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Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Bake Recipe

If you’re searching for a fuss-free dinner that tastes like it belongs in a cozy Mediterranean tavern, look no further — my Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Bake Recipe is an absolute game changer! This one-pan wonder is packed with vibrant citrus, aromatic garlic, and herbs that make every bite unforgettable. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One-Pan Simplicity: Everything cooks together, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Bright, Fresh Flavors: Lemon and garlic create a refreshing punch that pairs perfectly with tender chicken and potatoes.
  • Juicy and Tender Chicken: Marinated boneless, skinless thighs soak in all the herb and citrus goodness.
  • Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Great for family dinners, meal prep, and even entertaining guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Bake Recipe shines because the ingredients are straightforward but perfectly balanced—fresh lemon juice adds brightness, herbs lend earthiness, and creamy feta adds a tangy finish. Here’s what you want in your shopping cart.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl with extra virgin olive oil, a whole lemon with bright yellow zest, lemon juice in a small white bowl, six peeled garlic cloves, a small mound of dijon mustard, dried oregano in a neat pile, sweet paprika powder, kosher salt crystals, freshly ground black pepper, halved fingerling potatoes with smooth skin, thin lemon slices, large chunks of yellow onion, raw boneless skinless chicken thighs with fresh pink flesh, crumbled white feta cheese on a simple white ceramic plate, chopped fresh parsley sprigs, chopped fresh dill sprigs, and a small white bowl of red pepper flakes, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes, Lemon Garlic Chicken bake, One-pan chicken and potatoes, Mediterranean baked chicken, Easy lemon chicken dinner
  • Extra virgin olive oil: The foundation of the marinade — adds richness and helps everything roast beautifully.
  • Lemons: Both zest and juice are critical; they bring that vibrant citrus flavor you’ll crave.
  • Garlic cloves: Minced fresh garlic gives a punchy aroma that infuses the chicken and potatoes.
  • Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth to the marinade.
  • Dried oregano: A classic herb that offers that Mediterranean vibe.
  • Sweet paprika: Gives a hint of warmth and a lovely color.
  • Kosher salt and fresh black pepper: Key for seasoning everything properly.
  • Fingerling potatoes (or Yukon Gold): Small, tender potatoes that roast up crispy and creamy inside.
  • Yellow onion: Chunky pieces add sweetness and texture.
  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and forgiving, perfect for baking.
  • Feta cheese: Crumbled on top for a salty, creamy contrast.
  • Fresh parsley and dill: Bright herbs that add freshness and color at the end.
  • Red pepper flakes (optional): For a little kick if you like some heat.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Bake Recipe is—sometimes I switch it up depending on what I have or who I’m cooking for. Feel free to get creative and customize it to your taste buds.

  • Swap the chicken thighs for breasts: If you prefer leaner meat, breasts work fine—just watch the cooking time so they don’t dry out.
  • Add veggies like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes: Toss them on the sheet for extra color and nutrition.
  • Dairy-free option: Skip the feta or replace it with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch.
  • Spicy twist: Sprinkle extra cayenne or hot paprika in the marinade if you love heat.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Bake Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Lemony Garlic Marinade

Start by mixing the olive oil, fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, oregano, paprika, kosher salt, and plenty of black pepper in a large bowl. This marinade is the real magic—it infuses the chicken and potatoes with bold, fresh flavor. I always whisk it vigorously to make sure the mustard emulsifies smoothly with the oil and juice. This helps the marinade coat everything evenly and really cling to the chicken.

Step 2: Prep and Roast the Potatoes and Onions

Next, toss the halved fingerling potatoes, lemon slices, and large chunks of yellow onion with about a third of the marinade right on your sheet pan. Don’t be shy—use your hands to really rub that marinade over the potatoes and onions. I like to place fingerling potatoes flesh-side down to get that golden brown crisp. Then spread everything out in one even layer and roast in a 425ºF oven for 25 minutes. This initial roast kickstarts caramelization, which is key to getting those crispy edges you’ll love.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken While Potatoes Roast

While the potatoes are roasting, add the chicken thighs to the remaining marinade in your bowl and toss with tongs until each piece is coated well. Letting the chicken soak in those flavors while the potatoes start cooking really locks in the juiciness. You can set the bowl aside at room temperature during this time for the best results.

Step 4: Nestle Chicken Among Potatoes & Finish Baking

After the potatoes have roasted for 25 minutes, pull the sheet pan out and flip the potatoes and onions to get all sides crispy. Then, arrange the marinated chicken thighs nestled in between the potatoes—don’t worry if they overlap a bit, the juices will mingle beautifully. Discard any leftover marinade to keep things safe, as it’s been in contact with raw chicken. Return the pan to the oven and roast everything for another 15-20 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF and the potatoes are fork-tender. You’ll notice the lemons caramelize and add a lovely sweet tang, while the chicken turns gloriously golden and juicy.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese, fresh parsley, dill, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. I always add a few extra grindings of fresh black pepper and a pinch of salt to elevate the flavors. This last touch makes it feel like a special meal — perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining.

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Pro Tips for Making Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Bake Recipe

  • Room Temperature Chicken: Bringing chicken to room temp before baking helps it cook evenly and stay juicy.
  • Potatoes Placement: Flesh-side down positioning of potatoes maximizes crispiness—I learned this trick after my first batch was too soft.
  • Don’t Overcrowd Your Pan: Giving each item space lets everything roast instead of steam, which keeps that golden crust perfect.
  • Safe Marinade Handling: Always discard leftover marinade used on raw chicken to avoid any food safety issues.

