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 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 4 medium potatoes, cut into wedges; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 lemon (zested and juiced); 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Everyday Comfort Meals

I absolutely love the simplicity and flavor of this One Pan Lemon Chicken and Potatoes recipe! It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights when I want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken and roasted potatoes, all infused with bright lemon and herbs, makes for a meal that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Plus, the best part is that everything cooks together in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy the meal with my family.

Created by

Summer Blake

Last updated on 2026-02-15T07:09:36.548Z

When I first tried making One Pan Lemon Chicken and Potatoes, I was amazed by how easy it was to whip up. I marinated the chicken in lemon juice, garlic, and herbs before searing it to give it an incredible flavor. The aroma that filled my kitchen was heavenly!

I learned that roasting the chicken on a bed of potatoes allows the potatoes to absorb the flavorful juices as they cook, turning them into little flavor bombs. It’s a cozy dish that always brings my family together, and it never fails to impress our guests.

You Will Love This Recipe Because
Bright and zesty lemon flavor that elevates the dish
All ingredients cook together, creating a rich, flavorful sauce
Perfectly crispy potatoes that soak up all the delicious juices

Understanding the Ingredients

The choice of chicken breasts for this recipe is key to achieving a juicy, flavorful result. Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they can easily absorb the marinade's bright lemon and herb flavors. For a variation, you could use bone-in chicken thighs, which would add even more depth to the dish but may require slightly longer cooking time to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Potatoes play a crucial role as they harmonize beautifully with the zesty chicken. I recommend using a waxy variety like Yukon Gold or red potatoes, as they hold their shape well during roasting and develop a creamy texture. Cutting them into evenly sized wedges ensures they cook uniformly and achieve that desirable golden-brown crispiness on the edges. Timing is critical; check them for doneness around the 35-minute mark to avoid overcooking.

Mastering Cooking Techniques

Achieving the perfect balance of flavors requires attention to marinating time. Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes is crucial; however, for even bolder flavors, consider letting it sit for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. Just be cautious not to marinate for too long, as the acidity in the lemon juice can begin to break down the chicken and affect its texture.

Baking everything together on one sheet is not just convenient but allows the potato wedges to absorb the chicken's savory juices, creating a cohesive dish. Ensure your baking sheet is large enough to avoid overcrowding, as this can lead to steaming instead of roasting, preventing the potatoes from becoming crispy. The ideal baking temperature of 400°F (200°C) facilitates a nice caramelization while keeping the chicken tender.

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients before you start cooking.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 medium potatoes, cut into wedges
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon (zested and juiced)
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure everything is prepped and ready for cooking.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a delicious meal.

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and let them rest for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Arrange Potatoes

Place the potato wedges on a large baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.

Add Chicken

Nestle the marinated chicken breasts among the potatoes on the baking sheet.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are golden brown.

Serve

Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy your flavorful dish with family and friends!

Pro Tips

To enhance the flavor, you can add extra herbs like rosemary or thyme according to your preference.

Tips for Storing and Reheating

This One Pan Lemon Chicken and Potatoes dish stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors continue to develop over time, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. To reheat, simply transfer the leftovers to a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes.

For longer storage, consider freezing portions of the cooked chicken and potatoes. Ensure they cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe container. The dish can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven, preserving the original texture and flavor.

Delighting with Variations

While the lemon and herb combination is divine, don't hesitate to mix it up! Adding seasonal vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, can enhance the dish's nutrition and flavor profile. Just be mindful of the cooking times; these vegetables may require less time in the oven, so consider adding them halfway through the cooking process to ensure they don't become mushy.

If you're looking for a more intense flavor, incorporating different herbs like rosemary or fresh thyme can add a delightful twist. Alternatively, swap out the olive oil for avocado oil for a similar flavor with a higher smoke point, allowing for extra crispy potatoes while roasting.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but ensure to adjust the cooking time as bone-in chicken takes longer to cook.

→ What can I substitute for potatoes?

You can use sweet potatoes or other root vegetables like carrots or parsnips.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until you're ready to cook.

→ Is it possible to make this dish on the grill?

Yes, you can grill the chicken and veggies if you prefer a smoky flavor.