One Pan Lemon Chicken And Potatoes

Name: One Pan Lemon Chicken And Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on; 1 lb baby potatoes, halved; 3 tablespoons olive oil; Juice and zest of 2 lemons; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Balanced Kitchen

I love making One Pan Lemon Chicken and Potatoes for a quick weeknight dinner. The tangy lemon flavor paired with tender chicken and roasted potatoes creates a delightful meal that's satisfying and easy to clean up. Cooking everything in one pan not only saves time on dishwashing but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Each bite reminds me of sunny days and is sure to please everyone at the table. This dish is perfect for busy evenings when I want a delicious home-cooked meal without the hassle.

Created by

Daphne Collins

Last updated on 2026-02-14T23:25:36.776Z

When I first made One Pan Lemon Chicken and Potatoes, I was skeptical of how well the flavors would come together. However, the bright lemon juice and zest combined with garlic and herbs really lifted the dish. I discovered that using fresh lemon juice made all the difference, enhancing the chicken's natural flavors and giving the roasted potatoes a zesty kick.

To make this meal even more special, I add a sprinkle of fresh parsley just before serving, which brings a vibrant touch. This dish has since become a family favorite, and I love serving it with a simple green salad for a complete dinner.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bright and zesty lemon flavor that lifts your spirits
One-pan convenience for easy cooking and cleanup
Tender chicken with crispy, golden potatoes

The Magic of One-Pan Cooking

One-pan meals like this Lemon Chicken and Potatoes recipe are not only time-savers but also amplify the depth of flavors. As the chicken roasts alongside the potatoes, the rendered chicken fat helps to crisp the edges of the potatoes while infusing them with savory taste. This method of cooking ensures that no aspect of the dish feels separate; rather, they create a harmonious balance that's deeply satisfying.

Another key benefit of one-pan cooking is the ease of cleanup. With everything cooked together, you simply need to wash one dish after the meal. I often find this appealing during busy weeknights, where the last thing I want to face is a mountain of dishes. Plus, the simplicity of roasting everything in one pan allows for effortless multitasking, leaving more time to enjoy dinner with family.

Understanding the Key Ingredients

The chicken thighs in this recipe are essential for achieving a juicy and flavorful meal. Bone-in, skin-on chicken retains moisture during cooking, creating a rich flavor and an appealing texture. If you prefer, you can substitute with drumsticks or chicken breasts, but be mindful to adjust cooking times accordingly, as breasts may cook faster and could dry out if overcooked.

Baby potatoes, with their tender skins, can be roasted whole or halved, as in this recipe. Their creamy texture pairs beautifully with the zesty lemon flavor. If baby potatoes aren't available, you can easily swap them for larger potatoes cut into similar-sized pieces or even sweet potatoes for a different twist. Just remember to keep the size uniform to ensure even cooking.

Ingredients

Gather all your ingredients before you start cooking for a smoother process:

Ingredients

4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
1 lb baby potatoes, halved
3 tablespoons olive oil
Juice and zest of 2 lemons
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure to check your pantry for some common items that can enhance the flavor, like additional herbs or spices.

Instructions

Once you have everything prepped, follow these steps for a delicious one-pan meal:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Prepare the Chicken and Potatoes

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken thighs and halved potatoes. Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss everything to coat well.

Arrange in a Pan

Transfer the chicken and potatoes to a large baking dish or a sheet pan, arranging them in a single layer.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and potatoes are tender.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot.

Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the lemon garlic mixture for a few hours before cooking.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the chicken and potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, using the oven at a low temperature (around 350°F or 175°C) helps retain the crispness of the skin while warming the potatoes thoroughly. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that crispy texture, as the microwave tends to make the skin soggy.

For longer storage, consider freezing the dish. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. This meal can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, following the oven method for best results. The flavors meld together even more in the freezing process, creating deliciously seasoned leftovers.

Serving Suggestions

This One Pan Lemon Chicken and Potatoes is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a more balanced meal. The brightness of a simple arugula salad dressed with olive oil and lemon complements the zesty chicken perfectly, enhancing the vibrant flavor profile of the dish.

For a more Mediterranean flair, consider adding olives or cherry tomatoes to the pan during the last 15 minutes of baking. These will add bursts of flavor and additional color to your meal, making it look as good as it tastes. A sprinkle of feta cheese on top before serving can also provide a lovely creamy contrast to the lemon zest and herb seasonings.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs will work well. Just adjust the cooking time as they may cook faster than bone-in thighs.

→ What vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or green beans for added nutrition and color.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken and potatoes a day ahead and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.