Indulge in a mouth-wateringly moist Greek Roast chicken with flavour packed garlic roasted potatoes. This dish is a tribute to Greek Souvlaki’s charm, bringing the flavours of the Mediterranean to your table.
We have been fortunate to travel to Greece a few times now which is where we discovered the magic of Souvlaki Chicken. Souvlaki is a popular fast-food delight, originating from deliciously marinated meat, often chicken, grilled on skewers and served with pitta and chips.
Inspired by this Greek street food I wanted to recreate a dish that was still bursting with Mediterranean flavours whilst being suitable for special occasions or a Sunday dinner. So cue Greek Roast Chicken with Garlic Roast Potatoes.
Switching out the chips for a slightly healthier roast potato whilst retaining the tantalising flavours of the marinated chicken results in a mouthwateringly moist chicken with slightly soft and sticky garlic roasted potatoes. This whole roast chicken recipe pays homage to beautiful Greece, delicious Souvlaki and will easily bring a touch of the Mediterranean to your table.
Why Choose Greek Roast Chicken?
This easy Greek-style Roast Chicken with Garlic Roast Potatoes isn’t just a recipe; it’s like throwing a party for your taste buds. For me, It’s like taking a stroll down memory lane of those Souvlaki-scented streets, wrapped in the warm embrace of the Mediterranean. And I assure you that you will be transported there in no time with this delectable recipe.
But here are some other reasons you will love this Greek Roasted Chicken:
The Health Benefits
This recipe was crafted with a focus on wholesome ingredients. Olive oil, an essential element in Mediterranean cuisine adds flavour and contributes to the chicken’s moistness while also adding heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
The chicken is packed with lean protein, essential vitamins, and antioxidants, which are all important for fulfilling a balanced and healthy lifestyle. So, as you savour each succulent bite, revel in the knowledge that you’re not just enjoying a delicious meal, but also reaping the rewards of a nutrient-rich and wholesome choice.
The Essential Greek Chicken Marinade
I always find that the magic of any Greek roast chicken starts with the marinade. Marinating the chicken in advance, with simple ingredients like olive oil and herbs ensures that the chicken is beautifully tender and flavourful. Marinating requires patience, allowing the meat to sit and absorb all the goodness of the herbs. I ensure every inch of the chicken, whether it’s the whole bird, breasts, or chicken thighs, is coated and left to sit in the medley of flavours. It’s during this time – I recommend a few hours, or overnight if possible – that the meat becomes tender
Then as the chicken roasts to perfection, its juices mingle with the potatoes, infusing them with the rich essence of the marinade. The gradual roasting guarantees that the potatoes become tender and slightly sticky, while the chicken skin turns a delightful golden brown. The simplicity of this one-pan meal makes it a convenient and easy option for both meal prep and special dinners.
What you will need for Greek roast chicken
Whole Large Chicken
- This should preferably be free-range. I know they are more expensive but in this case, I do think you get what you pay for.
- They taste better, are more nutrient-rich and contain less saturated fat
Baby potatoes
- A great source of fibre which is increased by the fact that you don’t need to peel them
Garlic
- Brings an essential flavour to this roast chicken and potatoes
And for the marinade:
- Olive oil
- White wine vinegar
- Herbs – Oregano, Thyme and Rosemary
- Garlic granules
Equipment Needed
Cutting Board
Sharp Knife
How to Make Greek roast chicken with Garlic Potatoes
An easy recipe that with minimal effort will definitely wow the crowds. Just remember that it does require a little pre-preparation by leaving the chicken marinating preferably overnight to absorb those wonderful Greek flavours.
Step 1
Start by mixing all the marinade ingredients together in a small bowl and rub them all over the chicken in the roasting tray. Leave the chicken covered with some foil in the fridge for a few hours or preferably overnight
Step 2
Heat the oven to 190C/170C Fan and place the roast chicken into the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
Step 3
Remove the chicken from the oven and pour off some of the extra juice into a bowl. Then add the potatoes seasoning them well and mix in with your cloves of garlic, coating everything well in the remaining juices.
Step 4
Cook the chicken and potatoes for another hour regularly basting the chicken and turning the potatoes. Continue to pour off some of the chicken juices. so that the potatoes aren’t too swamped in it.
Step 5
After the hour and when your chicken is a delicious golden brown, place the whole chicken on a board or plate to rest and cover loosely with foil.
Step 6
Turn the oven up by 10 degrees and pop the potatoes back in the oven for 15 minutes to crisp up.
Serve immediately and see below for some great serving suggestions for this roast chicken meal.
Tips and Notes
The chicken benefits from the marinating process as it helps in tenderising the chicken. The more tender the chicken the juicier it will be. However, if you forget it still tastes wonderful even with just a few minutes of marinating before cooking. (And yes I have forgotten before!)
I love one-pan cooking as not only is it a great way to cook your meat and veg, but it also means that both the meat and vegetables soak up all the delicious juices. However, as a note, this does mean that the fat content of the potatoes will be slightly higher.
Not only does this make it a slightly unhealthier way to enjoy your potatoes it will also work to slow down the glucose absorption. Therefore for those managing type 1 diabetes, you may want to consider adjusting your insulin delivery accordingly
I always stress the importance of preheating your oven. For a Greek roast chicken that’s cooked to perfection and evenly you’ll want a hot environment right from the start. And speaking of even cooking, using a meat thermometer is the trick to never having to guess. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, without touching the bone to ensure your chicken is cooked through. You may need to adjust your cooking time depending on the size of the chicken.
Don’t overcrowd the roasting pan. Give your potatoes and chicken enough room, so the hot air can circulate freely. I find this ensures a golden brown chicken and well-roasted potatoes.
