into similar sizes. If your chicken breasts are very thick, you might want to butterfly them or cut them into slightly smaller pieces to match the potatoes’ cooking time.
- Pat Chicken Dry: Before adding the marinade, gently pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This allows the marinade to adhere better to the surface and encourages a more appealing sear and browning in the oven.
- Prioritize Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients significantly impacts the final flavor. Freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly minced garlic offer a far more vibrant and authentic taste compared to their pre-bottled or pre-chopped counterparts.
- Season to Your Liking: The provided seasoning measurements are a great starting point, but don’t hesitate to adjust the salt, pepper, and herbs to match your personal preference. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also introduce a delightful subtle warmth.
- Allow Chicken to Rest: Once the chicken is cooked through, resist the urge to slice into it immediately. Letting it rest on the cutting board for 5-10 minutes allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and juicy chicken.
Delightful Serving Suggestions to Complement Your Greek Feast
While this Sheet Pan Greek Chicken and Potatoes is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, it can be beautifully enhanced with a few simple accompaniments that further embrace the Mediterranean theme:
- Fresh Greek Salad: A vibrant salad featuring crisp romaine lettuce, ripe tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese, dressed with a light vinaigrette, provides a refreshing contrast.
- Warm Pita Bread: Serve with warm pita bread, ideal for soaking up any delicious pan juices or scooping up generous portions of tzatziki.
- Steamed Greens: A side of steamed green beans, asparagus, or broccoli adds extra freshness and a boost of vitamins.
- Light Rice Pilaf: If you desire additional carbohydrates, a simple rice pilaf seasoned with a hint of lemon and herbs makes a wonderful pairing.
Celebrating the Wholesome Goodness of Greek and Mediterranean Cuisine
Greek and broader Mediterranean cuisine is not just renowned for its incredible flavors but also deeply cherished for its exceptional health benefits. This culinary tradition emphasizes fresh, seasonal ingredients, including an abundance of vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats (especially from olive oil), and aromatic herbs and spices. It’s a way of eating that naturally supports heart health, provides sustained energy, and promotes overall well-being. This Sheet Pan Greek Chicken and Potatoes recipe perfectly embodies these principles, showcasing how simple, unprocessed ingredients can be transformed into a dish that is both profoundly delicious and incredibly nourishing. It’s a testament to the idea that wholesome eating can be an absolute joy, bringing families and friends together over tables laden with natural goodness.
Craving More Easy Sheet Pan & Greek-Inspired Recipes?
If you loved the convenience, flavor, and minimal cleanup of this Sheet Pan Greek Chicken and Potatoes, you’re in for a treat! Sheet pan meals are a culinary revelation for busy home cooks. Explore more delicious and easy-to-make recipes from our collection:
- Kielbasa Sheet Pan Meal
- Ham Steak Sheet Pan Meal
- BBQ Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner
- Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Chicken
- Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan
- Sheet Pan Turkey Dinner
- Sheet Pan Sausage and Gnocchi
- Sheet Pan Shrimp and Vegetables
- Sheet Pan Garlic Parmesan Chicken (For Two)
- Sheet Pan Creamy Garlic Chicken
- Sheet Pan Lasagna
- Sheet Pan Beef Fajitas
- Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas
- Sheet Pan Beef Quesadillas
- Sheet Pan Nachos
- Greek Chicken Gyros
- Sheet Pan Pancakes
- Sheet Pan Eggs
- 30 Chicken Breast Recipes
Sheet Pan Greek Chicken and Potatoes Meal
This Sheet Pan Greek Chicken and Potatoes is a super flavorful, all-in-one meal that is light, healthy, and incredibly easy to prepare. It’s a true taste of the Mediterranean right in your kitchen, perfect for any day of the week!
★★★★★
(26 Reviews)
Pin Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes (includes minimum marinade time)
Servings: 4
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Potatoes:
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes (red or yellow), halved
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried coriander
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 ½ cups plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup peeled and finely diced cucumber
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon grated garlic
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Slice baby potatoes in half. Place sliced potatoes into a gallon-size resealable bag. Place chicken breasts in a separate gallon-size resealable bag.
- In a bowl, mix together the lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried coriander, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk well until combined.
- Evenly distribute the marinade into each bag. Slice half a lemon into thin rounds and place them into the bag with the chicken. Gently massage the marinade around to coat the chicken and potatoes thoroughly.
- Place bags into the refrigerator and allow to marinate for at least 45 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- (Optional) While marinating, prepare the Tzatziki sauce: In a medium bowl, combine plain Greek yogurt, finely diced cucumber, fresh lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, grated garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Remove the marinated chicken and potatoes from their bags (discarding excess marinade) and arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Place the lemon slices on top of the chicken breasts. Ensure adequate space between items for even roasting.
- Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the potatoes are tender and golden-brown.
- (Optional) For extra crispy potatoes, carefully place the baking pan under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and serve immediately with the prepared tzatziki sauce.
Course: Main Course, Dinner
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean, American Fusion
Nutrition Information (Estimated Per Serving)
- Calories: 458 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Protein: 36g
- Fat: 18g
- Sodium: 1341mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
Nutritional Disclaimer: “The Country Cook” is not a registered dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information provided here is an estimate. If precise calorie counts and other nutritional values are crucial for your dietary needs, we strongly recommend calculating them using your preferred online nutritional calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use, as values can vary.
Did you make this delicious Sheet Pan Greek Chicken and Potatoes recipe?
We’d love to see your culinary creations! Share a photo on Instagram and tag us @thecountrycook and use the hashtag #thecountrycook!