Are you on the hunt for healthy dinner recipes that don’t take forever to make? I completely get it. The day gets busy, and the last thing you want is a complicated recipe with a mountain of dishes.
That’s where this sheet pan herby lemon garlic chicken and potatoes recipe comes in. It’s one of my favorite healthy dinner ideas because it’s simple, delicious, and incredibly satisfying. Everything cooks together on one pan. How great is that?
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, the flavor is just fantastic. We are talking bright lemon, savory garlic, and fresh herbs all coming together. It smells amazing while it cooks, filling your kitchen with the coziest aroma.
The cleanup is also a breeze. Seriously, one sheet pan is all you need to wash. This makes it a perfect choice for those busy weeknights when you want a home cooked meal without the mess.
This is one of those quick dinner ideas that feels special but is so easy to pull off. The chicken gets wonderfully juicy, and the potatoes turn out perfectly tender with crispy edges. It’s a complete meal all on its own.
It’s also super flexible. You can swap veggies or change up the herbs depending on what you have. This makes it one of the most versatile healthy dinner recipes in my rotation.
Plus, this recipe is great for anyone, from kitchen beginners to seasoned cooks. The steps are straightforward, and the results are consistently delicious. It is a real crowd pleaser.
Ingredients
Let’s talk about what you will need. The ingredient list is full of fresh, simple items that pack a ton of flavor. Nothing too complicated to find at your local grocery store.
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
- 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
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to get started? This process is so simple. We are just a few steps away from one of the tastiest healthy dinner recipes you will ever make.
Step 1: Preheat The Oven
First thing is first, preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Getting the oven nice and hot is key to getting those potatoes crispy and the chicken perfectly cooked.
Step 2: Whisk The Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the marinade. Combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, dijon mustard, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good whisk until it is well combined.
This marinade is the heart of the dish. It is a zesty, garlicky concoction that makes everything taste incredible. This is what makes it such a quick healthy dinner with so much flavor.
Step 3: Prepare The Potatoes
Now, place the potatoes, lemon slices, and onions on a large sheet pan. Pour about one third cup of that beautiful marinade over everything. Use your hands to toss it all together, making sure everything is evenly coated.
Spread the potatoes out in a single layer. If you are using fingerling potatoes, place them flesh side down. This helps them get a nice golden brown color. Pop the pan into the oven and roast for 25 minutes.
Step 4: Marinate The Chicken
While the potatoes are getting a head start in the oven, it is time to marinate the chicken. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the remaining marinade. Use tongs to make sure each piece is fully coated. Then, just set it aside.
Step 5: Combine And Roast
After 25 minutes, carefully take the sheet pan out of the oven. Use a spatula to flip the potatoes over. Now, nestle the chicken thighs onto the pan between the potatoes. Let any excess marinade drip off before you place them.
Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. You will know it is done when the chicken is fully cooked and the potatoes are tender. The lemons will get all caramelized and sweet.
Step 6: Garnish And Serve
Once it is out of the oven, it is time for the final touches. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese, fresh parsley, and dill. If you like a little kick, add some red pepper flakes. A final sprinkle of salt and pepper is always a good idea.
And there you have it! A beautiful and delicious meal ready to be enjoyed. This is truly one of the best healthy dinner ideas for a reason.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, they are just as delicious the next day. Storing them properly is key to keeping them fresh. Let the chicken and potatoes cool down to room temperature first.
Once cooled, place everything in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. This makes it a great option for meal prepping lunches for the week.
When you are ready to reheat, I suggest using the oven or an air fryer. This will help the potatoes get crispy again. A microwave works in a pinch, but the texture will be a bit softer.
Tips
Want to make this dish even better? Here are a few tips I have learned along the way. These little tricks can make a big difference in your search for great healthy dinner recipes.
Do not overcrowd the pan. It is tempting to squeeze everything on, but giving the ingredients space allows them to roast instead of steam. This is crucial for getting that lovely browning.
