Imagine a dinner that’s bursting with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, incredibly easy to make, and healthy for the whole family. Look no further than this exquisite One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken & Potatoes. This recipe masterfully combines succulent chicken, infused with aromatic garlic and fresh herbs, alongside tender, golden potatoes, all brightened by the zesty kick of lemon. It’s not just a meal; it’s a culinary journey to the sunny coasts of the Mediterranean, prepared right in your kitchen.

Perfectly designed for busy weeknights, this lemon herb chicken recipe simplifies dinner without compromising on taste. The secret lies in a remarkably simple yet powerful lemon herb chicken marinade that tenderizes the chicken and locks in an explosion of zesty flavor. With minimal effort, you’ll achieve irresistibly tender, juicy chicken and wonderfully crispy, flavor-packed potatoes, all cooked together in a single pan. From prep to plate, this satisfying meal is ready in under an hour, making it a reliable favorite you’ll want to add to your regular rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Lemon Herb Chicken & Potatoes

This isn’t just another chicken dinner; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create profound flavors. Here’s why this Garlic Lemon Herb Chicken and potato dish will become a staple in your home:

• Unforgettable Flavor Profile: The magic truly happens with the exquisite balance of flavors. Bright, tangy notes from fresh lemon juice cut through the richness of the chicken, while generous amounts of crushed garlic and a blend of aromatic Mediterranean herbs (basil, oregano, parsley) infuse every morsel with savory depth. The potatoes, nestled amongst the chicken, become little sponges, soaking up all the zesty, herby pan juices, transforming them into golden, flavorful bites.
• Effortless One-Pan Cooking: Say goodbye to stacks of dirty dishes! This entire meal comes together in a single oven-proof skillet or baking pan, making cleanup a breeze. It’s the definition of a convenient one-pan Mediterranean dinner, perfect for those evenings when time is short but you crave a homemade, healthy meal.
• Simple Yet Powerful Marinade: The heart of this recipe is its fuss-free lemon herb chicken marinade. A quick whisk of fresh lemon juice, quality olive oil, potent garlic, and a medley of dried herbs is all it takes. This marinade doesn’t just add flavor; it works its magic to tenderize the chicken, ensuring it cooks up incredibly juicy and moist every single time.
• Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein, nutrient-rich vegetables, and healthy fats from olive oil, this meal is as good for you as it is delicious. It’s a balanced option that supports a healthy lifestyle without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.
• Family-Friendly & Versatile: Even picky eaters will adore the tender chicken and savory potatoes. Plus, the recipe is easily adaptable to different tastes and what you have on hand, allowing for vegetable swaps or alternative chicken cuts. It’s a truly satisfying and wholesome meal that appeals to everyone at the table.

Essential Ingredients for Your Flavorful Lemon Herb Chicken Dinner

One of the beauties of this Mediterranean-inspired dish is its reliance on readily available, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the incredible flavors:

• Chicken Thighs (Skin-on, Bone-in): While chicken breasts can be used, we highly recommend skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs. The skin crisps up beautifully, adding texture and flavor, while the bone helps the meat retain moisture, resulting in exceptionally juicy and tender chicken that truly absorbs the rich marinade. This choice ensures your lemon herb chicken is always succulent.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: This is a non-negotiable! Freshly squeezed lemon juice is crucial for the vibrant, tangy notes that define this dish. It not only brightens the overall flavor but also helps tenderize the chicken in the marinade. Avoid bottled lemon juice for the best results.
• Garlic (Crushed): Generous amounts of crushed fresh garlic are key to the savory, aromatic depth of this recipe. It’s what gives this dish its “garlic lemon herb chicken” character, infusing the entire pan with an irresistible fragrance.
• Dried Herbs (Basil, Oregano, Parsley): This classic trio forms the heart of the Mediterranean herb blend. Dried herbs are potent and readily release their flavors into the marinade and during roasting. Feel free to adjust quantities to your preference or even substitute with fresh herbs if you have them (use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried).
• Baby Potatoes: Small, waxy potatoes like baby reds, Yukon golds, or fingerlings are ideal. Halved, they roast perfectly alongside the chicken, becoming wonderfully tender on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside, all while soaking up the flavorful pan juices. They are a crucial component for a true one-pan chicken and potatoes experience.
• Olive Oil (Extra Virgin): A good quality extra virgin olive oil is essential for the marinade and for searing the chicken. It adds a fruity, peppery note that complements the other Mediterranean flavors.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Just a touch of red wine vinegar in the marinade adds another layer of tang and complexity, balancing the richness of the chicken and enhancing the herb flavors.
• Red Onion & Red Bell Pepper: These vegetables add sweetness, a slight pungency, and beautiful color to the dish. They soften and caramelize slightly as they roast, contributing to the overall savory profile.
• Zucchini: Sliced zucchini cooks down to a tender texture, absorbing the delicious pan juices and adding another healthy green element to your meal.
• Kalamata Olives & Lemon Slices (for garnish): These are added at the very end to provide bursts of briny, salty flavor and extra fresh lemon zest, elevating the presentation and taste of your finished dish.

