Sheet Pan Greek Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
If you love meals that come together effortlessly with big, comforting flavors, then you’re about to fall hard for this Sheet Pan Greek Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe. Imagine juicy, herb-packed chicken thighs roasting alongside tender baby potatoes, all infused with the zing of fresh lemon, garlic, and a buttery finish. This dish isn’t just easy—it’s downright irresistible and perfect for weeknights or casual weekends when you want something satisfying without the fuss. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your dinner is a home run.
Why This Recipe Works
- All-in-One Sheet Pan Cooking: You toss everything on one pan for less cleanup and perfectly roasted ingredients every time.
- Bold Greek Flavors: Lemon, garlic, oregano, and feta marry beautifully for that signature Mediterranean taste.
- Juicy, Buttery Chicken: Adding butter slices on top gives the chicken a rich finish that’s both tender and flavorful.
- Versatility: You can easily swap chicken parts or tweak seasonings based on your pantry and preferences.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient here plays its part perfectly, combining simple pantry staples with fresh herbs and bright citrus to bring that authentic Greek vibe to your plate. I always recommend using good-quality olive oil and fresh herbs when possible because they really make this dish sing.

- Baby potatoes: Their small size and smooth skin roast up tender and creamy without extra peeling hassle.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Brings richness and helps everything crisp up beautifully.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: I prefer thighs for juiciness, but breasts work too—just watch the cooking time!
- Fresh lemons: Both halves and slices add bright acidity, balancing the rich butter and garlic.
- Dried oregano and fresh herbs: Classic Greek flavors that infuse the dish with earthy, aromatic notes.
- Garlic cloves: Slightly smashed to roast soft and mellow—great for mixing into the dressing or eating whole.
- Shallot and yellow onion: Add subtle sweetness and depth when roasted alongside the chicken.
- Smoked or regular paprika: Just a touch to add warmth and a hint of smokiness.
- Salted butter: Small slices melt over chicken pieces, adding lusciousness and that restaurant-quality taste.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled on at the end for that salty, tangy pop that’s quintessentially Greek.
- Red wine vinegar and pepperoncini: Give the dressing a punch of tang and gentle heat, rounding out the flavors perfectly.
- Greek olive mix (or green olives): Provide savory briny bites that contrast with the tender chicken and potatoes.
Tweak to Your Taste
I like to keep the base of this Sheet Pan Greek Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe pretty traditional, but I never hesitate to tweak it depending on what’s in my fridge or how adventurous I’m feeling. You can easily add or swap ingredients to suit your preferences while keeping the spirit of this dish intact.
- Variation: Sometimes, I swap chicken thighs for boneless breasts when I want a leaner meal or for quicker cooking. Just keep an eye on the timing so the chicken stays juicy.
- Vegetarian option: Try swapping chicken with thick slices of halloumi cheese and add extra veggies like bell peppers and zucchini.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne if you like more heat.
- Fresh Herbs: Play around with the herb mix—sometimes I add mint or basil for a summertime twist.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sheet Pan Greek Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepping the Potatoes and Roasting
Start by preheating your oven to 425° F. Then, toss those baby potatoes in two tablespoons of olive oil and season them well with kosher salt and black pepper. Nestle a couple of halved lemons right on the pan—they add so much to the aroma and flavor as they roast. Pop everything into the oven for about 20 minutes until the potatoes are snugly tender but still have a little bite. This initial roast ensures everything finishes cooking evenly when you add the chicken later.
Step 2: Seasoning the Chicken
While the potatoes are roasting, get the chicken ready. In a medium bowl, I mix the chicken pieces with the remaining olive oil, dried oregano, paprika, chopped shallot, salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Don’t be shy here; coating the chicken well is key for maximum flavor. This is where the dish really starts to get its signature Greek taste.
Step 3: Adding Everything to the Sheet Pan
Once those potatoes are tender, take the pan out and carefully nestle the seasoned chicken pieces around them. Scatter the sliced yellow onion, smashed garlic cloves, and lemon slices around the pan. Then, cut salted butter into small slices and place one on top of each chicken piece—this is a total game changer for juiciness and richness. Pop it back into the oven for another 20 to 25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and lovely golden brown.
Step 4: Making the Dressing & Finishing Touches
As your chicken finishes roasting, whisk together a dressing with the rest of your olive oil, red wine vinegar, chopped fresh herbs (parsley, oregano, dill), chopped pepperoncini, and torn Greek olives. Remove the baked lemon slices and roasted garlic from the pan, chop the lemons finely (rind and all, but no seeds), and mash the garlic into a paste. Stir these into your dressing along with a pinch of salt and red pepper flakes to taste. Once the chicken and potatoes are done, crumble feta over the top, drizzle with the dressing, and sprinkle fresh herbs for that final fresh note.
Pro Tips for Making Sheet Pan Greek Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
- Even-Sized Chicken: Using similar-sized chicken pieces helps everything cook evenly, avoiding dry edges or underdone centers.
- Don’t Skip the Butter: Those little butter slices melt into the chicken skin, keeping it moist and giving it that irresistible golden crust.
- Lemon Roasting Trick: Roasting lemons halves and slices bring mellow complexity that fresh lemon juice alone can’t deliver.
