Hey there! If you love flavorful, easy to make dishes that don’t take all day in the kitchen, you’re in the right place. Lebanese chicken and potatoes is a mouthwatering dish that brings together juicy, tender chicken with perfectly roasted potatoes, all coated in a delightful blend of spices. This dish is simple to prepare and will fill your home with the most amazing aromas.
Method
Preheating the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This temperature is perfect for roasting the chicken and potatoes, giving them that beautiful golden color and crispy edges. Preheating is crucial because it helps the chicken cook evenly right from the start.
Preparing the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, 7 spices blend, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk to thoroughly mix these ingredients. The lemon juice adds a bright, tangy flavor while the spices bring warmth and depth. The oil helps coat the chicken and potatoes for even roasting.
Marinating the Chicken and Potatoes
Next, add the chicken drumsticks and quartered potatoes to the bowl with the marinade. Use your hands or a large spoon to toss everything together, ensuring each piece is well coated. Make sure the potatoes are evenly covered, as this helps them soak up the delicious flavors while baking.
Arranging the Baking Dish
Transfer the marinated chicken and potatoes to a baking dish. Arrange them in a single layer so that each piece has enough space to roast properly. Pour any remaining marinade from the bowl over the dish to maximize flavor.
Baking Covered
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This initial covered baking helps the chicken retain moisture and become tender while allowing the potatoes to start softening. Bake for about 40 minutes. During this time, the steam trapped under the foil will cook the chicken thoroughly.
Baking Uncovered for Crispiness
After 40 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Return the dish to the oven and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes. Removing the foil at this point allows the chicken to develop a crispy, golden-brown exterior. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s cooked safely.
Serving
Once baked, take the dish out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. The resting time helps the juices redistribute within the chicken, keeping it moist and flavorful.
Necessary Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking dish
- Aluminum foil
- Whisk
- Meat thermometer
- Knife and cutting board
Lebanese Chicken and Potatoes
Cuisine: LebaneseDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
8-10 chicken drumsticks
3-4 potatoes, quartered
1/4 cup olive oil
2 lemons, juiced
8 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp 7 spices (all spice)
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp paprika
2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, 7 spices, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken drumsticks and quartered potatoes to the bowl, and toss everything well to coat.
- Transfer the chicken and potatoes to a baking dish, spreading them out in a single layer.
- Pour any leftover marinade over the dish.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Make sure to spread the chicken and potatoes in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Always check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Don’t skip removing the foil in the last few minutes of baking this helps the chicken brown and get crispy.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of warm pita bread and a fresh Lebanese salad like fattoush or tabbouleh.
- A dollop of garlic sauce (toum) or a side of hummus also pairs wonderfully!
Fun Fact
Did you know that Lebanese cuisine often features a spice blend called ‘7 spices’? It’s a mix of allspice, black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, coriander, and nutmeg, giving dishes a rich and aromatic flavor.
Conclusion
This Lebanese chicken and potatoes dish is perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in. It’s flavorful, filling, and incredibly easy to make. Plus, the smell while it’s baking is simply irresistible! Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!