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Bake Recipe

Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Bake Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of garnishing this dish with crumbled feta for that salty tang and fresh herbs—parsley and dill are my go-tos because they brighten up the rich roast beautifully. Sometimes I toss on a pinch of red pepper flakes if we want a touch of heat. Honestly, those finishing touches make the dish look elegant and taste fresh, every single time.

Side Dishes

This recipe is pretty much a complete meal on its own, but if you want to add a side, I love serving it over a bed of peppery arugula or alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. Roasted or steamed green beans and a crusty loaf of bread also make fantastic options to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting and want to elevate presentation, I sometimes serve the chicken and potatoes family-style on a large wooden board, layering with whole roasted lemon slices and fresh herb sprigs. It creates a rustic yet inviting vibe that always gets compliments. Another fun approach is plating individual servings with a dollop of whipped feta or tzatziki alongside for drizzling—adds a creamy, tangy note that’s irresistible.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I typically store chicken and potatoes separately from any fresh herbs or feta to keep textures fresh. When I open the container, the lemon garlic aroma always perks me up for an easy next-day meal.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a few times with good results. Just place cooled chicken and potatoes in a freezer-safe container, leaving out fresh garnishes and cheese to add after thawing. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

For reheating, I find the oven is best to keep that crispy skin and golden potatoes intact—set it to 350ºF for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Microwave can be tempting for speed but may lose the crispiness, so I use it only in a pinch.

FAQs

  1. Can I use bone-in chicken thighs for this Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Bake Recipe?

    Absolutely! Bone-in thighs will add extra flavor and moisture, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by about 10-15 minutes. Just make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165ºF for safe eating.

  2. Can I substitute other potatoes if I don’t have fingerlings?

    Yes, Yukon Gold potatoes are a great substitute because they roast nicely and have a buttery texture. Just cut them into roughly 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking alongside the chicken.

  3. What can I use instead of feta cheese?

    If you want to skip the feta, feel free to use my whipped feta sauce or a creamy tzatziki sauce on the side. Both pair beautifully with the lemony chicken. To keep it dairy-free, simply omit the cheese and up the fresh herbs for brightness.

  4. Is it important to use fresh lemon juice?

    Yes! Fresh lemon juice provides a vibrant, bright flavor that bottled lemon juice can’t match. It really makes the flavors pop in this recipe so definitely squeeze fresh lemons if you can.

  5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

    This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you double-check that your Dijon mustard and other ingredients don’t contain any hidden gluten additives. It’s a great option if you’re avoiding gluten or wheat!

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Bake Recipe delivers fresh, comforting flavors with minimal effort, and I hope you do too! It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is so simple to pull off any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for the family or want a satisfying meal prep option, this recipe hits all the right notes. Give it a try, and I guarantee your kitchen will smell incredible—and your dinner plate will be empty in no time!

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Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Bake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 132 reviews
  • Author: Megane
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Description

This Sheet Pan Herby Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes recipe combines tender boneless skinless chicken thighs with fingerling potatoes, lemon, and onions, all roasted together with a vibrant marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. The dish is finished with crumbled feta and fresh herbs for a fresh, flavorful, and easy weeknight meal cooked effortlessly on one pan.


Ingredients

For the Marinade:

  • ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 lemon, zested
  • 2 lemons, juiced (about ½ cup fresh lemon juice)
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Potatoes:

  • 1 pound fingerling potatoes, halved vertically (cubed Yukon Gold potatoes can also be used)
  • 1 lemon, cut into ¼-inch slices
  • 1 yellow onion, cut into large chunks

For the Chicken:

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs

To Garnish:

  • 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled*
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • Red pepper flakes, optional
  • Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for roasting the chicken and potatoes to a golden perfection.
  2. Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, dijon mustard, dried oregano, sweet paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
  3. Marinate Potatoes and Veggies: Add the fingerling potatoes, lemon slices, and onion chunks to a large sheet pan. Pour about ⅓ cup of the prepared marinade over them and toss by hand to coat evenly. Spread the potatoes, onions, and lemon slices out on the sheet pan, placing fingerling potatoes flesh side down to promote browning. Roast in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
  4. Marinate Chicken: While the potatoes roast, add the chicken thighs to the remaining marinade in the bowl. Use tongs to coat the chicken evenly and set aside to absorb the flavors.
  5. Flip Potatoes and Add Chicken: After 25 minutes, remove the sheet pan from the oven and carefully flip the potatoes with a spatula to ensure even cooking. Shake off excess marinade from the chicken and nestle the thighs amongst the potatoes on the sheet pan, sharing space as best as possible. Discard any leftover marinade in the bowl.
  6. Roast Together: Return the sheet pan to the oven and roast for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through, golden brown, and juicy, and the potatoes are tender. The lemon slices will caramelize, adding a lovely citrus note.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle the dish with crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, fresh dill, and red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Add extra salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately and enjoy this vibrant, herby, and comforting sheet pan meal.

Notes

  • To make it dairy-free or paleo-friendly, skip the feta and optionally serve with a whipped feta sauce on the side or a tzatziki sauce for extra flavor.
  • For added nutrition and freshness, serve the roasted chicken and potatoes on a bed of arugula for a peppery zing.
  • Using cubed Yukon Gold potatoes is a good alternative if fingerling potatoes are unavailable.
  • Make sure to flip the potatoes halfway through roasting to achieve even caramelization and tenderness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg

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