For extra flavor, consider serving this dish with a sauce. A creamy tzatziki sauce or a whipped feta dip would be amazing. It adds another layer of flavor and texture to this already great meal.
Feel free to add more greens. Serving this over a bed of fresh arugula adds a nice peppery bite that complements the lemon and garlic. It is a simple way to add more nutrition to your meal.
You can also keep it dairy free if you need to. Just skip the feta cheese. The dish has so much flavor from the marinade and fresh herbs that you will not even miss it. This is great for keeping it paleo friendly too.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. A simple, flavorful, and satisfying meal that checks all the boxes. It’s a fantastic example of what healthy dinner recipes can be. No need for boring or complicated meals.
This sheet pan chicken and potatoes dish is proof that you can have a quick healthy dinner on the table with minimal effort. It is perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking for delicious quick dinner ideas.
I really hope you give this recipe a try. It has become a staple in my home, and I am sure it will be in yours too. Enjoy every delicious bite of this wonderful meal!
FAQ
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead Of Thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work well. Just be mindful of the cooking time. Boneless skinless chicken breasts may cook a bit faster than thighs, so check on them to ensure they do not dry out.
How Do I Make This Meal Paleo Or Dairy Free?
It is very easy to adapt. To make it dairy free and paleo friendly, simply omit the feta cheese garnish. The dish is already packed with so much flavor from the herbs and lemon marinade that it is still very tasty.
Can I Prepare Any Of This Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can. To save time, you can chop the potatoes and onions and mix the marinade ahead of time. Store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. You can even marinate the chicken for a few hours before cooking.
What Other Vegetables Would Work Well In This Dish?
This is one of the best parts about sheet pan healthy dinner recipes, they are so customizable. Veggies like bell peppers, broccoli florets, zucchini, or even asparagus would be wonderful additions. Adjust roasting time as needed for different vegetables.
Herby Lemon Garlic Chicken and Potatoes
This sheet pan herby lemon garlic chicken and potatoes recipe is a simple, delicious, and incredibly satisfying healthy dinner idea. Everything cooks together on one pan, making cleanup a breeze. It’s a versatile, flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- First thing is first, preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Getting the oven nice and hot is key to getting those potatoes crispy and the chicken perfectly cooked.
- In a large bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the marinade. Combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, dijon mustard, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good whisk until it is well combined.
- Now, place the potatoes, lemon slices, and onions on a large sheet pan. Pour about one third cup of that beautiful marinade over everything. Use your hands to toss it all together, making sure everything is evenly coated. Spread the potatoes out in a single layer. If you are using fingerling potatoes, place them flesh side down. This helps them get a nice golden brown color. Pop the pan into the oven and roast for 25 minutes.
- While the potatoes are getting a head start in the oven, it is time to marinate the chicken. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl with the remaining marinade. Use tongs to make sure each piece is fully coated. Then, just set it aside.
- After 25 minutes, carefully take the sheet pan out of the oven. Use a spatula to flip the potatoes over. Now, nestle the chicken thighs onto the pan between the potatoes. Let any excess marinade drip off before you place them. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes. You will know it is done when the chicken is fully cooked and the potatoes are tender. The lemons will get all caramelized and sweet.
- Once it is out of the oven, it is time for the final touches. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese, fresh parsley, and dill. If you like a little kick, add some red pepper flakes. A final sprinkle of salt and pepper is always a good idea. And there you have it! A beautiful and delicious meal ready to be enjoyed. This is truly one of the best healthy dinner ideas for a reason.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the pan. Giving the ingredients space allows them to roast instead of steam, crucial for lovely browning.
Consider serving this dish with a creamy tzatziki sauce or a whipped feta dip for extra flavor and texture.
For added nutrition, serve this meal over a bed of fresh arugula. The peppery bite complements the lemon and garlic beautifully.
To make this meal dairy-free, simply omit the feta cheese garnish. The dish is already packed with flavor from the marinade and fresh herbs.
To save time, you can chop the potatoes and onions and mix the marinade ahead of time. Store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. You can even marinate the chicken for a few hours before cooking.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
