Garlic Lemon Chicken

If you’re looking for a dish that’s not only delicious but also quick to prepare, you’ve landed in the right place! This Garlic Lemon Chicken is one of my absolute favorites for busy weeknights when I want something healthy yet packed with flavor. It’s a recipe that feels special enough for family gatherings but easy enough to whip up without breaking a sweat. The combination of juicy chicken marinated in zesty lemon and garlic, paired with buttery baby potatoes and crisp-tender broccoli, is truly a crowd-pleaser. Trust me; your family will be asking for seconds!

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can grill or sauté the chicken, or go for the one-pan baking method I love, which makes cleanup a breeze. No matter how you choose to serve it, this Garlic Lemon Chicken will have everyone singing your praises!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep: With just 20 minutes of marinating time, you can have dinner on the table in under an hour!
• One-Pan Meal: Bake everything together for easy cleanup and minimal fuss.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the bright flavors; it’s perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Versatile Options: You can easily swap in different vegetables or proteins to suit your tastes.
• Deliciously Healthy: Packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s a guilt-free meal option.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun! For this Garlic Lemon Chicken recipe, you’ll need some simple and wholesome items that are sure to elevate your dinner game. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken and Vegetables

• 1 ½- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 pound baby Dutch potatoes, quartered
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest

For the Marinade

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp EACH salt, pepper, dried basil, dried oregano, onion powder
• 1/2 tsp EACH paprika, ground cumin, dried thyme, sugar

For the Sauce

• 1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives (optional)
• 1 tablespoon minced dill (optional)
• 1/4 tsp EACH salt, ground cumin
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Variations

This Garlic Lemon Chicken recipe is super flexible! Feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand or what you’re in the mood for.

• Swap the protein: Use boneless skinless chicken breasts if you prefer them over thighs. They will work great too!
• Change up the veggies: Try swapping broccoli for green beans or asparagus for a different twist.
• Add some spice: If you like heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• Make it vegetarian: Replace chicken with hearty chickpeas or tofu marinated similarly for a delightful plant-based option.

How to Make Garlic Lemon Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. In a freezer-size sealable bag, combine all marinade ingredients except two tablespoons reserved for later use with the veggies. Add your chicken thighs to the bag and seal it tightly. Turn it around so every piece gets coated with that delicious lemon-garlic goodness! Letting it marinate at room temperature while prepping other ingredients helps infuse those flavors into every bite.

Step 2: Prepare Your Sheet Pan

Line a large sheet pan (about 15×21 inches) with foil and spray it with cooking spray. This will make cleanup so much easier after baking!

Step 3: Bake Your Potatoes

Place quartered baby Dutch potatoes on one side of your prepared sheet pan. Add one tablespoon of reserved marinade and sprinkle with salt before tossing them together. Spread them out evenly and bake at 400 degrees F for about 15 minutes until they start getting tender.

Step 4: Add Broccoli and Chicken

After 15 minutes of baking potatoes, remove the pan from the oven. Push those potatoes over to one side and add your broccoli florets tossed in more reserved marinade next to them. Then lay down your marinated chicken in a single layer on the remaining space of the pan.

Step 5: Bake Everything Together

Return everything to bake uncovered at 400 degrees F for another 17-22 minutes. You want your chicken thighs to reach an internal temperature of 170-175 degrees F (or cutlets at 165 degrees F). This ensures they are cooked through yet remain juicy!

Step 6: Whip Up Your Sauce

While everything’s baking beautifully away in the oven, mix up your Yogurt Parmesan Herb Sauce by whisking together all sauce ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Pop it into the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

And there you have it—a wonderfully flavorful Garlic Lemon Chicken dinner ready to impress! Enjoy every bite with family and friends!

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Lemon Chicken

Cooking this Garlic Lemon Chicken is a breeze, but a few extra tips can elevate your dish to new heights!

• Marinate Longer: If you have the time, allow the chicken to marinate in the fridge for up to 4 hours. This enhances the flavors and ensures your chicken is incredibly juicy.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh garlic and herbs. Fresh ingredients provide a vibrant flavor that dried versions just can’t match.
• Check Doneness: Use an instant-read thermometer to check the doneness of your chicken. This ensures it’s perfectly cooked without being dry—chicken thighs should reach 170-175°F, while cutlets should hit 165°F.
• Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out broccoli for any seasonal veggies you love! Asparagus, green beans, or bell peppers work wonderfully and add color to your meal.
• Make Extra Sauce: Double the Yogurt Parmesan Herb Sauce recipe if you’re a sauce lover. It’s perfect as a dip or drizzled over other dishes throughout the week!

How to Serve Garlic Lemon Chicken

This dish not only tastes amazing but also looks impressive on the plate. Here are some fun ways to present your Garlic Lemon Chicken and make every meal feel special.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the chicken right before serving. They add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges on the side for added zest! A squeeze of fresh lemon right before eating brightens the entire dish.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf with vegetables such as bell peppers and peas complements the garlic lemon flavors beautifully. It’s also a great option for adding extra protein.
• Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots seasoned with olive oil, salt, and thyme pair perfectly with this dish. Their natural sweetness balances the savory chicken magnificently.
• Mixed Green Salad: A crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast. The crunchiness of fresh greens elevates each bite!
• Couscous with Herbs: Fluffy couscous tossed with herbs like mint and cilantro makes an excellent side that absorbs all those lovely flavors from the chicken.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Garlic Lemon Chicken will not only be delicious but also visually stunning! Enjoy sharing this easy yet elegant meal with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Garlic Lemon Chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious, home-cooked meals throughout the week with ease. Here’s how to store and make the most of your leftovers.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover Garlic Lemon Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep any remaining yogurt sauce in a separate container; it will stay fresh for about 5 days.
• Always allow the chicken to cool to room temperature before sealing it in a container.

Freezing

• To freeze, place cooled chicken and vegetables in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Be sure to remove as much air as possible from bags before sealing.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through (about 15-20 minutes).
• Alternatively, reheat in a microwave-safe dish on medium power until hot.

FAQs

If you have questions about this recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some of the most common inquiries.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for Garlic Lemon Chicken?

Yes! You can substitute boneless skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly; ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

How do I make Garlic Lemon Chicken with more flavor?

To enhance the flavor, let the chicken marinate longer—up to 4 hours is ideal. You can also add more herbs or spices according to your taste preference!

Can I prepare Garlic Lemon Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a few hours in advance or even overnight for deeper flavor.

What sides pair well with Garlic Lemon Chicken?

This dish is fantastic on its own but pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad for added texture and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this Garlic Lemon Chicken as much as I do! Its blend of flavors and easy preparation makes it a standout recipe that will surely impress your family and friends. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting a gathering, this dish is bound to bring smiles around the table. Happy cooking!