If you’re looking for a dinner that’s bursting with bright flavor but doesn’t require a million pots and pans, then you’re going to love this Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe. I absolutely love how everything—from the juicy, tender chicken thighs to the tender roasted potatoes—comes together with zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and herbs all on one pan. When I first tried this, I was hooked because it’s so easy to prep, and cleanup is a breeze. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again for weeknight meals or casual weekend dinners with family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pan Magic: Everything cooks together, so minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
- Bright, Fresh Flavors: Lemon and garlic make the chicken and potatoes sing with freshness.
- Juicy Chicken Every Time: Marinating the thighs locks in moisture and herbal goodness.
- Family Friendly: This recipe consistently impresses my loved ones without demanding extra effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients right is key here since it’s all about layering flavor. The combo of fresh lemons with garlic and herbs really brightens the dish, while the fingerling potatoes add that perfect balance of creaminess and crispness when roasted.

- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use good quality for a richer marinade that coats the chicken perfectly.
- Lemons: You’ll need both zest and juice for maximum zing—don’t skip either part!
- Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic really makes this flavor-packed.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tang and helps emulsify the marinade.
- Dried Oregano: A classic herb here for Mediterranean vibes.
- Sweet Paprika: Gives a mild warmth and beautiful color.
- Kosher Salt: Essential for bringing out all the deep flavors.
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground for a little kick.
- Fingerling Potatoes: Halved vertically so they roast evenly and get crispy edges.
- Yellow Onion: Chunky pieces add sweetness and depth.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: I recommend thighs because they stay juicy, but breasts work if that’s your preference.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled on top for a salty, creamy finish (optional, but highly recommended!).
- Fresh Parsley and Dill: Bright herbs to sprinkle over before serving.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, if you want a subtle heat kick.
Variations
I love making this recipe my own depending on what’s in season or what my family feels like! Encouraging you to tweak it to match your preferences—whether it’s swapping potatoes, adding veggies, or trying different herbs.
- Vegetable Boost: Sometimes, I add chopped bell peppers or zucchini alongside the potatoes for extra color and nutrition.
- Dairy-Free Option: Skip the feta, or top with fresh herbs and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil instead.
- Lemon Love: For an extra citrus punch, try adding a splash of lemon juice right before serving.
- Mild Heat: A sprinkle of smoked paprika instead of sweet paprika adds a smoky depth that my family goes crazy for.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Mix that Flavorful Marinade
Start by whisking together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, dijon mustard, oregano, paprika, salt, and plenty of black pepper in a large bowl. This marinade is the secret to juicy, flavorful chicken and perfectly seasoned potatoes, so don’t be shy—use your hands to really mix it well and smell those delicious aromas coming together.
Step 2: Toss the Potatoes and Begin Roasting
Add the halved fingerling potatoes, lemon slices, and onion chunks to a large sheet pan. Pour about a third of your marinade over these veggies and toss with your hands to coat everything evenly. Spread them out in a single layer—if you’re using fingerlings, placing them flesh side down works wonders for that beautiful golden crisp. Pop the tray into your preheated 425°F oven and roast for 25 minutes, giving those potatoes and lemons time to caramelize and develop rich flavor.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
While the potatoes start roasting, add your chicken thighs to the remaining marinade in the bowl. Use tongs to coat each piece thoroughly—this step is crucial because letting the chicken soak up those lemony, garlicky herbs means it’ll stay tender on the inside with a gorgeous golden crust once roasted.
Step 4: Combine and Finish Roasting
After 25 minutes, take the sheet pan out of the oven and flip the potatoes so they brown evenly. Drain any excess marinade from the chicken—discarding the leftover marinade helps avoid sogginess—and nestle the chicken thighs in between the potatoes and onions on the pan. Slide it all back into the oven and roast for another 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp of about 165°F) and the potatoes are fork-tender. The lemons will be beautifully caramelized, enhancing all those zesty flavors.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese, fresh parsley, dill, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. A touch more salt and pepper seals the deal. I always love how the creamy feta adds lusciousness, and the fresh herbs bring brightness that balances the roasted richness. Serve it straight from the pan and watch it disappear!
Pro Tips for Making Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
- Use Room Temperature Chicken: Taking your chicken out of the fridge 15 minutes before marinating helps it cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your potatoes and chicken enough space to roast properly, which ensures crispiness instead of steaming.
- Place Potatoes Face Down: For the crispiest edges, make sure the cut side of the potatoes is down on the sheet pan.
- Be Mindful of Marinade Leftovers: Always discard any marinade used for raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination.
How to Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe

Garnishes
I’m a huge fan of finishing this dish with fresh, vibrant garnishes—crumbled feta gives it a salty creaminess I don’t want to skip. I always add chopped parsley and dill, which turn it from cozy comfort food to something fresh and lively. If you want a little spice, a quick sprinkle of red pepper flakes really wakes things up.