- Make the Dressing Last: Adding the lemon and garlic paste at the end keeps the dressing fresh and bright rather than bitter or overpowering.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Greek Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes
I always finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and oregano—they brighten up the rich chicken and add that vibrant, fresh taste. Don’t forget the crumbled feta; it melts slightly over the warm chicken and adds a salty creaminess that’s just heavenly.
Side Dishes
Although this dish is one-pan and pretty hearty on its own, I love pairing it with a simple Greek salad or steamed green beans tossed with lemon. For something cozy, garlic pita bread makes the perfect vehicle for soaking up the tasty pan juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special family dinner, I arrange the chicken and potatoes on a large serving platter, drape the pan dressing over everything, and scatter extra feta and herbs on top. It’s rustic but elegant—a real showstopper that invites people to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The chicken and potatoes reheat nicely, though the potatoes might firm up a bit—still delicious though!
Freezing
This recipe freezes well before baking. Just assemble everything on the sheet pan, cover tightly, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Reheating
I recommend reheating leftovers in a 350° F oven to keep the chicken skin crisp. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but can make the skin less appealing.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Sheet Pan Greek Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine, but since they tend to cook faster and can dry out more easily, keep the pieces uniform in size and watch the oven closely. You may want to check for doneness a bit earlier, around 18-20 minutes after adding them to the pan.
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What can I substitute if I don’t have pepperoncini?
If pepperoncini aren’t on hand, mild banana peppers or even a splash of pickled jalapeño can give your dressing that subtle tang and mild heat. Just be careful not to overpower the delicate herb flavors.
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Do I have to roast the lemons and garlic first?
Roasting lemons and garlic adds a mellow, caramelized depth that fresh simply can’t match, but if you’re pressed for time, you can skip it and add fresh lemon juice and minced raw garlic to the dressing instead. Just expect a brighter, sharper flavor contrast.
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How spicy is this recipe?
This dish has a gentle kick from the red pepper flakes and pepperoncinis but is not overpowering. You can always adjust the amount of chili flakes to suit your heat tolerance or leave them out entirely for a milder flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Sheet Pan Greek Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe is one of those meals I come back to over and over because it feels special but requires surprisingly little effort. The layers of flavor—from the fragrant herbs and garlic to the buttery chicken and tangy feta—make it feel restaurant-worthy yet totally homey. I hope you give it a try soon; I bet you’ll find it becomes a favorite go-to dinner in your own kitchen, just like it did for me.
Print
Sheet Pan Greek Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Sheet Pan Greek Garlic Butter Chicken and Potatoes recipe is a flavorful and easy one-pan meal featuring tender chicken thighs or breasts roasted with baby potatoes, fresh herbs, garlic, and tangy lemon. Topped with a vibrant olive and herb dressing and creamy feta cheese, it’s a perfect Mediterranean-inspired dinner that comes together quickly with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 6 chicken thighs or breasts (similar sizes for even cooking)
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 6-8 garlic cloves, lightly smashed
- 2 lemons, 1 halved and 1 sliced
- 6-8 ounces feta cheese, cubed
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, sliced into 6 pieces
Seasonings and Oils
- 4 tablespoons plus 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon smoked or regular paprika
- 1 shallot, chopped
- Red pepper flakes, to taste
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1-2 pepperoncini, chopped
- 3/4 cup Greek olive mix or green olives, torn
- 2 cups mixed fresh parsley, oregano, and dill, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425° F to prepare for roasting the chicken and potatoes.
- Roast Potatoes: On a large baking sheet, toss the halved baby potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then season well with kosher salt and black pepper. Add the halved lemon pieces onto the pan. Roast for 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Prepare Chicken: In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil with chicken, dried oregano, paprika, chopped shallot, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss to evenly coat the chicken with the seasoning mixture.
- Combine and Roast: Remove the potatoes from the oven. Nestle the seasoned chicken pieces around the potatoes on the baking sheet. Arrange sliced onions, smashed garlic cloves, and lemon slices around the chicken. Place one slice of salted butter on top of each chicken piece. Return to the oven and roast for another 25 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and juices run clear.
- Make Dressing: While the chicken finishes roasting, combine the remaining 1/3 cup olive oil, red wine vinegar, mixed chopped fresh herbs, chopped pepperoncini, and torn Greek olives in a bowl. Stir well to blend flavors.
- Prepare Lemon and Garlic: Remove the charred lemon slices and garlic cloves from the baking sheet. Finely chop the lemon slices, including the rind but discarding any seeds. Add half of the chopped lemon to the dressing. Mash the garlic into a paste and stir it into the dressing. Season with extra red pepper flakes and salt to taste. Add more lemon if desired for brightness.
- Assemble and Serve: Break the cubed feta cheese evenly over the chicken and potatoes on the sheet pan. Drizzle the prepared dressing over everything and sprinkle with additional fresh herbs. Serve hot and enjoy this vibrant Greek-inspired meal!
Notes
- Chicken: Use thighs or breasts, bone-in or boneless. Adjust cooking time accordingly; bone-in pieces will need an additional 10-15 minutes depending on size.
- Potatoes: Baby potatoes work best for even roasting and tenderness; do not overcrowd the pan to ensure crispness.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, oregano, and dill add brightness. If unavailable, dried herbs can be substituted but use less quantity.
- Lemon: Using both lemon halves for roasting and lemon slices for garnish gives layered citrus flavor.
- Butter: Using salted butter adds richness and moisture to the chicken while roasting.
- Adjust Spice: Add or reduce red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg


