Garlic Lemon Chicken

If you’re looking for a simple yet incredibly flavorful dinner idea, this Garlic Lemon Chicken is just what you need! It’s one of those recipes that brings everyone to the table, and I promise it will quickly become a family favorite. With juicy chicken marinated in a zesty lemon and garlic mix, you can serve it up for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Plus, it pairs beautifully with buttery baby potatoes and crisp-tender broccoli, making clean-up a breeze.

This dish is truly special because it balances ease with deliciousness. Whether you’re cooking for your family after a long day or impressing friends at a weekend get-together, this Garlic Lemon Chicken is sure to leave everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 20 minutes of marinating time and minimal hands-on prep, dinner will be on the table in no time!
• One-Pan Wonder: Bake everything together on one sheet pan for easy clean-up and less stress in the kitchen.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs creates layers of flavor that make each bite irresistible.
• Customizable: You can easily swap in different veggies or proteins based on your family’s preferences.
• Healthy and Wholesome: This dish is not only satisfying but also packed with nutritious ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients that come together to create this delightful meal. Here’s what you’ll need for your Garlic Lemon Chicken:

For the Chicken and Vegetables

• 1 ½- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 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
• 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 your family’s taste preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use boneless skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option or try turkey thighs if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Change up the veggies: Broccoli is great, but feel free to use asparagus or green beans instead — they all work wonderfully!
• Try different spices: Instead of dried basil and oregano, experiment with Italian seasoning or Cajun spices for a twist!
• Make it spicy: If you like heat, add red pepper flakes to the marinade for an extra kick.

How to Make Garlic Lemon Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by combining all the marinade ingredients in a freezer-sized sealable bag. This blend of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, zest, mustard, and seasonings will infuse your chicken with amazing flavor. Remember to reserve two tablespoons of this mixture before adding the chicken; we’ll use that later for the veggies!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken thighs into the bag with the marinade. Seal it up tightly and give it a good shake to coat all sides. Letting it marinate at room temperature for about 20 minutes allows those flavors to soak in nicely. If you have more time, feel free to refrigerate it for up to four hours!

Step 3: Prepare Your Sheet Pan

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large sheet pan with foil for easy cleanup and spray it lightly with cooking spray. This way, everything will slide off effortlessly after cooking!

Step 4: Roast the Potatoes

Toss those lovely quartered baby Dutch potatoes with one tablespoon of reserved marinade and some salt. Spread them out evenly on one side of your sheet pan and bake them in that hot oven for about 15 minutes. This step gives them a head start so they get perfectly golden.

Step 5: Add Broccoli & Chicken

After 15 minutes of roasting those potatoes, take out your pan and push them aside. Toss your broccoli florets with another tablespoon of reserved marinade before placing them next to the potatoes. Finally, nestle your marinated chicken pieces onto the pan as well. Everything should be in a single layer; this ensures even cooking!

Step 6: Bake It All Together

Pop that pan back into the oven uncovered! Bake everything together at 400 degrees F until your chicken reaches an internal temperature of around 170-175 degrees F (or 165 degrees F for cutlets). This should take about another 17-22 minutes.

Step 7: Make Your Sauce

While everything bakes away happily in the oven, whip up an easy Yogurt Parmesan Herb Sauce by simply whisking all sauce ingredients together in a bowl. Pop it into the fridge until you’re ready to serve — this sauce adds an extra creamy element that’s simply divine!

And there you have it—a hearty Garlic Lemon Chicken dish that’s bursting with flavor! Enjoy every last bite!

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Lemon Chicken

Cooking can be a joyful experience, and with these helpful tips, you’ll make the perfect Garlic Lemon Chicken every time!

• Marinate for Flavor: Allow the chicken to soak in the marinade for at least 20 minutes, but if you have the time, let it sit longer in the fridge. This enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.

• Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked without drying out, use an instant-read meat thermometer. Aim for 170-175 degrees F for thighs and 165 degrees F for cutlets.

• Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out broccoli for your favorite seasonal vegetables like asparagus or green beans. This not only adds variety but also keeps your meals exciting!

• Don’t Skip the Sauce: The Yogurt Parmesan Herb Sauce is a game-changer! It adds creaminess and tang that balances out the lemony chicken beautifully.

• Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time during the week, marinate the chicken a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. This makes meal prep so much easier on busy days!

How to Serve Garlic Lemon Chicken

Presenting your Garlic Lemon Chicken can be as delightful as eating it! With a few simple touches, you can turn this dish into a stunning centerpiece for any dinner table.

Garnishes

• Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds vibrant color and freshness that brightens up your plate.
• Lemon Wedges: Serving lemon wedges alongside allows everyone to add an extra zing of citrus to their taste—perfect for those who love that tartness.
• Zest Finish: A light sprinkle of lemon zest over the finished dish creates an aromatic finish that enhances its visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the savory chicken while adding a healthy grain to your meal.
• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser! It gives a satisfying crunch and is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from your plate.
• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted seasonal vegetables drizzled with olive oil brings more color and nutrients to your meal, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
• Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs is an excellent side that absorbs all those delicious flavors from the garlic lemon chicken.

With these serving suggestions, you’ll create an inviting and delicious dinner that’s sure to impress family and friends alike! Enjoy your cooking journey!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Garlic Lemon Chicken recipe is perfect for meal prepping! You can easily make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or pack for lunches. Here’s how to store it, freeze it, and reheat it so that every bite remains delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken, potatoes, and broccoli to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Consume within 3-4 days for the best flavor and freshness.

Freezing

• Cool the cooked Garlic Lemon Chicken and veggies completely.
• Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers, ensuring to remove as much air as possible.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw the frozen meal in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through (about 20 minutes).
• Alternatively, use a microwave-safe dish to reheat in the microwave until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Garlic Lemon Chicken!

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

Absolutely! If you prefer chicken breasts, just follow the same marinating and cooking instructions. Adjust the cooking time slightly; breasts may cook faster than thighs.

How can I make this Garlic Lemon Chicken recipe healthier?

To make this Garlic Lemon Chicken even healthier, you can reduce the amount of olive oil used or substitute Greek yogurt with a lower-fat option. Pair it with more vegetables or serve over a bed of leafy greens for added nutrition!

What sides go well with Garlic Lemon Chicken?

Garlic Lemon Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides such as quinoa, brown rice, or a simple green salad. It also complements roasted vegetables wonderfully!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this vibrant Garlic Lemon Chicken recipe! It’s not just about creating a meal; it’s about gathering around the table, sharing flavors, and enjoying each other’s company. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to savor every bite!