Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

Name: Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1.5–2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs: main protein, rich and juicy; 1 pound baby Dutch potatoes, quartered: adds buttery texture and bulk; 3 cups broccoli florets: adds fiber and balances flavors; 1/3 cup olive oil: keeps chicken moist and infuses flavor; 3 cloves garlic, minced: adds pungent, aromatic depth; 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice: tenderizes chicken and adds brightness; 2 teaspoons lemon zest: enhances citrus flavor; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: adds sharpness and complexity; 1 teaspoon salt: essential for seasoning; 1 teaspoon black pepper: adds subtle heat; 1 teaspoon dried basil: earthy and sweet herbal note; 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Mediterranean herb depth; 1 teaspoon onion powder: boosts overall savoriness; 1/2 teaspoon paprika: adds warmth and mild color; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin: subtle smokiness; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: adds earthy aroma; 1/2 teaspoon sugar: balances lemon’s acidity; Cooking spray: prevents sticking on sheet pan; Foil: for easy sheet pan cleanup; Optional Sauce:; 1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream: base of the dip; 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese: adds saltiness and depth; 1/4 cup chopped parsley: fresh herbal balance; 1 tablespoon lemon juice: brightens the sauce; 1 tablespoon chopped chives (optional): mild onion flavor; 1 tablespoon minced dill (optional): fresh, grassy flavor; 1/4 teaspoon salt: balances flavors; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper: subtle seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin: subtle warmth

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Craving a quick and delicious meal that bursts with zesty flavor and comes together in under an hour? These Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs are the perfect answer. Juicy, tender chicken is marinated in a vibrant blend of fresh lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, then roasted alongside buttery potatoes and crisp-tender broccoli for a satisfying sheet pan dinner. This crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners—and it comes with a creamy Parmesan yogurt herb sauce that takes it to the next level.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe delivers bold, fresh flavors with minimal effort. The combination of lemon, garlic, and Dijon mustard creates a tangy and savory marinade that transforms ordinary chicken into a crave-worthy main dish. Chicken thighs are ideal for this dish because they’re rich in flavor and stay juicy even after roasting. Plus, you get a complete meal with just one pan—less cleanup and more time to enjoy!

Quick and easy: 20 minutes of marinating and simple sheet pan roasting
Versatile: Perfect for grilling, pan-searing, or baking
Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and healthy fats
Family-friendly: Loved by both kids and adults
Meal-prep ready: Stores and reheats beautifully for leftovers

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken and Marinade

Chicken Thighs: Rich, juicy, and perfect for soaking up the lemon garlic marinade
Lemon Juice: Adds bright acidity that tenderizes and flavors the chicken
Lemon Zest: Offers concentrated citrus flavor without adding liquid
Garlic: Essential for depth and aromatic warmth
Olive Oil: Helps lock in moisture and blend the marinade
Dijon Mustard: Adds tang and a hint of sharpness for complexity
Sugar: Balances the lemon’s acidity
Dried Basil & Oregano: Bring earthy, herby depth
Onion Powder & Paprika: Enhance flavor and add warmth
Ground Cumin: Adds a subtle smoky undertone
Salt & Pepper: Essential for balancing flavors

Vegetables

Baby Dutch Potatoes: Buttery and tender when roasted
Broccoli Florets: Roast to crispy perfection and pair well with lemon and garlic

Optional Parmesan Yogurt Herb Sauce

Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: Creamy base with a tangy kick
Grated Parmesan: Nutty, salty richness
Lemon Juice: Brightens and balances the sauce
Fresh Parsley, Chives, Dill: Add vibrant, herbaceous flavor
Ground Cumin, Salt, Pepper: Round out the seasoning

Ingredient Swaps and Helpful Substitutions

What to Use If You Don’t Have Everything On Hand

Different Proteins: Chicken breasts, drumsticks, shrimp, or even salmon work well
Veggie Swaps: Use asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots—just adjust baking time
No Dijon? Use yellow mustard or omit for a milder version
No Parmesan? Leave it out or substitute with pecorino
Add Heat: Mix in red pepper flakes or cayenne for a spicy kick
Low-Carb Version: Replace potatoes with cauliflower or another low-carb veggie

