Name: Garlic Lemon Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 ½ – 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs; 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 salt; 1 tsp pepper; 1 tsp dried basil; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp sugar; 1 pound baby Dutch potatoes, quartered; 3 cups broccoli florets; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream; 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan; 1/4 cup chopped parsley; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon chopped chives (optional); 1 tablespoon minced dill (optional); 1/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp ground cumin

Jump to Recipe

If you’re ready to dazzle your family (or just treat yourself!) with a bright and flavor-packed weeknight dinner, this Garlic Lemon Chicken is about to save the day. Juicy chicken thighs and golden potatoes get a flavor bath in tangy lemon and savory garlic, then roast alongside crisp-tender broccoli—all finished with a creamy, herb-tossed sauce that will have everyone reaching for seconds. This is the kind of meal that makes your kitchen smell incredible and your dinner table the happiest place to be!

Garlic Lemon Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The heart of this dish lies in its simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a key role—building layers of flavor and texture you’ll love, from the zingy citrus notes to the creamy finishing sauce. Here’s what you need to gather for your Garlic Lemon Chicken adventure:

Boneless skinless chicken thighs (1 ½ – 2 pounds): Rich, juicy, and perfect for soaking up all that luscious marinade. Feel free to swap in chicken breasts if that’s what you have on hand.
Baby Dutch potatoes (1 pound), quartered: They roast up creamy and golden, making every bite hearty and comforting.
Broccoli florets (3 cups): Bright, tender, and the perfect counterpoint to the savoriness of the chicken and potatoes.
Olive oil (1/3 cup): Bonds the marinade ingredients and helps everything roast to glossy perfection.
Garlic, minced (3 cloves): The star of the show—sharp, aromatic, and deeply flavorful.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice (3 tablespoons): Brings brightness and tang that wakes up every ingredient.
Lemon zest (2 teaspoons): Packs a punch of citrus aroma and flavor that just feels like sunshine.
Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds creaminess and a subtle, tangy bite to the marinade.
Salt, pepper, dried basil, dried oregano, onion powder (1 teaspoon each): The backbone of epic seasoning that brings all the flavors alive.
Paprika, ground cumin, dried thyme, sugar (1/2 teaspoon each): Just enough warmth, smokiness, and balance to keep your tastebuds guessing.
Greek yogurt or sour cream (1 cup): For that fabulous sauce—cool, creamy, and loaded with protein.
Finely, freshly grated Parmesan (1/4 cup): Salty, nutty, umami magic in every spoonful.
Chopped parsley (1/4 cup): Brings vibrant color and freshness to finish off the dish.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens up the sauce with extra citrus zing.
Chopped chives (1 tablespoon, optional): Mild onion flavor for a little something extra.
Minced dill (1 tablespoon, optional): Adds a cool, herby note to the sauce—so lovely!
Salt, ground cumin (1/4 teaspoon each): Balances out all those creamy and herby flavors in the yogurt sauce.
Pepper (1/8 teaspoon): Just a pinch for that rounding-off peppery hit.

How to Make Garlic Lemon Chicken

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by whisking together all the Lemon Garlic Marinade ingredients—olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and zest, Dijon, and those dreamy dried herbs and spices—in a large freezer bag. Before adding the chicken, scoop out a couple tablespoons of marinade and set it aside for the veggies. Slip in your chicken thighs, give everything a good massage to coat, then let them get happy in the marinade for at least 20 minutes at room temperature, or up to 4 hours in the fridge for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Prep Your Pan and Potatoes

Cover a large sheet pan with foil, then hit it with a little cooking spray—trust me, your future self will thank you at cleanup time! Toss the potatoes with a tablespoon of that reserved marinade and 1/4 teaspoon salt right on the sheet pan. Spread them out in a single layer, then roast at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes to get a head start on crispiness and tenderness.

Step 3: Add Broccoli and Chicken

After the potatoes have had their time, pull the pan out and scooch the spuds to one side. Add the broccoli florets, toss with another tablespoon of reserved marinade for that extra pop of flavor, and nestle them right next to the potatoes. Finally, arrange the marinated chicken on the other side in a single layer—you want everything to have its own space so it roasts, not steams.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the whole pan back into the oven and bake for 17 to 22 minutes. The magic number for chicken thighs is 170–175 degrees F (use a thermometer for succulent results!). If you’re using chicken breasts or cutlets, pull them at 165 degrees F. The chicken should be lightly browned, the potatoes tender, and the broccoli just-whispered with a char.

Step 5: Make the Yogurt Parmesan Herb Sauce

While everything roasts, let’s whip up the sauce. In a small bowl, stir together Greek yogurt (or sour cream), Parmesan, parsley, lemon juice, chives, dill, salt, cumin, and pepper. Pop it in the fridge until it’s time to serve. This sauce is everything: cool, creamy, tangy, and energizing with herbs—you’ll want to put it on everything!

How to Serve Garlic Lemon Chicken

Garnishes

Finish your Garlic Lemon Chicken with a shower of fresh parsley and, if you’ve got it, a squeeze of extra lemon over the top. Lemon wedges, extra herbs, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan are all fantastic for making this dish feel extra special. Don’t forget a generous dollop of that Yogurt Parmesan Herb Sauce—one bite and you’ll understand why it’s non-negotiable!

Side Dishes

This is a full meal right on a sheet pan, but if you want to round things out, try serving your Garlic Lemon Chicken with warm pita, fluffy rice, or a crisp green salad. A loaf of crusty bread is always welcome for swiping up every last drop of saucy, lemony goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not plate Garlic Lemon Chicken family-style on a large platter, letting everyone help themselves? For a fancier touch, arrange chicken slices atop a bed of roasted potatoes and broccoli, spoon over that luscious sauce, and finish with a flourish of herbs. If you want meal-prep magic, pack individual portions with sauce for grab-and-go lunches!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any Garlic Lemon Chicken leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. The veggies and chicken reheat beautifully, and you may even find the flavors deepen overnight! Keep the Yogurt Parmesan Herb Sauce separate to maintain its creamy, fresh texture.

Freezing

You can freeze your Garlic Lemon Chicken for later, but for best texture, freeze the chicken, potatoes, and broccoli separately from the sauce. Pack in airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, spread the chicken and veggies on a baking sheet and warm in a 350 degree F oven until everything is heated through—about 10 to 15 minutes. The sauce is best served cold or at room temperature; just give it a stir before spooning it on top.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Garlic Lemon Chicken works beautifully with chicken breasts as well—just make sure to check doneness around the 17-minute mark, since breasts cook a bit faster and can dry out if overdone.

What can I substitute for the Greek yogurt in the sauce?

If you’re out of Greek yogurt, sour cream is a perfect substitute and gives the sauce a similar creamy tang. Dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt also work for a lighter, allergy-friendly twist.

Is it possible to make Garlic Lemon Chicken ahead of time?

You can prep the marinade and even let the chicken marinate overnight. Chop the veggies and mix up the sauce in advance—just assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat for maximum convenience and flavor!

Can I add other vegetables to the pan?

Go for it! Garlic Lemon Chicken is super adaptable—try adding carrots, bell peppers, or red onions alongside the potatoes and broccoli. Just make sure to cut veggies to similar sizes for even roasting.

How do I achieve extra crispy potatoes?

For those next-level crispy spuds, give them plenty of space on the pan so they roast instead of steam. You can also let them roast solo for an extra 5 to 10 minutes before adding everything else to the pan.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Lemon Chicken is truly special—simple enough for a weeknight, yet bold and vibrant enough to impress at a gathering. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again. So roll up your sleeves, get that lemon and garlic working their charm, and get ready to savor a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal tonight!