Lastly, arranging the potatoes and chicken is important. Lay your potatoes around the chicken, not on top or underneath. This way, the potatoes absorb the garlic and marinated chicken flavour as they roast.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some serving suggestions for Souvlaki-Inspired Whole Roast Chicken:
- Greek Salad: Serve the roast chicken with a refreshing Greek side salad featuring tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, chickpeas, feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Aubergine and Red Pepper Salad – try my ROASTED PEPPERS SALAD WITH AUBERGINE which is full of flavour and goes so well with this simple dish.
- Tzatziki Sauce: Prepare a classic tzatziki sauce with Greek yoghurt, cucumber, a little garlic powder, and mint. It makes a fantastic dipping sauce for the chicken.
- Pita Bread or Flatbreads: Warm up some pita bread or flatbreads to serve alongside the roast chicken. They can be used to make wraps or simply to scoop up all of the delicious flavours.
- With a side of Healthy Beans – One of my favourite ways to enjoy this meal is with a big dollop of BUTTERBEAN STEW WITH HARISSA or AUBERGINE FETA CHEESE AND TOMATO BAKE. Both dishes are wonderful with this tasty chicken
- Lemon Rice: Accompany the chicken with lemon-infused rice. You can add herbs like dill or parsley for extra freshness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roast a medley of Mediterranean vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, and courgette. Or if you like a bit more sauce then try my SIMPLE ROASTED VEGGIE SAUCE RECIPE WITH TOMATO. The roasted veggies complement the flavours of the chicken beautifully.
- Hummus: Include a side of ROASTED PEPPER HUMMUS for a creamy and savoury element. It’s a great dip for both the chicken and the bread.
- Grilled Asparagus: Grilled asparagus spears make for a nutritious and visually appealing side dish that complements the roast chicken.
- Roasted Tenderstem – One of my favourite ways to enjoy broccoli, EASY OVEN ROASTED TENDERSTEM BROCCOLI
Ingredient Substitutions
Experimenting with ingredient substitutions can bring a wonder of variations to this recipe. Here are a few ideas for swaps and alternatives you could try:
- Chicken: Try substituting the whole chicken with chicken breasts, thighs or even chicken legs for a quicker cooking time and a great mid-week option.
- Herbs: Mix up the herb blend by using different mixes of herbs, try fresh herbs or frozen and even dried. Each different combination will change the flavour profile of this dish.
- Citrus: Add some fresh lemon juice to the marinade or even some lemon slices to the roasting tray before putting the chicken in the oven.
- Potatoes: Swap the baby potatoes for sweet potatoes to add a hint of sweetness to the dish.
- Olive Oil: While olive oil is a staple, you can substitute it with rapeseed oil, avocado oil, or even melted butter for a distinct richness.
- Garlic: Adjust the garlic quantity based on your taste preference. If you’re a garlic enthusiast, add more cloves or tone it down for a milder flavour.
- Greek Spices: Enhance the flavour to make it a Greek chicken gyro by incorporating smoked paprika, cumin, and coriander – see my gyros marinade for inspiration
For a vegetarian option check out my Souvlaki Inspired Halloumi recipe!
More Easy & Delicious Diabetic Recipes for BALANCED Blood SugARS:
Diabetes Note
As the potatoes have been cooked with the chicken, they will absorb all the delicious flavours along with the fat. This can have a delayed impact on blood sugars as the carbohydrate is converted more slowly into sugar. Therefore you may want to consider a different bolus strategy for this meal.
An alternative to lower the fat content of the potatoes is to place them and the garlic in a separate pan and roast them with a little olive or rapeseed oil.
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Greek Roast Chicken with Garlic Roast Potatoes
Mouthwateringly moist Greek Roast chicken with perfectly soft and crunchy garlic-roasted potatoes, bringing the Mediterranean to your table!
6
servings10
minutes1
hour40
minutes6-8
hours1
hour50
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
1.7-2 kg 1.7-2 whole chicken
1 kg 1 baby potatoes, halved
5-6 cloves 5-6 of garlic
- For the Marinade
4 tbsp 4 olive oil
1 tbsp 1 white wine vinegar
1 tsp 1 dried thyme
1 tsp 1 dried rosemary
2 tsp 2 dried oregano
1/4 tsp 1/4 garlic granules
Directions
- Start by mixing all the marinade ingredients together in a small bowl and rub them all over the chicken in the roasting tray. Leave the chicken covered with some foil in the fridge for a few hours or preferably overnight
- Heat the oven to 190C/170C Fan and place the roast chicken into the preheated oven for 40 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and pour off some of the extra juice into a bowl. Then add the potatoes seasoning them well and mix in with your cloves of garlic, coating everything well in the remaining juices.
- Cook the chicken and potatoes for another hour regularly basting the chicken and turning the potatoes. Continue to pour off some of the chicken juices. so that the potatoes aren’t too swamped in it.
- After the hour and when your chicken is a delicious golden brown, place the whole chicken on a board or plate to rest and cover loosely with foil.
- Turn the oven up by 10 degrees and pop the potatoes back in the oven for 15 minutes to crisp up.
Equipment
Large Enamel Roasting TrayBuy Here
Tips and Notes
- To lower the fat content of the potatoes, place them and the garlic in a separate pan and roast them with a little olive or rapeseed oil.
- If you forget to marinate in advance don’t worry it still tastes wonderful cooked with all these wonderful flavours around it.
- For a vegetarian option try this marinade on a block of halloumi cheese and simply grill
- You may need to adjust your cooking time depending on the size of the chicken.
- Diabetes Note – As the potatoes have been cooked with the chicken, they will absorb all the delicious flavours along with the fat. This can have a delayed impact on blood sugars as the carbohydrate is converted more slowly into sugar. Therefore you may want to consider a different bolus strategy for this meal.
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