Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe

This lemon garlic chicken recipe is a sheet pan meal with juicy, tender chicken thighs, roasted potatoes, and crispy asparagus. If you’re looking for a tasty and easy weeknight meal, this recipe is a keeper.

Why I Love This Recipe

Sheet pan meals are my favorite. So simple to prepare and easy to clean up, there’s nothing better than your whole meal cooking together in one pan. In this recipe, I’ve used bone-in chicken thighs, which turn out super juicy and flavorful. Mini potatoes and asparagus round out the meal, but you could easily substitute with whatever you have on hand. You can even double the sauce recipe and stash it in the fridge to use on salmon or chicken later in the week.

Recipe Ingredients

• Chicken thighs: I used bone-in chicken thighs, but boneless will also work. Note that boneless thighs may cook faster, so watch the cook time.
• Yellow potatoes: Baby yellow potatoes work well in this sheet pan meal, just cut them in half, no need to peel.
• Asparagus: Fresh asparagus adds color and crunch to this sheet pan meal. Snip off the ends and trim to fit on the sheet pan.
• Vegetable oil: Any mild-flavored oil will help the ingredients cook; use olive oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil or whatever you have on hand.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds the best flavor, but jarred will also work.
• Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard adds a touch of savoryness to the chicken.
• Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice will add the best tart flavor but jarred juice will also work.
• Seasoning: I used a combination of garlic salt, onion powder, paprika, cumin, pepper, oregano, and a pinch of sugar.
• Lemon: Lemon slices help infuse the chicken with even more citrusy flavor.

How To Make Sheet Pan Chicken

 STEP 1 – Preheat the oven to 400° and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Add the oil, garlic, Dijon, lemon juice, and seasonings to a bowl or Ziplock bag and then add the chicken thighs. Stir well, making sure the thighs get completely coated.

STEP 2 – Place the seasoned chicken thighs on the sheet pan and add the chopped potatoes to the bowl or bag. There should be a touch of sauce leftover to coat the potatoes. Transfer the potatoes to the sheet pan. Trim the ends off the asparagus, add to the bowl or bag, and mix with whatever sauce is left over. Add to the sheet pan.

 Step 3 – Place the lemon slices all over top of everything on the sheet pan. Place in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until cooked through and the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165F.

 STEP 4 – Serve the cooked chicken topped with parsley (optional), and enjoy.

Tips for Lemon Garlic Chicken

• Store Leftover Chicken: Place uneaten chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days or freezer for 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Season Well: If using a bowl to season the chicken, you may need to use your hands to ensure it gets completely coated with the seasoning.
• Omit the Lemons: If you don’t have any lemons to use on top, it’s okay to leave them out.
• Not Enough Marinade: If you run out of the sauce before the potatoes or asparagus, add a little extra Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and water, and stir, scraping down the sides of the bowl well.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: If you aren’t sure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. Cooked chicken should have an internal temperature of 165°F.

Variations

• Different Cuts of Chicken: Feel free to substitute with boneless thighs, use bone-in or boneless chicken breasts or try turkey instead.
• Add Some Spice: Stir your favorite hot sauce into the marinade or add red chili flakes.
• Swap the Potatoes: Change up the potatoes and use any variety, even sweet potatoes.
• Change up the Veggies: Instead of asparagus, use broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, or zucchini. Or use a combination of whatever you have on hand.

FAQs

This lemon garlic chicken is a healthy meal idea with big flavor and minimal cleanup. It’s a high-protein sheet pan recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights – with juicy chicken, roasted veggies, and dinner done in one pan!

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