Mediterranean Lemon-Garlic Roast Chicken with Herb-Infused Potatoes
Indulge in the rich and vibrant flavors of Greece with this Mediterranean Lemon-Garlic Roast Chicken. Featuring succulent chicken halves marinated in zesty lemon juice and aromatic garlic, this dish promises a sensory feast for lovers of bold cuisines. The accompanying herb-infused red potatoes soak up the delicious juices, creating a delightful pairing. This recipe is ideal for weekends or special gatherings, served hot with crusty bread for dipping into the savory pan juices. Whether you're hosting a hearty family dinner or a festive celebration, this flavorful dish is bound to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole chicken
1 (sliced in half (about 3 to 3-1/2 pounds))
Red potatoes
8 medium (peeled and left whole)
Salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Black pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Lemons
2 (juiced)
Olive oil
1/2 cup (for drizzling)
Dried oregano
1 tablespoon (rubbed between fingers)
Whole garlic bulb
1 (separated into cloves with skins removed)
Green olives
1/2 cup (sliced)
Chicken broth
8 tablespoons (more if needed during cooking)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) with the rack positioned at the bottom.
2
Lightly grease a large roasting pan to hold the chicken halves and potatoes comfortably.
3
Using kitchen shears, cut the whole chicken down the center of the breast. Cut alongside the backbone and remove it, ensuring you keep the chicken halves intact.
4
Generously season both sides of the chicken with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then place them skin-side down in the prepared roasting pan.
5
In a separate bowl, season the whole red potatoes with salt and pepper, then arrange them around the chicken halves in the pan.
6
Scatter the whole garlic cloves and sliced green olives evenly around the potatoes for added flavor.
7
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lemon juice and olive oil. Drizzle this mixture evenly over the chicken and potatoes, ensuring an even coating.
8
Sprinkle the dried oregano over the entire dish to infuse it with classic Mediterranean flavor.
9
Pour 2 tablespoons of chicken broth into the four corners of the pan, avoiding direct contact with the chicken and potatoes.
10
Roast uncovered in the oven for approximately 50 minutes. After this time, carefully turn the chicken skin-side up and drizzle some pan juices over the top.
11
If the liquid has cooked down significantly, add an additional 1/3 to 1/2 cup of broth to the sides of the pan.
12
Continue roasting for another 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), basting with the pan juices occasionally to ensure moistness.
13
Serve hot, accompanied by the savory pan juices.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Lemon-Garlic Roast Chicken?
It is a Greek-inspired dish featuring chicken halves and red potatoes roasted with lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and dried oregano.
What size chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for one whole chicken weighing approximately 3 to 3.5 pounds, sliced in half.
How do I prepare the chicken for roasting?
Use kitchen shears to remove the backbone and cut the chicken down the center of the breast to create two halves.
What oven temperature is required?
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit or 220 degrees Celsius.
Where should the oven rack be positioned?
Place the oven rack at the bottom position for optimal roasting.
How should the chicken be placed in the pan initially?
Place the chicken halves skin-side down in the greased roasting pan at the start.
What type of potatoes are best for this recipe?
Medium red potatoes are used, which should be peeled and left whole.
How do I prepare the garlic?
Separate a whole garlic bulb into cloves and remove the skins before scattering them in the pan.
What is the purpose of the chicken broth?
The broth prevents the pan from drying out and helps create a savory sauce with the lemon and pan juices.
How much lemon juice is needed?
The recipe requires the juice of two lemons whisked with olive oil.
When do I flip the chicken?
After roasting for 50 minutes, carefully turn the chicken halves so they are skin-side up.
How long does the chicken cook in total?
Total roasting time is usually between 80 and 90 minutes.
What internal temperature ensures the chicken is done?
The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 75 degrees Celsius.
Can I add more liquid during cooking?
Yes, if the liquid cooks down too much, add an additional 1/3 to 1/2 cup of chicken broth to the pan.
How are the olives used in this recipe?
Half a cup of sliced green olives are scattered around the potatoes to add a salty, Mediterranean flavor.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
Dried oregano is the primary herb, rubbed between fingers to release its flavor before sprinkling.
Should I cover the pan while roasting?
No, the chicken should be roasted uncovered to achieve a golden color.
How much olive oil is required?
Use 1/2 cup of olive oil to whisk with the lemon juice for drizzling.
Can I use different types of potatoes?
While red potatoes are specified for their texture, other waxy potatoes could be substituted if necessary.
How do I baste the chicken?
Drizzle some of the collected pan juices over the top of the chicken after you flip it skin-side up.
Where do I pour the broth in the pan?
Pour the chicken broth into the four corners of the roasting pan, avoiding direct contact with the chicken and potatoes.
Is this recipe suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is an impressive and flavorful dish perfect for weekend family dinners or festive celebrations.
What should I serve with this roast chicken?
Serve it hot with crusty bread to dip into the savory lemon-garlic pan juices.
Do I need to grease the roasting pan?
Yes, lightly grease a large roasting pan to prevent sticking.
How many potatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for 8 medium red potatoes.
Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried?
Yes, but dried oregano is traditional for this specific flavor profile; use a larger quantity if substituting fresh.
What flavor profile does this dish have?
It is vibrant, zesty, and aromatic with bold lemon and garlic notes.
How do I season the potatoes?
Season the whole peeled red potatoes with salt and pepper in a separate bowl before adding them to the pan.
Is it okay to leave the potato skins on?
The recipe specifically suggests peeling the red potatoes for the best texture in this dish.
What if I do not have kitchen shears?
You can use a sharp chef's knife to cut the chicken, though shears are often safer for removing the backbone.