![To make One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken, you need the following fresh and simple ingredients: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves of garlic, minced - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach - Fresh parsley for garnish Each ingredient plays a unique role. The chicken thighs stay juicy and tender, while the olive oil helps with browning. Garlic adds a bold flavor, and lemon gives a bright, fresh taste. Thyme and paprika round out the dish with warmth and depth. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness, and spinach adds color and nutrients. Finally, parsley brightens your plate. When I make this dish, I love to use fresh, high-quality ingredients. They really make a difference in taste. For the best results, choose chicken thighs with a nice marbling of fat. This keeps the meat moist. Fresh spinach is also key; it wilts perfectly in the skillet. You can find the full recipe on your favorite cooking site. Happy cooking! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for even cooking. A hot oven helps the chicken cook well and stay juicy. In a large oven-safe skillet, pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat it over medium-high heat. While the oil warms, season 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and paprika. This adds great flavor. When the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs to the skillet. Sear them for about 5 minutes on each side. Look for a nice golden brown color. This browning enhances the flavor. Once the chicken is seared, take it out and set it on a plate. In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves. Cook them for about 1 minute until they smell great. Then, pour in the lemon juice and add the lemon zest. Stir well to mix. Next, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Stir them into the lemon-garlic mix. This will bring a fresh, tangy taste. Return the chicken to the skillet, placing it among the tomatoes. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken and scatter 1 cup of fresh spinach around the pan. This adds color and nutrition. Now, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Roast the dish for 20-25 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F. This ensures it is fully cooked and safe to eat. When done, take the skillet out of the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken! For the full recipe, see above. To ensure your chicken is juicy and flavorful, start with boneless, skinless thighs. They stay moist during cooking. Season them well with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika. Sear them in hot olive oil for about five minutes per side. This step builds a nice crust. After searing, don't forget to rest the chicken. Let it sit for a few minutes after cooking. This helps keep the juices locked inside. Want to add more herbs or spices? Try fresh rosemary or basil for a fragrant touch. You can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat. If you love citrus, include some lime juice or zest. This will make the dish even brighter. Experiment with different spices to find your favorite mix. Don't be afraid to play around with flavors! When serving One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken, keep it simple and colorful. Serve straight from the skillet for a rustic look. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of green. Surround the chicken with extra cherry tomatoes for color. For sides, crusty bread is great for soaking up the sauce. You can also serve it over a bed of rice or quinoa. These options make a complete meal that everyone will love. {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Breasts cook faster, so watch the time. If you're not a fan of chicken, try shrimp or tofu. Both options absorb the lemon garlic flavor well. For veggies, swap cherry tomatoes for bell peppers or zucchini. These choices add a nice crunch and color. Want a sweet twist? Add honey or maple syrup to the lemon mix. This adds a great contrast to the garlic. For spice lovers, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or use spicy paprika. You can also add a splash of hot sauce for extra kick. These changes can make the dish truly your own. If you prefer stovetop cooking, you can skip the oven. After searing the chicken, cover the skillet. Cook on low heat until the chicken is done. This method keeps the chicken juicy. You can also grill the chicken for a smoky flavor. Just marinate it in the lemon garlic mix beforehand for great taste. To keep your One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place the chicken and veggies in the fridge within two hours of cooking. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Use freezer bags to save space. Be sure to label the bags with the date. To reheat the chicken, you have a few options. The oven is great for even heating. Preheat it to 350°F, then bake for about 15 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Place the chicken on a plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for 1-2 minutes or until warm. For a stove option, warm the chicken in a skillet on low heat. This keeps the chicken juicy. In the fridge, this dish lasts for about 3-4 days. If you freeze it, it can last up to 3 months. After that, the taste may decline. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating leftovers. Enjoy your meal with peace of mind! You can find the Full Recipe above. You can pair this dish with many tasty sides. Here are some great options: - Rice: White, brown, or jasmine rice works well. It absorbs the lemon-garlic sauce nicely. - Quinoa: This is a healthy choice. It adds a nutty flavor and is packed with protein. - Crusty Bread: A loaf of fresh bread is perfect for soaking up extra sauce. - Roasted Veggies: Try carrots, broccoli, or zucchini. They add color and nutrients. - Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the chicken's flavors. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They will cook faster than thighs. Here are a few tips: - Cooking Time: Chicken breasts need about 20 minutes in the oven. Check for 165°F internal temp. - Moisture: Thighs are juicier, so add a bit more olive oil or lemon juice for flavor. - Thickness: If your breasts are thick, consider slicing them in half to cook evenly. Scaling up this recipe is simple. Just follow these steps: - Ingredients: Double or triple the amounts based on how many servings you need. - Skillet Size: Use a larger skillet if you make more chicken. This helps everything cook evenly. - Oven Time: The cooking time might change slightly, so check the chicken’s internal temp to ensure it’s cooked through. For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. This blog post covered a simple recipe for One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken. We explored each step, from gathering ingredients to cooking methods. I shared tips to enhance flavor and offered variations for your taste. You also learned how to store and reheat leftovers. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. With this dish, you can impress friends and family. Enjoy making it your own! Trust that with practice, you'll create delicious meals every time.](https://pureeatsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/5ad7ef31-d744-481e-abb7-f5549bf8c0cc-250x250.webp)
One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken
Savor the flavors of this One Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe, ideal for busy weeknights! With juicy chicken thighs, zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and fresh veggies cooked together in one skillet, this dish is both simple and delicious. This recipe is great for effortless cleanup and will delight your family at dinner. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your mealtime with this mouthwatering dish!