If you’re looking for a weeknight winner that’s full of fresh flavors and oh-so-satisfying, you’ll absolutely adore my Herb Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Bake Recipe. This one-pan wonder pairs juicy, herb-marinated chicken thighs with tender, caramelized potatoes and zesty lemon slices. Honestly, it’s like summer on a plate and I can’t wait to share all my tips with you so your version turns out perfect every single time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple One-Pan Cooking: Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying your meal and less scrubbing pots.
- Flavor-Packed Marinade: The lemon, garlic, and herbs soak right into the chicken and potatoes for a delicious punch.
- Juicy, Golden Chicken: Using bone-in skinless thighs keeps the meat tender and juicy without drying out.
- Family Friendly & Flexible: Easily adaptable to different tastes and perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here plays a part in layering flavor and texture—you’ll find the bright citrus perfectly balances the herbs and garlic, while the potatoes soak up the marinade for that irresistible roasted crispness.

- Extra virgin olive oil: Choose a good quality oil for the best flavor and smooth texture in your marinade.
- Lemons: Using both zest and juice amps up the lemony brightness. Fresh lemons always deliver the best punch.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic is key—don’t skip it or use pre-minced; the flavor won’t be as vibrant.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and helps emulsify the marinade beautifully.
- Dried oregano and sweet paprika: Classic Mediterranean flavors that pair wonderfully with lemon and garlic.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the other flavors.
- Fingerling potatoes (or Yukon Gold): These small, waxy potatoes roast up tender inside and crispy outside—perfect in this dish.
- Yellow onion: Cut in large chunks, they caramelize nicely and add sweetness that balances the herbs.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: They stay juicy and flavorful after baking better than breast meat.
- Feta cheese (optional): Crumbled on top for a creamy, salty finish that takes this dish over the edge.
- Fresh parsley and dill: Chopped herbs freshen the dish right before serving, brightening every bite.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): If you like a little warmth, this is your go-to sprinkle.
Variations
I love how versatile this Herb Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Bake Recipe is — once you get the basics down, you can make it your own. Sometimes I swap in different herbs or add a little heat here and there, and each tweak feels fresh.
- Herb swaps: I’ve replaced oregano with fresh thyme or rosemary, which adds a lovely piney aroma and pairs beautifully with the lemon.
- Spice it up: Red pepper flakes are great, but I’ve also experimented with smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor and my family loved it.
- Veggie additions: Toss in some cherry tomatoes or green beans halfway through roasting for an all-in-one meal that’s colorful and nutritious.
- Dairy-free option: Skip the feta and swap toppings for a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and fresh herbs for texture and richness.
How to Make Herb Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Bake Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together Your Flavor-Packed Marinade
Start by combining your olive oil, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, sweet paprika, kosher salt, and plenty of freshly ground black pepper in a large bowl. Whisk it all together until it forms a beautifully fragrant, slightly thick marinade. This step is crucial because it’s the flavor base that will infuse both your chicken and potatoes — don’t rush it!
Step 2: Roast Potatoes, Lemon Slices, and Onions
Add the halved fingerling potatoes, lemon slices, and onion chunks into the bowl with the marinade. Using your hands, toss everything well so each piece is coated in that luscious mixture. Spread them out evenly on a large sheet pan, placing the potatoes cut side down to get that gorgeous golden crust. Roast at 425°F for 25 minutes. This gives the potatoes a head start to soften and caramelize before adding the chicken.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
While the potatoes roast, add your chicken thighs to the leftover marinade in your bowl and use tongs to mix and coat each piece well. Let the chicken soak up those flavors while the veggies cook. This part helps keep the chicken juicy and packed with flavor once baked.
Step 4: Add Chicken to the Sheet Pan and Finish Baking
After 25 minutes, pull the sheet pan out of the oven and flip the potatoes to encourage even browning. Allow any excess marinade drip off the chicken thighs before nesting them in between the potatoes and onions. Pop everything back into the oven for another 15 to 20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and tender, the potatoes nicely crisped, and the lemons caramelized. The golden color and juicy chicken really sell this dish.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle crumbled feta, freshly chopped parsley and dill, and red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat. A little fresh salt and pepper goes a long way here too. Serve it right on the pan or transfer to a large platter to show off those roasted beauties. You’re in for a treat!
Pro Tips for Making Herb Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Bake Recipe
- Marinate Time Matters: Even 20 minutes allows the chicken and potatoes to soak up flavors, but if you have more time, marinate for up to 2 hours in the fridge for deeper taste.
- Use Room Temperature Chicken: Let your chicken sit out for about 15 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking and juicier results.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Giving space between potatoes and chicken allows air to circulate for crispy edges rather than soggy steaming.
- Watch the Potatoes: Fingerlings can vary, so test with a fork — you want them tender but not mushy before adding the chicken.
