Name: One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken and Potatoes for Cozy Dinners
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 4 pieces Chicken Thighs and Drumsticks (Juicy and flavorful; switch to boneless thighs or breasts if preferred.); 1 lb Potatoes (Cut into even-sized pieces.); 4 cloves Garlic (Fresh minced garlic recommended.); 3 tbsp Olive Oil (Can substitute with vegetable oil.); 2 tbsp Lemon Juice (Adjust based on taste preferences.); 1 tsp Lemon Zest (Using fresh zest yields the best results.); 2 tbsp Tomato Paste (Vital for adding flavor.); 1 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste.); 1 tsp Dried Oregano (Italian seasoning is a great substitute.); 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (Adjust according to preference.); 1 tsp Paprika (Opt for smoked paprika for more depth.); 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (Used for garnish.)

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a hearty meal wafting through the kitchen, beckoning loved ones to gather round. My One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken and Potatoes is a celebration of effortless cooking that brings comfort straight to your dinner table. With just one pan to clean, it’s an ideal solution for busy weeknights when flavor and simplicity are paramount. Juicy chicken paired with tender, roasted potatoes gets a delightful kick from fresh garlic and vibrant herbs, making this dish not only delicious but also family-friendly. Plus, the versatility of this recipe means you can switch up the chicken cuts to suit your preferences, whether that’s crispy thighs or succulent breasts. Are you ready to make weeknight dinners easier and more enjoyable? Let’s dive into this recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite!

Why is this recipe a weeknight game-changer?

Simplicity at Its Best: This one-pan wonder requires minimal effort, making it perfect for those hectic evenings when your time is limited.

Flavor Explosion: Fresh garlic and fragrant herbs combine beautifully, elevating the dish to a whole new level of taste.

Customizable Options: Choose your favorite chicken cuts—thighs, drumsticks, or breasts—with straightforward adjustments to cooking times.

Low Clean-Up: With just one pan to wash, you can spend more time enjoying dinner and less on chores.

Family-Friendly: This satisfying meal is sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your household, ensuring everyone leaves the table happy.

For more delicious chicken ideas, check out my Honey Garlic Chicken or Garlic Parmesan Chicken.

One-Pan Chicken and Potatoes Ingredients

For the Chicken
• Chicken Thighs and Drumsticks – Juicy and flavorful, these cuts are perfect for this one-pan recipe; you can easily switch to boneless thighs or chicken breasts if you prefer.

For the Potatoes
• Potatoes – Essential for heartiness; cut into even-sized pieces to ensure they cook uniformly and become perfectly tender.

For the Flavorful Sauce
• Garlic – Fresh minced garlic is recommended for a rich aromatic depth that will infuse the chicken and potatoes.
• Olive Oil – Use this to keep everything moist and prevent sticking; vegetable oil works too if you need a substitute.
• Lemon Juice – Adds a bright acidity; feel free to adjust the amount based on your taste preferences.
• Lemon Zest – Enhances the citrus flavor profile; using fresh zest yields the best results.
• Tomato Paste – Vital for adding rich tomato flavor and ensuring a lovely sauce consistency.
• Salt – Essential for enhancing flavor; aim for about 1 tsp, but adjust to fit your taste.
• Dried Oregano – Brings a nice herbal note; Italian seasoning is a great substitute if you’re out.
• Black Pepper – Gives just the right amount of spice; you can adjust this according to your preference.
• Paprika – Provides smokiness and color; opting for smoked paprika can add extra depth to the dish.

For the Garnish
• Fresh Parsley – Use this to garnish for a pop of color and fresh taste that brightens the overall dish.

With these simple ingredients and the delightful focus on One-Pan Chicken and Potatoes, you’re one step closer to a comforting weeknight dinner that the whole family will love!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken and Potatoes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is essential for achieving that crispy golden skin on your chicken while ensuring the potatoes are perfectly tender. As the oven warms up, gather your ingredients and prepare your roasting pan—a large tin or sheet pan works beautifully for this One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken and Potatoes recipe.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, tomato paste, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, dried oregano, black pepper, and paprika. Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth, flavorful sauce. This mixture is what will bring the dish to life, enhancing the juiciness of the chicken and the heartiness of the potatoes, so take a moment to ensure it’s well-blended.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken and Potatoes
While the sauce rests, wash and dry your chicken pieces, ensuring they’re moisture-free for a better sear. For the potatoes, cut them into evenly sized pieces, about 1 to 2 inches, to encourage even cooking. Pat the potatoes dry as well; this will help them crisp up in the oven and become golden alongside your tender chicken throughout the One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken and Potatoes cooking process.

Step 4: Arrange the Ingredients
In your prepared roasting pan, place the chicken pieces skin-side up. Spread the potatoes around the chicken, making sure everything has enough space for even cooking. This arrangement allows the flavors to meld beautifully while the chicken roasts. The goal is a delightful balance of crispy chicken and perfectly cooked potatoes in your One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken and Potatoes feast.

Step 5: Add the Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken and potatoes, ensuring everything is well-coated. Use your hands to rub the sauce into the chicken and potatoes, focusing on getting the flavorful mixture into every nook and cranny. The rich blend of spices and herbs will soak into the chicken, adding superb flavor throughout your One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken and Potatoes.

