Garlic Lemon Chicken (Easy One-Pan Dinner That Never Fails)

Few dinners hit the sweet spot between fresh, comforting, and weeknight-easy quite like Garlic Lemon Chicken. This dish brings together juicy, tender chicken, bold garlic flavor, and bright citrusy lemon in a way that feels both light and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe you can rely on again and again—simple enough for busy evenings, yet impressive enough to serve guests.

What makes Garlic Lemon Chicken so beloved is its balance. The lemon adds freshness without overpowering, the garlic brings warmth and depth, and the herbs tie everything together into a savory, aromatic experience. Paired with roasted baby potatoes and crisp broccoli, this recipe becomes a complete one-pan meal that minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, cooking for your family, or just craving something comforting but not heavy, this Garlic Lemon Chicken delivers every time.

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Why Garlic Lemon Chicken Is a Must-Make Recipe

Garlic Lemon Chicken has earned its place as a staple in many kitchens, and for good reason. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

1. Big Flavor, Simple Ingredients

Everything in this dish comes from basic pantry staples and fresh produce. Olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, herbs, and spices combine into a marinade that tastes complex and vibrant without being complicated.

2. One-Pan Convenience

Cooking everything on a single sheet pan means less mess and faster cleanup. It’s ideal for weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal without washing multiple pots and pans.

3. Naturally Balanced Meal

With protein from the chicken, fiber and nutrients from broccoli, and hearty carbs from potatoes, this Garlic Lemon Chicken checks all the boxes for a well-rounded dinner.

4. Meal-Prep Friendly

This recipe stores and reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunches throughout the week.

5. Crowd-Pleasing Flavor

The lemon-garlic combination is universally loved. It’s not spicy, not heavy, and easy to customize for different tastes.

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What Makes This Garlic Lemon Chicken Recipe Special

There are many versions of Garlic Lemon Chicken out there, but this one stands apart thanks to a few thoughtful details:

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs for maximum juiciness

• Lemon zest in addition to lemon juice for deeper citrus flavor

• Dijon mustard to add subtle tang and help emulsify the marinade

• A touch of sugar to balance acidity and promote caramelization

• Optional Parmesan yogurt herb sauce that elevates the dish from simple to restaurant-worthy

Each element plays a role in creating a dish that tastes far more sophisticated than the effort required.

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Garlic Lemon Chicken Recipe Details

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes

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Ingredients for Garlic Lemon Chicken

Chicken & Vegetables

• 1½–2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs

• 1 lb baby Dutch potatoes, quartered

• 3 cups broccoli florets

Lemon Garlic Marinade

• ⅓ cup olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 2 teaspoons lemon zest

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon sugar

Parmesan Yogurt Herb Sauce (Optional but Highly Recommended)

• 1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream

• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan

• ¼ cup chopped parsley

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon chopped chives (optional)

• 1 tablespoon minced dill (optional)

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin

• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

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How to Make Garlic Lemon Chicken (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed sheet pan with foil and lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a large zip-top bag or bowl, whisk together all marinade ingredients. Remove 2 tablespoons of the marinade and set aside for the vegetables.

Add the chicken thighs to the remaining marinade, seal or cover, and turn to coat evenly. Let marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 3: Roast the Potatoes

Toss the quartered potatoes with 1 tablespoon reserved marinade and ¼ teaspoon salt. Spread them evenly on the sheet pan and bake for 15 minutes.

Step 4: Add Broccoli and Chicken

Remove the pan from the oven. Push the potatoes to one side. Toss the broccoli with the remaining 1 tablespoon reserved marinade and add it to the pan.

Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer on the sheet pan.

Step 5: Finish Baking

Return the pan to the oven and bake uncovered for 17–22 minutes, until the chicken reaches 170–175°F for thighs (or 165°F for breasts) and the vegetables are tender with lightly caramelized edges.

Step 6: Make the Sauce (Optional)

While the chicken bakes, whisk together all ingredients for the Parmesan yogurt herb sauce. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 7: Serve

Serve the Garlic Lemon Chicken warm, with roasted potatoes and broccoli, drizzled with or dipped into the yogurt Parmesan sauce.

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Tips for the Best Garlic Lemon Chicken

• Choose thighs for juiciness: Chicken thighs stay moist and flavorful even if slightly overcooked.

• Cut potatoes evenly: Uniform pieces ensure everything finishes cooking at the same time.

• Bring chicken to room temperature: This promotes even cooking.

• Use fresh lemon juice and zest: Bottled juice won’t deliver the same brightness.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Space allows roasting instead of steaming.

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Garlic Lemon Chicken Variations

Garlic Lemon Chicken Breasts

Use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Slice into cutlets and pound evenly for best results.

Mediterranean Garlic Lemon Chicken

Add cherry tomatoes, red onion wedges, and kalamata olives during the last 10 minutes of roasting.

Spicy Garlic Lemon Chicken

Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the marinade for heat.

Creamy Garlic Lemon Chicken

Skip the yogurt sauce and finish the pan with a splash of cream and extra Parmesan.

Low-Carb Garlic Lemon Chicken

Replace potatoes with zucchini, cauliflower, or green beans.

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What to Serve With Garlic Lemon Chicken

This recipe is already a full meal, but you can easily pair it with:

• Rice or quinoa

• Warm pita or crusty bread

• Simple cucumber salad

• Lemon rice or orzo

• A light green salad with vinaigrette

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Storage & Reheating

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container for 4–5 days.

Freezing

Freeze cooked Garlic Lemon Chicken for 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating Options

• Microwave: 1 minute, then 30-second intervals

• Skillet: Medium-low heat with a little oil or butter

• Oven: 350°F, covered, for about 10 minutes

Print

Nutrition (Approximate, Per Serving)

• Calories: ~420 kcal

• Protein: ~35 g

• Fat: ~25 g

• Carbohydrates: ~18 g

• Fiber: ~3 g

• Sodium: ~520 mg

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Why Garlic Lemon Chicken Is Perfect for Meal Prep

Garlic Lemon Chicken holds up incredibly well throughout the week. The flavors deepen after a day in the fridge, making leftovers even more delicious. The chicken stays tender, the vegetables reheat nicely, and the sauce adds moisture and freshness when reheated.

It’s ideal for:

• Work lunches

• Family dinners

• Healthy weekly meal planning

• Make-ahead hosting

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Final Thoughts on Garlic Lemon Chicken

Garlic Lemon Chicken is one of those recipes that proves great food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can create a dish that feels comforting, fresh, and satisfying all at once. The combination of garlic and lemon is timeless for a reason—it brings brightness without heaviness and depth without overpowering the natural flavor of the chicken.

What truly sets this Garlic Lemon Chicken apart is its versatility. It works just as well for a quiet weeknight dinner as it does for entertaining guests. You can keep it simple and rustic, or dress it up with the Parmesan yogurt herb sauce for a more elevated presentation. Either way, the result is a meal that feels intentional and nourishing.

This is also a recipe that adapts easily to different lifestyles and preferences. Whether you’re cooking low-carb, gluten-free, or meal prepping for the week, Garlic Lemon Chicken fits seamlessly into your routine. The one-pan method keeps cleanup minimal, making it realistic to enjoy home-cooked meals even on your busiest days.