For precise measurements and the complete list, please refer to the detailed recipe card located further down this page.

How to Make the Best One-Pan Garlic Lemon Herb Chicken & Potatoes

Creating this flavorful Mediterranean dinner is straightforward and requires just a few simple steps. Follow these instructions for perfectly juicy chicken and tender, crispy potatoes every time:

Pro Tips for Perfectly Cooked Lemon Herb Chicken

• Don’t Skip Patting Dry: Removing excess moisture from the chicken skin is critical for achieving that desirable crispy skin during searing and broiling.
• Marination Time Matters: While 15 minutes is better than none, extending the marination to 1-2 hours or even overnight truly allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken, resulting in a more tender and aromatic dish.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Especially for lemon and garlic. The intensity of fresh ingredients makes a noticeable difference in the final taste of your Mediterranean chicken.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: When searing, cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure it browns properly. An overcrowded pan will steam the chicken instead of searing it, preventing that golden, crispy exterior.
• Meat Thermometer is Your Friend: To guarantee juicy chicken and avoid overcooking, use an instant-read meat thermometer. Chicken is safe to eat at 74°C (165°F).
• Don’t Forget to Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it incredibly moist and tender.

Delicious Variations & Substitutions

• Different Chicken Cuts: While thighs are recommended, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, drumsticks, or even a mix. Adjust cooking times as breasts may cook faster to avoid drying out.
• Add More Vegetables: Feel free to customize your vegetable mix. Asparagus, cherry tomatoes (added in the last 15 minutes of baking), broccoli florets, or even chopped artichoke hearts would be delicious additions.
• Herb Swaps: Experiment with different herbs! Fresh or dried rosemary and thyme would also complement the lemon and garlic beautifully. A ready-made Italian seasoning blend can also work in a pinch.
• Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added to the marinade would offer a subtle warmth.
• Cheesy Finish: A sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese over the top during the last few minutes of broiling or just before serving adds a wonderful salty, tangy dimension.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Lemon Herb Chicken and Potatoes make for an excellent next-day meal. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or in an oven preheated to 175°C (350°F) until heated through. For best results and to re-crisp the skin and potatoes, reheat in the oven.

One-Pan Lemon Herb Mediterranean Chicken & Potatoes

A simple yet incredibly flavorful one-pan dinner featuring juicy lemon herb chicken and crispy potatoes, perfect for any weeknight.

Ingredients

• 4 chicken thighs (skin-on and bone-in)
• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 4 cloves garlic (crushed)
• 3 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 2 teaspoons salt (plus extra to taste)
• 8 baby potatoes (halved)
• 1 red onion (cut into wedges)
• 1 red bell pepper (deseeded and cut into wedges)
• 1 zucchini (large, sliced)
• 4 tablespoons pitted Kalamata olives
• 4 lemon slices (for serving)

Instructions

1. Mix Marinade: Pat chicken thighs dry. In a shallow dish, whisk together lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, red wine vinegar, crushed garlic, basil, oregano, parsley, and salt. Reserve half of the marinade in a separate jug.
2. Marinate Chicken: Add chicken to the remaining marinade, ensuring it’s well coated. Cover and marinate for 15 minutes (if rushed), 1 hour (for best results), or overnight (for maximum flavor). Turn occasionally.
3. Preheat & Sear: Preheat oven to 220°C / 430°F. In a large oven-proof skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken (skin-side down first) for about 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.
4. Add Vegetables: Arrange all the vegetables (potatoes, onion, bell pepper, zucchini) around the chicken in the skillet. Drizzle with the reserved marinade and toss to coat evenly.
5. Bake Covered: Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C / 165°F.
6. Broil for Crispness: Remove the lid/foil. Switch the oven to broil (medium heat). Cook for 5 to 10 minutes, watching carefully, until the chicken skin and potatoes are crispy and golden.
7. Serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Scatter with pitted Kalamata olives and fresh lemon slices. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot.

Notes

For an extra boost of flavor and to ensure crispy skin, don’t skip the searing step before baking. This also helps to lock in the chicken’s juices.

Nutrition (per serving, approximate)

• Calories: 384 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Fat: 17 g (Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 10g, Trans Fat: 0.02g)
• Cholesterol: 97 mg
• Sodium: 1,396 mg
• Potassium: 1,168 mg
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 8 g
• Vitamin A: 1,137 IU
• Vitamin C: 135 mg
• Calcium: 112 mg
• Iron: 4 mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.