Side Dishes
This dish is pretty complete on its own, but if you want to round it out, I recommend a simple green salad or some steamed green beans tossed with lemon and garlic to echo the main flavors. Sometimes, I serve it over a bed of peppery arugula, which adds a lovely bite and works wonders with the lemon-herb vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I like to arrange the cooked chicken and potatoes on a wooden board with lemon wedges scattered around and extra fresh herbs. It’s rustic, inviting, and makes for great conversation starters at the dinner table. Plus, you get to feel fancy without any extra work!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and usually eat them within 3 days. The potatoes soak up a bit of the chicken juices overnight, which actually amps up the flavor! Just make sure everything cools to room temperature before sealing the container to keep things fresh.
Freezing
While I haven’t frozen this exact recipe often, you can freeze the cooked chicken and potatoes separately in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. When thawing, do it overnight in the fridge to keep texture intact.
Reheating
To reheat, I like to spread any leftovers on a baking sheet and pop them into a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the potatoes regain some crispiness and warms the chicken gently without drying it out. Microwave works too if you’re in a hurry, just cover lightly so it stays moist.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are my go-to because they stay juicy and tender during roasting, but you can use breasts if that’s what you prefer. Just keep in mind that breasts cook a little faster, so check for doneness around 12-15 minutes after adding them to the sheet pan to avoid drying out.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the marinade and even marinate the chicken a few hours ahead or overnight in the fridge. I recommend waiting to add the potatoes and onions until you’re ready to roast for the best texture.
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What if I don’t have fingerling potatoes?
No worries! Yukon Gold potatoes work wonderfully here, just cube them to a similar size so they roast evenly with the chicken.
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Can I add other vegetables to the sheet pan?
Definitely! Bell peppers, zucchini, and green beans are great additions that roast nicely alongside the potatoes and chicken. Just make sure to add them at a time that matches their cooking needs so nothing gets over- or undercooked.
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How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked?
The safest bet is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F. Visually, the juices should run clear when you cut into the thickest part, and the chicken should be nicely browned on the outside.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe quickly became a household favorite for me because it’s reliable, full of vibrant flavor, and incredibly satisfying after a busy day. I love sharing this with friends and family because it’s easy to make yet impressive enough to serve guests. You’ll appreciate how simple it is to prep, and the freshness from the lemon-garlic marinade is something you’ll crave again and again. So next time you want a dinner that’s fuss-free but packed with flavor, give this a try—I promise it’ll become your new go-to sheet pan recipe.
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Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Sheet Pan Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Sheet Pan Herby Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes recipe delivers a perfectly balanced, flavorful meal featuring juicy chicken thighs marinated in a zesty lemon garlic dressing alongside roasted fingerling potatoes and onions. Finished with a sprinkle of feta cheese and fresh herbs, this one-pan dinner is simple to prepare, healthy, and full of vibrant Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon, zested
- 2 lemons, juiced (about ½ cup fresh lemon juice)
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Potatoes:
- 1 pound fingerling potatoes, halved vertically (cubed Yukon Gold potatoes will also work)
- 1 lemon, cut into ¼-inch slices
- 1 yellow onion, cut into large chunks
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
To Garnish:
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- Red pepper flakes, optional
- Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F to prepare for roasting the potatoes and chicken, ensuring they cook evenly and develop a golden crust.
- Make Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, sweet paprika, kosher salt, and plenty of freshly ground black pepper until well combined, creating a flavorful marinade for the chicken and potatoes.
- Prepare Potatoes and Aromatics: Add the halved fingerling potatoes, lemon slices, and chunks of yellow onion to a large sheet pan. Pour about 1/3 cup of the marinade over these ingredients and toss thoroughly with your hands to coat evenly. Spread the potatoes, onions, and lemon slices in a single layer, placing fingerling potatoes flesh side down to promote browning. Place in the oven and roast for 25 minutes.
- Marinate Chicken: While the potatoes roast, add the chicken thighs to the remaining marinade in the bowl. Use tongs to thoroughly coat each piece in the marinade and set aside to absorb flavors.
- Flip Potatoes and Add Chicken: After 25 minutes, remove the sheet pan from the oven and flip the potatoes using a spatula to promote even roasting. Allow excess marinade to drip off the chicken (discard any remaining marinade). Nestle the chicken thighs amongst the potatoes on the pan, spacing them so they roast evenly. Return the pan to the oven.
- Roast Chicken and Finish Cooking: Roast for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the potatoes are tender. The lemons will caramelize, and the chicken will develop a golden brown, juicy texture infused with the herby lemon garlic marinade.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the sheet pan from the oven and garnish the dish with crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh dill, and red pepper flakes if you desire some heat. Season with extra salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Serve warm and enjoy this vibrant Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Notes
- You can skip the feta topping to make this dish dairy-free and paleo-friendly or serve with whipped feta or tzatziki sauce as delicious alternatives.
- For added nutrition and freshness, serve the roasted chicken and potatoes over a bed of arugula to add a peppery zing.
- Yukon Gold potatoes can be substituted for fingerling potatoes if preferred; just cube them evenly for consistent cooking.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your desired spice level or omit entirely for a milder flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg


