Name: Roasted Chicken and Potatoes with Cilantro and Lemon Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8-10 chicken pieces (skin on, drumsticks and thighs); ¼ cup oil of choice; ¼ cup Greek yogurt; ¼ cup cilantro (minced); 4 cloves garlic (finely minced or crushed); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder or smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon coriander powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste); Juice of ½ lemon; 4 Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and cut into quarters, wedges, or slices)

Print Recipe· 4.1 from 14 reviews

There is something truly heartwarming about a well-roasted chicken and potatoes dish that marries freshness with comfort, and that’s exactly what the Roasted Chicken and Potatoes with Cilantro and Lemon Recipe delivers. Crispy, golden-skinned chicken thighs and drumsticks roasted alongside tender Yukon gold potatoes make every bite flavorful and satisfying, while the bright notes from fresh cilantro and a splash of lemon juice bring an irresistible vibrancy to this classic meal. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between simple ingredients and bold flavors, making it a guaranteed winner for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a metal baking tray filled with raw chicken pieces and potato wedges, all coated in a thick, orange-brown marinade with small green herb bits. There are about nine chicken pieces, mixed between drumsticks and thighs, distributed evenly through the tray. The potato wedges are scattered around and between the chicken, showing a bright yellow color with the same marinade coating. The marinade gives a textured, slightly chunky look to the chicken and potatoes. The tray sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting just the right combination of ingredients is what makes this dish sing. While the list is beautifully straightforward, each item plays a crucial role in delivering the texture, aroma, and flavor that defines this delicious meal.

Chicken pieces (8-10, skin on): Drumsticks and thighs provide the perfect balance of juicy meat and crisp skin.
Yukon gold potatoes (4): Their creamy texture and buttery flavor become heavenly when roasted to tender perfection.
Oil (¼ cup): Your choice of oil adds moisture and helps achieve that gorgeous golden-brown roast.
Greek yogurt (¼ cup): Adds creaminess to the marinade and helps tenderize the chicken.
Fresh cilantro, minced (¼ cup): Brings a fresh, herbal brightness that balances the richness of the dish.
Garlic cloves (4, finely minced or crushed): Infuses the chicken and potatoes with a warm, savory depth.
Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle, tangy sweetness and rich color to the marinade.
Spices (1 teaspoon each): Cumin chili powder or smoked paprika, coriander powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt season the dish perfectly with a complex, layered flavor.
Lemon juice (juice of ½ lemon): Brightens and lifts all the flavors with a refreshing citrus punch.

How to Make Roasted Chicken and Potatoes with Cilantro and Lemon Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients

First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F. This high temperature ensures that you get that crisp, flavorful skin on your chicken. While the oven heats, wash your chicken pieces carefully and pat them dry to promote even roasting. Peel your Yukon gold potatoes and cut them into quarters, wedges, or slices depending on your preference — all work beautifully, so go with what you like best!

Step 2: Create the Marinade Magic

In a large mixing bowl, combine the oil, Greek yogurt, minced cilantro, freshly squeezed lemon juice, tomato paste, minced garlic, and spices. This marinade is where all the flavor happens. Now add your chicken pieces to the bowl and mix thoroughly, making sure to rub the marinade not only on top but also under the skin for maximum flavor penetration. This step is what makes the roasted chicken shine with bold, aromatic layers.

Step 3: Arrange Chicken and Potatoes for Roasting

Spread the seasoned chicken and potatoes evenly in a medium 15-inch roasting pan. To capture every last bit of flavor, rinse out your mixing bowl with a few tablespoons of water and pour that liquid over the potatoes—this little trick keeps them extra juicy while roasting. Cover the pan tightly with foil to keep moisture in and roast in the oven for 1 hour, allowing the chicken and potatoes to cook through beautifully.

Step 4: Crisp and Char to Perfection

Once the hour is up, remove the foil carefully. Switch your oven setting to broil and give everything just 3 to 5 minutes until the chicken skin crisps right up with a slightly charred finish that adds incredible texture and flavor. Keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn, because that golden, crackly skin is the grand finale!

How to Serve Roasted Chicken and Potatoes with Cilantro and Lemon Recipe

A white bowl is filled with a base layer of fluffy white rice, topped with two grilled pieces of golden-brown chicken that have a slightly charred texture and are sprinkled with fresh green herbs. Next to the chicken, there are several thick wedges of bright yellow roasted potatoes with a crispy, browned surface, also garnished with green herbs. A bright yellow lemon wedge rests on top of the rice near the chicken. A silver fork is placed inside the bowl, partially on the rice. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a small white dish of chopped green herbs and a beige cloth napkin nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finish your dish with a handful of fresh cilantro leaves scattered over the chicken and potatoes, plus a few lemon wedges on the side. These garnishes not only brighten the plate visually but also add fresh bursts of flavor that elevate every bite.

Side Dishes

This recipe is wonderfully versatile when it comes to accompaniments. Serve alongside a fluffy rice pilaf, a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette, or creamy mashed potatoes for those who love extra comfort. Each side complements the main course by adding either freshness or richness, rounding out the meal flawlessly.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elevated presentation, consider arranging the chicken and potatoes on a large rustic wooden board layered with fresh herbs. Drizzle some of the juices from the roasting pan over the meat and potatoes. Alternatively, plate individual servings with a small bowl of tangy yogurt-cilantro sauce for dipping, which adds a cooling contrast to the warm spices.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Roasted chicken and potatoes store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cool the food completely before sealing the container to preserve freshness.

Freezing

If you want to keep leftovers longer, you can freeze the cooked chicken and potatoes. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible, and they’ll stay good for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

For crispiness, reheating in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes works wonders and helps to restore that lovely roasted texture. If short on time, a quick microwave reheat will do but might soften the skin—oven reheating is definitely preferred when you have time.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! While thighs and drumsticks are ideal for their juicy meat and crisp skin, you can use chicken breasts or a whole cut-up chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat cooks fully without drying out.

Is it necessary to use Greek yogurt in the marinade?

Greek yogurt adds creaminess and helps tenderize the chicken, contributing to a juicy finish. If you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with regular yogurt or skip it, although the texture might be slightly less rich.

What if I don’t have Yukon gold potatoes?

Russet or red potatoes are fine alternatives. Yukon golds are preferred for their buttery flavor and smooth texture, but other potatoes will still roast nicely and soak up flavors.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, but always double-check your spices and tomato paste labels to ensure they contain no gluten additives if you have sensitivities.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F. The juices should run clear when the thickest part of the chicken is pierced.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—a fantastic, flavorful Roasted Chicken and Potatoes with Cilantro and Lemon Recipe that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a busy day, perfect for sharing with family and friends. Give it a try and watch how quickly this recipe becomes one of your most requested meals!

Roasted Chicken and Potatoes with Cilantro and Lemon Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Roasted Chicken and Potatoes with Cilantro and Lemon Recipe