This rustic Mediterranean-inspired one-pan chicken and potato dish combines succulent chicken pieces with crispy roasted potatoes, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that’s both comforting and elegant. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family gatherings, this recipe requires minimal prep work while delivering maximum flavor.
Ingredients
For 4-6 servings:
- 8 chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks) (approximately 2.2 lbs/1 kg)
- 1½ pounds (680g) baby potatoes, halved
- ¼ cup (60ml) olive oil
- ¼ cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
- 6 garlic cloves, pressed (approximately 2 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon (5g) Middle Eastern 7 spice blend
- 1 teaspoon (5g) paprika
- 2 teaspoons (10g) salt
- 1 teaspoon (5g) black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Pat the chicken and potatoes dry thoroughly with paper towels
- Place them in a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) oven-safe rimmed baking dish
- Making the Marinade
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil and lemon juice
- Add pressed garlic, 7 spice blend, paprika, salt, and pepper
- Whisk all ingredients together until well combined
- Assembling the Dish
- Pour the marinade over the chicken and potatoes
- Using clean hands, massage the marinade into both chicken and potatoes
- Arrange everything in a single layer for even cooking
- Cooking
- Bake uncovered for 55-65 minutes
- Check that potatoes are fork-tender
- Ensure chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)
- For extra crispiness, broil for 3-5 minutes until golden brown
- Finishing
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 880mg
Timing:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Total Time: 75-85 minutes
Pro Tips and Tricks
- Perfect Potatoes: Cut potatoes into uniformly sized pieces for even cooking
- Optimal Chicken: Leave the skin on for extra flavor and crispiness
- Better Browning: Pat ingredients dry before adding marinade
- Enhanced Flavor: Let chicken marinate for 30 minutes before cooking if time permits
- Even Cooking: Bring chicken to room temperature 20 minutes before baking
Variations and Substitutions
- Spice Alternatives
- Replace 7 spice with za’atar or Italian seasoning
- Substitute paprika with smoked paprika for earthier flavor
- Use herb de Provence for French twist
- Potato Options
- Sweet potatoes (adjust cooking time)
- Red potatoes
- Yukon gold potatoes
- Protein Variations
- Chicken breasts (reduce cooking time)
- Turkey pieces
- Rabbit (adjust cooking time)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use boneless chicken instead?
A: Yes, but reduce cooking time to 35-40 minutes and check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Q: What is 7 spice blend and where can I find it?
A: Middle Eastern 7 spice (baharat) contains black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cardamom, and nutmeg. Find it in Middle Eastern markets or make your own by combining equal parts of these spices.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead?
A: You can prepare the marinade and combine with chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Add potatoes just before baking for best results.
Q: Why aren’t my potatoes getting crispy?
A: Ensure potatoes are completely dry before coating with oil and avoid overcrowding the pan. For extra crispiness, preheat the baking dish.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 3 months (potatoes may change texture)
Make-Ahead Options:
- Prepare marinade up to 3 days in advance
- Marinate chicken overnight
- Cut potatoes ahead and store in cold water; dry thoroughly before using
Reheating:
- Oven: 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes
- Microwave: 2-3 minutes on medium power (potatoes won’t be crispy)
This one-pan wonder combines the convenience of minimal cleanup with maximum flavor impact. The combination of aromatic spices, tangy lemon, and garlic creates a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Perfect for both casual family dinners and special occasions, this recipe proves that sometimes the simplest dishes are the most satisfying.
