This Baked Chicken and Leeks recipe is the perfect blend of flavors and textures. Juicy, marinated chicken thighs roast alongside creamy, golden potatoes, while the lemony leeks add a bright, savory contrast. Finished with a garlicky Greek yogurt sauce, this dish is simple to make yet feels like an elegant restaurant-quality meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a slow weekend gathering, this one-pan meal is all about effortless cooking with maximum flavor. The marinade infuses the chicken with richness, while the roasted leeks provide a mild sweetness. Serve with a glass of wine, and you’ve got a comforting yet refreshing meal everyone will love!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- ½ yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
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For the Potatoes:
- 1 lb baby red potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
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For the Leeks:
- 2 large leeks, sliced into ½-inch half-moons
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp kosher salt
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For the Garlic Yogurt Sauce:
- ½ cup whole milk Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- ½ tsp kosher salt
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To Serve:
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
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Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine chicken thighs, onions, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let sit for at least 30 minutes.
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Bake the Potatoes: Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Arrange potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 10 minutes.
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Add the Chicken: Move the potatoes to one side of the baking sheet. Add marinated chicken and onions along with the marinade juices. Bake for another 10 minutes.
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Prepare the Leeks: Toss leeks with olive oil, lemon zest, and salt in a small bowl.
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Finish Baking: Scatter leeks over the potatoes and return the baking sheet to the oven. Bake for another 15 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 175-190°F) and leeks are golden.
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Make the Yogurt Sauce: In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated garlic, and salt.
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Serve: Spread yogurt sauce on a plate, top with chicken, potatoes, and leeks. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 528 kcal | Servings: 4
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Simple and Wholesome Ingredients – This dish is built around fresh, natural ingredients like chicken, leeks, potatoes, and a handful of pantry staples. There’s no need for complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients to create a meal that is both satisfying and nutritious.
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Minimal Cleanup – Since everything is roasted on a single baking sheet, you won’t be left with a sink full of dishes. This makes it an excellent option for those who love to cook but dread the cleanup.
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Full of Flavor – The marinade enhances the chicken’s natural juiciness, infusing it with garlic, lemon, and aromatic herbs. The leeks, when roasted, become tender and slightly caramelized, adding depth to every bite.
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Versatile and Adaptable – You can switch up the ingredients based on what you have available. Swap the baby red potatoes for sweet potatoes or russets, add extra vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts, or use different herbs to create your own variation.
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Healthy and Balanced – With lean protein, fiber-rich potatoes, and nutrient-dense leeks, this dish is not only delicious but also provides a well-rounded meal. The addition of Greek yogurt sauce brings in probiotics and adds a creamy, tangy contrast.
The Magic of Leeks in Cooking
Leeks are an underrated vegetable that bring a unique mild onion-like flavor to any dish. Unlike onions, leeks have a more delicate sweetness when cooked, making them an excellent pairing with savory dishes like roasted chicken. Their layered structure allows them to absorb seasonings well, enhancing the overall taste of the meal.
Leeks also boast impressive health benefits. They are rich in fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and contain prebiotics that promote gut health. Their subtle yet distinct flavor profile makes them a great addition to a variety of recipes, from soups and stews to pastas and roasts.
In this dish, the leeks are seasoned with olive oil and lemon zest before being added to the baking sheet. As they roast, they become tender and slightly caramelized, bringing a hint of sweetness that perfectly balances the savory chicken and potatoes.
The Secret to Juicy Baked Chicken
One of the best aspects of this recipe is the way the chicken is prepared to ensure it stays juicy and flavorful. The marinade plays a crucial role in locking in moisture and infusing the chicken with aromatic flavors.
Key components of the marinade include:
- Olive oil: Helps coat the chicken and prevents it from drying out during baking.
- Lemon juice: Adds acidity that tenderizes the meat while providing a fresh, citrusy note.
- Garlic: Enhances the depth of flavor and complements the other seasonings.
- Worcestershire sauce: A secret ingredient that brings umami and richness to the dish.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a slight tang and helps the seasonings adhere to the chicken.
- Dried herbs: A blend of oregano, thyme, and smoked paprika adds warmth and complexity.
By marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight for deeper flavor), you allow these ingredients to penetrate the meat, resulting in a tender and succulent texture.
Another crucial tip for achieving juicy chicken is to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. While you can substitute chicken breasts, thighs tend to remain more moist due to their higher fat content. If you opt for bone-in, skin-on thighs, be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they cook through evenly.
A Perfectly Balanced Meal
This dish is a great example of how to create a balanced meal without relying on excessive ingredients or heavy sauces. Each component serves a purpose:
- Protein from the chicken keeps you full and supports muscle growth and repair.
- Carbohydrates from the potatoes provide energy and a satisfying, hearty texture.
- Fiber and vitamins from the leeks and fresh parsley contribute to overall health and digestion.
- Healthy fats from olive oil support heart health and enhance flavor.
- The yogurt sauce adds a probiotic boost, aiding in digestion and gut health while giving the dish a creamy contrast.
By incorporating these nutrient-dense ingredients, you get a meal that is both comforting and nourishing without feeling too heavy.
Serving Suggestions
While this recipe is fantastic on its own, here are some ways to enhance the meal or serve it alongside complementary sides:
- With a fresh salad: A simple arugula or mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully with the richness of the roasted chicken and potatoes.
- With crusty bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to scoop up the garlicky yogurt sauce and any leftover juices from the baking sheet.
- With roasted vegetables: If you want to add more color and texture, roast some bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini alongside the chicken.
- With a glass of wine: A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, complements the bright lemony flavors in the dish.
Storing and Reheating
This dish stores well, making it a great option for meal prep. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep the Greek yogurt sauce separate until ready to serve.
- Freezing: The chicken and potatoes can be frozen for up to 3 months. Leeks may lose some of their texture when thawed, so consider freezing them separately or omitting them if planning to freeze.
- Reheating: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave in short increments until heated through.
Conclusion:
Baked Chicken and Leeks is a simple yet elegant meal that brings together fresh ingredients and bold flavors with minimal effort. The combination of juicy, marinated chicken, tender roasted leeks, and creamy potatoes makes for a dish that is both satisfying and nutritious.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can modify it based on dietary preferences or seasonal ingredients while keeping the core elements intact. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or meal prepping for the week, this dish offers the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and nourishment.