Lemon Garlic Chicken for Easy Weeknight Dinners

Lemon Garlic Chicken is a bright, savory dinner that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. This recipe brings together tender chicken, fresh citrus, and herbs in a simple marinade that works beautifully in the oven, on the grill, or in a skillet. With golden potatoes and crisp broccoli cooked on the same pan, Lemon Garlic Chicken becomes a complete meal that fits busy schedules while still feeling thoughtful and satisfying. If you want a dependable dinner that tastes fresh, cooks evenly, and cleans up fast, this is the recipe you will come back to again and again.

Story 

I started making Lemon Garlic Chicken during weeks when I wanted something homemade but did not want to juggle multiple pans or long prep. The idea was simple: marinate the chicken just long enough to pick up flavor, then roast everything together so dinner felt calm instead of rushed. Over time, Lemon Garlic Chicken became a staple because it always delivered juicy meat, tender vegetables, and that familiar citrus aroma that fills the kitchen. Whether you serve it straight from the oven or adapt it for the grill, this recipe proves that Lemon Garlic Chicken can feel both practical and special on any night.

Ingredients

  • 1½ to 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs

  • 1 pound baby Dutch potatoes, quartered

  • 3 cups broccoli florets

  • 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

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream

  • ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan

  • ¼ cup chopped parsley

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 1 tablespoon chopped chives

  • 1 tablespoon minced dill

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin

  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

Whisk together the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, zest, mustard, and seasonings until smooth and fragrant. Reserve two tablespoons of this mixture for the vegetables, then add the chicken to the remaining marinade and coat well. Let the chicken rest while you prepare the potatoes and broccoli so everything cooks evenly and stays tender.

Cooking Instructions

Heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large sheet pan with foil. Toss the potatoes with reserved marinade and spread them out, then roast briefly until they start to soften. Add the broccoli and chicken, keeping everything in a single layer, and continue roasting until the chicken reaches temperature and the vegetables turn golden at the edges.

Tips for Perfect Results

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not overcrowd the pan, because tight spacing causes steaming instead of roasting. Avoid skipping the brief potato head start, since they need more time than the chicken. Always check doneness with a thermometer so the chicken stays juicy instead of drying out.

Pro Tips for Better Flavor

Choose chicken thighs for richer taste and better browning. Let the chicken sit at room temperature before baking so it cooks evenly. Finish the dish with fresh herbs or extra lemon zest for a clean, balanced finish that brightens every bite.

Serving and Storage

How to Serve

Serve this dish straight from the pan with the yogurt Parmesan herb sauce spooned over the top. It also pairs well with a simple green salad or warm flatbread, and leftovers work nicely tucked into wraps or grain bowls.

Lemon Garlic Chicken

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat gently in the oven or skillet so the chicken stays moist and the vegetables keep their texture without turning soft.

Conclusion

This Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe proves that simple ingredients can still feel complete and satisfying. With flexible cooking options and balanced flavors, it fits into busy routines while still feeling like a meal worth sitting down for. Once you try it, this dish quickly earns a permanent place in your dinner rotation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well when sliced into even cutlets and cooked just until they reach temperature. Keeping the thickness consistent helps the meat stay tender and prevents overcooking.

Is this recipe considered a healthy dinner?

With lean protein, vegetables, and a yogurt-based sauce, this dish fits well into balanced eating plans. It also works nicely as Healthy Dinner option when paired with lighter sides.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely, this recipe holds up well for advance cooking. Portion the chicken and vegetables into containers so lunches and dinners feel just as fresh later in the week.

Print
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Lemon Garlic Chicken

Lemon Garlic Chicken


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  • Author: Megan Foster
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings
  • Diet: Low Calorie

Description

Juicy lemon garlic chicken marinated in citrus and herbs, roasted on a sheet pan with potatoes and broccoli for an easy complete dinner.


Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • Baby Dutch potatoes
  • Broccoli florets
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic cloves
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Lemon zest
  • Dijon mustard
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Dried basil
  • Dried oregano
  • Onion powder
  • Paprika
  • Ground cumin
  • Dried thyme
  • Sugar
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Parsley
  • Chives
  • Dill

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
  2. Mix all marinade ingredients together
  3. Reserve two tablespoons of marinade for vegetables
  4. Add chicken to marinade and coat well
  5. Marinate chicken for 20 minutes
  6. Line a sheet pan with foil and spray lightly
  7. Toss potatoes with reserved marinade and salt
  8. Bake potatoes for 15 minutes
  9. Remove pan and add broccoli and chicken
  10. Bake until chicken is fully cooked
  11. Whisk yogurt sauce ingredients together
  12. Serve chicken and vegetables with sauce

Notes

  1. Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts
  2. Cut potatoes evenly for uniform cooking
  3. Do not overcrowd the sheet pan
  4. Use a thermometer to check doneness
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 6
  • Sodium: 620
  • Fat: 32
  • Saturated Fat: 7
  • Unsaturated Fat: 23
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 28
  • Fiber: 4
  • Protein: 36
  • Cholesterol: 145

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