Kotopoulo Lemonato (Greek Lemon Roast Chicken with Potatoes)
Local name: Κοτόπουλο λεμονάτο
In short: Bone-in chicken and potato wedges roasted in one pan with lemon, olive oil, garlic and oregano until crisp and golden. It takes about 1 h 30 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 1 h 10 min
- Total
- 1 h 30 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 660 kcal
Kotopoulo lemonato is the roast chicken of Greek family tables: bone-in chicken and potatoes roasted in one pan with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic and oregano until the skin is crisp and the potatoes soak up the juices. Everything cooks together with little work. The lemon turns slightly sticky and mellow in the oven. Serve it with a simple tomato salad and bread.
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Whisk the lemon juice, oil, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
- Add the chicken and potatoes and toss to coat. Arrange them in a large roasting pan, with the chicken skin side up in a single layer and the potatoes around it.
- Pour the hot water into the pan, around the chicken and not over it.
- Roast for 30 minutes. Turn the potatoes and baste everything with the pan juices.
- Roast for 30 to 40 minutes more, until the chicken is deep golden and reads 74°C (165°F) at the thickest part, and the potatoes are tender with crisp edges. Add a splash of water if the pan dries out.
- Rest for 10 minutes, spoon the juices over and serve with lemon wedges.
Tips
- For more flavor, marinate the chicken in the lemon mixture for 2 to 12 hours in the fridge. Do not go longer, or the acid makes the meat mealy.
- Cut the potatoes into thick wedges so they do not dry out. Waxy or all-purpose potatoes hold up better than floury ones.
- For a thicker, creamier sauce, whisk 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard into the lemon and oil mixture. It is not traditional, but it helps the marinade cling.
Questions and answers
Why is my lemon chicken bitter?
Lemon pith or seeds can add bitterness. Use strained juice only, and keep zest and white pith out of the marinade.
Can I use boneless chicken?
Yes, but cook it less. Boneless thighs need about 30 minutes in total, and breasts dry out easily, so check them at 25 minutes for 74°C (165°F).
What do you serve with lemon chicken?
A village salad, rice or crusty bread to soak up the juices. The potatoes are already in the pan.
How long does it take to make Kotopoulo Lemonato (Greek Lemon Roast Chicken with Potatoes)?
About 1 h 30 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 1 h 10 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Kotopoulo Lemonato (Greek Lemon Roast Chicken with Potatoes)?
About 660 kcal per serving, with 43 g of protein, 46 g of carbohydrates and 34 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 660 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 43 g |
| Carbohydrates | 46 g |
| Fat | 34 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 1350 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