How to Serve Herb Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Bake Recipe

Garnishes
I usually go for the fresh parsley and dill because they add such a vibrant, herbal note that pairs so well with the lemon and garlic. The crumbled feta brings that tangy creaminess that’s just perfect. I’m also a fan of tossing on red pepper flakes for a little kick, but that’s totally up to your heat preference.
Side Dishes
This recipe is such a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or a bed of arugula works beautifully. Sometimes I serve it alongside a crusty bread to soak up all those zesty pan juices, which my family absolutely adores.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like spreading the potatoes and chicken on a large wooden board with fresh herb sprigs tucked around the edges. Adding little bowls of tzatziki or whipped feta sauce for dipping creates a fun, family-style vibe that gets everyone trying different combinations—it always gets compliments!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your meal, leftovers keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to separate the chicken from the potatoes so they reheat evenly, but it’s not mandatory. The flavors actually deepen overnight, which is a nice bonus!
Freezing
You can freeze both cooked chicken and potatoes separately for up to 2 months. When thawing, do it overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently in the oven to keep the chicken moist and potatoes crispy. I found freezing the whole pan together can make the potatoes soggy, so separating works best.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven goodness, I reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, uncovered, to crisp the potatoes again and warm the chicken through without drying it out. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to make the potatoes mushy.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
You can absolutely use boneless skinless chicken breasts, but keep in mind they cook faster and can dry out more easily. To avoid this, reduce the second baking time to about 12-15 minutes and keep an eye on them. Thighs give you more forgiveness and juiciness, which is why I prefer them personally.
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What potatoes work best for this bake?
Fingerling potatoes are my top choice because their waxy texture holds up well roasting, but Yukon Gold potatoes cubed also work beautifully. Avoid russets as they can become too crumbly. The key is to use potatoes that roast crisp on the outside yet stay tender inside.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can marinate the chicken and potatoes up to 2 hours ahead, stored covered in the fridge. When ready, just spread everything on the pan and follow the baking steps. This makes it perfect for busy days or entertaining.
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What’s a good dairy-free alternative for the feta garnish?
If you want to skip the feta, try toasted nuts like pine nuts or almonds for crunch and some fresh herbs for brightness. Another great option is to drizzle extra virgin olive oil infused with garlic or herbs to add richness without dairy.
Final Thoughts
This Herb Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Bake Recipe is hands-down one of my favorite go-tos when I want something comforting but fresh-tasting. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar without any stress, and your family will be asking for it again and again like mine do. Give it a try—you’ll see how easy it is to create a delicious, wholesome meal that feels special every time.
Print
Herb Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This Sheet Pan Herby Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes recipe offers a vibrant and flavorful one-pan meal combining juicy marinated chicken thighs with tender roasted fingerling potatoes, caramelized lemon slices, and onions. The dish is finished with a bright and tangy garnish of crumbled feta, fresh herbs, and optional red pepper flakes, making it an easy yet impressive dinner perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
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
- LOTS of freshly ground black pepper
For the Potatoes:
- 1 pound fingerling potatoes, halved vertically (cubed Yukon Gold potatoes can also be used)
- 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*
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- Red pepper flakes, if desired
- Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s hot enough for roasting the potatoes and chicken to a perfect golden finish.
- Mix Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, sweet paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until fully combined, creating a bright and herby marinade base.
- Prepare Potatoes and Vegetables: Add the halved fingerling potatoes, lemon slices, and large chunks of yellow onion to the sheet pan. Pour about 1/3 cup of the prepared marinade over them and toss everything with your hands to coat evenly. Spread the potatoes flesh side down on the pan to encourage browning and roast in the oven for 25 minutes.
- Marinate Chicken: While the potatoes roast, add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the remaining marinade in the bowl. Use tongs to thoroughly coat the chicken with the herby lemon garlic mixture and set aside to absorb flavor.
- Combine and Continue Roasting: After the initial 25 minutes, remove the sheet pan from the oven. Flip the potatoes to ensure even cooking. Let excess marinade drip off the chicken (discard any leftover marinade in the bowl), then nestle the chicken thighs between the potatoes on the pan. Return the sheet pan to the oven and roast for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, golden brown, and juicy, and the potatoes are tender. The lemon slices will caramelize, adding a delightful tangy sweetness.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, fresh dill, and red pepper flakes if desired. Season with extra freshly ground salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and enjoy this flavorful, wholesome sheet pan meal.
Notes
- Skip the feta topping and opt for a whipped feta sauce drizzled over or served on the side for a creamy addition.
- Alternatively, keep the feta and serve with tzatziki sauce for dipping or drizzling to add a refreshing contrast.
- To keep the dish dairy-free and paleo-friendly, omit the feta completely.
- For extra nutrition and a fresh touch, serve this dish over a bed of arugula, which adds a peppery zing that complements the lemony flavors beautifully.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg

