Lemon-Olive Chicken with Roasted Potatoes (Italian)
Simple and flavorful Italian-inspired chicken and potatoes roasted with lemon and olives.
Ingredients
- 2 (6 oz each) chicken thighs boneless skinless
Substitute: Chicken breasts (adjust cooking time)
- 1 lb potatoes small red or yukon gold
Substitute: Sweet potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Substitute: Avocado oil
- 1/2 lemon
Substitute: Lime
- 1/4 cup pitted olives kalamata or green
Substitute: Capers
- 1/4 tsp salt
Substitute: Sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Substitute: White pepper
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
Substitute: Paprika
Equipment Needed
- • Baking sheet
- • Chef's knife
- • Cutting board
- • Mixing bowl
- • Tongs
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
550
Protein
40g
Carbs
45g
Fat
25g
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking.
⏱️ 2 min
Technique: Preheating
- 2
Wash and cut the potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Smaller pieces cook faster.
⏱️ 3 min
Technique: Chopping
- 3
In a mixing bowl, toss (mix by lifting and dropping) the potatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Make sure the potatoes are evenly coated.
⏱️ 2 min
Technique: Tossing
- 4
Spread the potatoes in a single layer (not overlapping) on the baking sheet. This allows them to roast properly and get crispy.
⏱️ 1 min
Technique: Arranging
- 5
In the same bowl, toss the chicken thighs with the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, juice of 1/4 lemon, salt, and pepper. Massage the marinade into the chicken.
⏱️ 2 min
Technique: Marinating
- 6
Place the chicken thighs on the baking sheet with the potatoes. Make sure nothing is overcrowded.
⏱️ 1 min
Technique: Arranging
- 7
Sprinkle the olives evenly over the potatoes and chicken. This distributes the flavor.
⏱️ 1 min
Technique: Sprinkling
- 8
Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the potatoes are tender. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
⏱️ 20 min
Technique: Roasting
- 9
Squeeze the remaining 1/4 lemon juice over the chicken and potatoes before serving. This adds a final burst of flavor.
⏱️ 1 min
Technique: Seasoning
💡 Chef's Tips
For extra flavor, add a clove of minced garlic to the potato mixture. You can also add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Overcrowding the baking sheet, which will cause the potatoes to steam instead of roast.
- • Not cooking the chicken to a safe internal temperature.
- • Skipping the lemon juice at the end.
Why Easy?
✓ What makes it easier:
- • Simple ingredients
- • Easy roasting technique
- • Minimal prep work
