Lemon chicken & crispy potatoes
Lemon, garlic and a hot oven make a simple tray of chicken and potatoes feel like a proper Sunday dinner. Small potato pieces cook alongside the chicken, while green beans go in near the end so they keep a little bite.
65 minutes, start to finishLet’s make it.
- 01
Heat the oven
Heat the oven to 425°F / 220°C (200°C fan). Pat the chicken dry with paper towels; do not wash raw chicken. Use a large roasting tray with enough space around each piece.
- 02
Season
Zest the lemon, then cut it into wedges. Mix the zest, oil, garlic, oregano, salt and pepper. Coat the chicken and potatoes, then arrange on the tray with the lemon wedges, chicken skin-side up.
- 03
Roast
Roast for 35 minutes. Turn the potatoes and add the green beans, coating them in a little of the hot oil on the tray. Roast for another 10–15 minutes.
- 04
Check and rest
Check the thickest part of the chicken, away from the bone, reaches at least 165°F / 74°C on a food thermometer. Continue cooking if needed. Potatoes should be tender. Rest the chicken for 5 minutes and squeeze over the roasted lemon.
Make it your own.
- Use two trays for a doubled batch; a crowded tray steams instead of browning.
- Cut potatoes evenly so they finish at the same time.
- Chicken size changes the cooking time. The thermometer reading matters more than the clock.
Keeping the leftovers
Remove leftover meat from the bones and refrigerate in shallow covered containers within 2 hours. Use within 3–4 days and reheat to 165°F / 74°C. Keep chilled during transport.
Food safety references: cooking temperatures and cold storage.
A few good questions
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Bone-in thighs can work, but their cooking time may be shorter than whole legs. Start checking early and cook to 165°F / 74°C.
Can I swap the green beans?
Broccoli florets or zucchini pieces also work. Add them for the final 15 minutes and check for tenderness.
Original recipe written for RecipesFinder. Not yet independently kitchen-tested; times are estimates. Food images are illustrative. Our editorial approach.