How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Marinade
In a large sealable bag, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, Dijon mustard, sugar, herbs, and spices. Mix well. Reserve 2 tablespoons of this marinade for the vegetables.
Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade bag. Seal and turn to coat evenly. Let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes or refrigerate for up to 4 hours.
Roast the Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with foil and spray with cooking spray. Toss the potatoes with 1 tablespoon reserved marinade and a pinch of salt. Roast for 15 minutes.
Add Broccoli and Chicken
Move potatoes to one side of the pan. Add broccoli and toss with remaining marinade. Spread evenly. Add marinated chicken thighs in a single layer.
Bake
Return pan to oven and bake for 17–22 minutes, or until chicken thighs reach an internal temp of 170–175°F. The potatoes should be golden and tender, and the broccoli crisp-tender.
Make the Sauce (Optional but Recommended)
Mix Greek yogurt, Parmesan, lemon juice, parsley, and other herbs in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Thighs Every Time

Use a Meat Thermometer: Chicken thighs are perfectly done at 175°F for juicy results
Pound Chicken for Even Cooking: If using cutlets, pound to uniform thickness
Don’t Over-Marinate: Acidic marinades can break down chicken too much—4 hours max
Bring to Room Temperature: Prevents uneven cooking
Line the Pan with Foil: Easier cleanup and prevents sticking
Rest Before Slicing: Let chicken sit 5–10 minutes after baking to retain juices
Double the Sauce: It’s that good—great for leftovers too!

What to Serve with Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

This recipe is a meal-in-one, but you can easily mix it up with sides or repurpose leftovers.

Great Side Pairings

Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, lemon rice, couscous
Salads: Greek salad, spinach salad with lemon vinaigrette, or a crisp green salad
Breads: Garlic bread, pita, or soft dinner rolls
Pasta: Pair with a light lemon pasta or creamy Alfredo
Fruit: A fresh citrus salad or grapes for contrast

Fun Leftover Ideas

Wraps: Chicken and veggies in a tortilla with hummus or tzatziki
Paninis: With mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and arugula
Bowls: Serve over rice or couscous with roasted veggies and tahini
Soups: Add chopped chicken to lemon orzo or veggie soups
Salads: Toss chopped chicken into a Greek or Cobb salad

Health Benefits of Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs

This dish is not just flavorful—it’s also loaded with nutrients that support a healthy lifestyle.

High-Protein: Supports muscle health and keeps you full
Antioxidant-Rich: Garlic and lemon boost immunity
Balanced Meal: Includes lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats
Heart-Friendly: Olive oil and herbs support cardiovascular health
Low-Sugar: Naturally low in added sugars and refined carbs

Storing, Reheating, and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Store chicken and veggies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.

How to Reheat

Microwave: Reheat chopped chicken and veggies in 30-second bursts
Skillet: Warm with a bit of olive oil over medium-low heat
Oven: Cover with foil and reheat at 350°F for 10 minutes

Freezing Tips

Cooked Chicken: Freeze in a sealed container or bag for up to 3 months
Raw in Marinade: Freeze chicken directly in marinade bag. Thaw and cook directly when ready

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a no-fuss dinner that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs are the answer. This one-pan recipe checks every box: it’s quick to prep, deeply flavorful, and filled with wholesome ingredients. The marinade infuses the chicken with lemony brightness and garlicky depth, while the roasted veggies round out the dish with comforting textures and complementary tastes.

Whether you’re serving it fresh for family dinner, repurposing it for meal prep, or customizing it with your favorite seasonal veggies, this versatile recipe belongs in your weekly rotation. Don’t forget the creamy yogurt herb sauce—it’s the secret weapon that ties everything together!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used in place of thighs, but for the best results, slice them into cutlets and pound them to an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly and absorb more of the lemon garlic marinade. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as breasts cook faster and can dry out if overbaked. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

The ideal marinating time is 20 minutes to 4 hours. Since the marinade contains acidic lemon juice, marinating too long (over 4 hours) may break down the chicken’s texture, making it mushy. Chicken thighs are forgiving, so even a short marination of 20–30 minutes yields great flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and prep the vegetables ahead of time. The cooked Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs also store well and make excellent leftovers for lunches, grain bowls, and wraps. For best texture, reheat gently in a skillet or oven rather than a microwave.

More Relevant Recipes

Healthy Orange Chicken: This citrus-forward chicken dish mirrors the tangy notes of Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs, offering a sweet-savory balance with a healthy twist. It’s a great choice for those seeking bold flavors with fewer calories.
Creamy Garlic Pasta: For garlic lovers, this creamy pasta is a perfect complement or side to lemony chicken dishes. The rich garlic flavor and smooth texture make it a comforting, flavorful pairing option.
Garlic Butter Lemon Baked Cod: This seafood recipe shares the citrus-garlic profile of Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs. It’s light, flaky, and infused with fresh lemon zest, making it an ideal alternative for pescatarians or anyone wanting variety with similar flavors.

Lemon Garlic Chicken Thighs – Best Juicy Recipe

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