Description
This Dump-and-Bake Mediterranean Chicken and Potatoes recipe delivers a flavorful, effortless one-pan meal featuring juicy, marinated chicken thighs or breasts paired with tender, seasoned roasted baby potatoes. Infused with garlic, lemon, and a vibrant blend of Mediterranean herbs and spices, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a wholesome, hearty dinner with minimal prep and cleanup.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1.5 pounds chicken thighs or breasts
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ tbsp lemon juice
- ⅓ cup parsley, chopped
- ¾ tsp oregano
- ¾ tsp cumin
- ¾ tsp coriander
- ¾ tsp paprika
- 1¼ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Potatoes
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, cut into small pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp oregano
Optional for Serving
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Extra parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
- Tzatziki sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped parsley, oregano, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined and fragrant.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs or breasts to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting.
- Prepare the Potatoes: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, toss the cut baby potatoes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and oregano until evenly coated.
- Start Baking Potatoes: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake the potatoes alone for 15 minutes. This allows them to start softening before the chicken is added.
- Add Chicken to Baking Dish: Remove the foil, place the marinated chicken on top of the partially baked potatoes, pour any remaining marinade over the chicken and potatoes, then cover again with foil.
- Bake with Chicken Covered: Continue baking for 35 to 40 minutes covered, which will allow the chicken to cook through and the flavors to meld while keeping everything moist.
- Finish Baking Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes uncovered, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the potatoes are tender and golden.
- Optional Broil: For extra golden color and crispy edges, broil the dish for 2 to 3 minutes watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Garnish with crumbled feta, fresh parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve warm with tzatziki sauce on the side if desired for a refreshing complement.
Notes
- Cut potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly and finish at the same time as the chicken.
- Using chicken thighs provides juicier results, but chicken breasts are a good lean alternative.
- Covering the baking dish during most of the cooking time keeps the chicken and potatoes moist and prevents drying out.
- Marinating the chicken overnight significantly enhances the depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