Step 6: Bake the Dish
Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for approximately 40 minutes. Your chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the potatoes should be fork-tender. Keep an eye out for that lovely golden-brown color on the chicken skin as it crisps up, indicating the dish is nearing readiness.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Once the chicken and potatoes are beautifully cooked, remove the pan from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute for maximum flavor. Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley over the dish for a pop of color and freshness, which perfectly complements the rich flavors of your One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken and Potatoes.

What to Serve with One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken and Potatoes

There’s nothing like adding delightful sides to elevate your meal, transforming dinner into a culinary experience.

Crispy Green Salad: A refreshing mix of greens with a tangy vinaigrette perfectly balances the hearty flavors of the chicken.
Steamed Broccoli: Tender, bright green florets add color and nutrients, making for a delightful contrast and a wholesome addition to the table.
Cheesy Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty bread slathered in garlic butter complements the rich sauce and is perfect for soaking up every last drop.
Roasted Vegetables: Tossed in olive oil and herbs, seasonal vegetables like carrots and bell peppers can roast alongside your chicken for a vibrant all-in-one meal idea.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes provide a comforting twist, offering a different texture while pairing beautifully with the chicken’s savory flavor profile.
Herb Rice: Fluffy rice infused with fresh herbs can soak up the sauce and adds a lovely, fragrant element to your dinner spread.
Lemonade Spritzer: A fizzy lemonade with a hint of mint refreshes your palate and is a delightful drink choice that enhances the citrus notes of the chicken dish.

Each pairing not only complements your One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken and Potatoes but also satisfies a variety of tastes and textures, ensuring a cozy dinner everyone will enjoy.

How to Store and Freeze One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken and Potatoes

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. This keeps the flavors intact and ensures the chicken remains juicy.

Freezer: You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe bags or containers.

Reheating: For best results, reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. This helps maintain the crispiness of your One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken and Potatoes.

Reviving Flavor: Splash a little fresh lemon juice or additional herbs when reheating to bring back that fresh flavor and aroma.

Expert Tips for One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken and Potatoes

Even Cuts Matter: Make sure your potatoes are cut into similar sizes to ensure they cook at the same rate, achieving that perfect fork-tender texture.
Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to avoid dryness.
Flavor Boost: Marinate your chicken in the sauce for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight if you want an even deeper flavor in your One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken and Potatoes.
Variety is Key: Don’t hesitate to swap in different vegetables, like carrots or bell peppers, for added color and nutrition without extra pots to clean.
Heat Control: If your chicken skin isn’t crisping as expected, consider broiling for a few minutes at the end of cooking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken Variations

Feel free to put your own spin on this One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken and Potatoes to create a meal that excites your palate!

Chicken Breasts: Swap thighs for chicken breasts to enjoy leaner meat; be mindful of reduced cooking time to prevent dryness.
Sweet Potatoes: Replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor and a vibrant color contrast.
Extra Veggies: Toss in seasonal veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for added nutrition and a burst of color; they’ll roast beautifully alongside the chicken.
Herb Twist: Experiment with fresh thyme or rosemary instead of oregano for a fragrant twist; these herbs also pair wonderfully with lemon.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes into the sauce for a warm, spicy finish that beautifully complements the savory chicken.
Balsamic Glaze: Switch lemon juice for balsamic vinegar to introduce a sweet and tangy depth that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Crispy Skin Boost: For extra crispy chicken skin, broil the dish for the last few minutes of cooking; this technique takes your dinner to the next level!
Meal Prep Option: Use this dish as a base for meal prep; portion out any leftovers with a side of grains, like quinoa or rice, for easy weeknight lunches.

For more inspired chicken recipes, explore my Bbq Chicken Sandwich or dive into the rich flavors of Garlic Parmesan Chicken. Each option can add variety and excitement to your dinner table!

Make Ahead Options

These One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken and Potatoes are ideal for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken in the flavorful sauce up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the rich flavors to penetrate the meat. For the potatoes, you can cut and refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To maintain their quality, be sure to pat them dry before cooking to encourage crispiness. When you’re ready to serve, simply arrange the marinated chicken and prepped potatoes in your roasting pan, pour the remaining sauce on top, and bake. This way, you’ll have a delicious, hassle-free dinner that makes weeknight cooking a breeze!

One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken and Potatoes Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right chicken cuts for this recipe?
Absolutely! For this One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken and Potatoes, I recommend using thighs and drumsticks for their juiciness and flavor. However, boneless chicken breasts can be a suitable alternative. Just remember, if you switch to boneless breasts, reduce the cooking time to about 25-30 minutes to prevent them from becoming dry.

How should I store leftovers from this dish?
Great question! You can store any leftovers from your One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken and Potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This keeps the chicken juicy and the potatoes tender. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, you can reheat them in the oven or air fryer to retain their delicious crispiness!

Can I freeze One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken and Potatoes?
Yes, you can! To freeze, let the dish cool completely before portioning it into freezer-safe bags or airtight containers. It’ll maintain its quality for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through.

What should I do if my chicken isn’t crispy?
If you find that your One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken and Potatoes didn’t achieve that desirable crispiness, don’t worry! You can quickly fix this by broiling the chicken for a few minutes at the end of the cooking time. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning—golden and delicious is the goal!

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Absolutely! This dish is versatile and can accommodate various dietary needs. If you have food allergies, particularly to garlic or citrus, you can omit or substitute these ingredients. For a gluten-free option, ensure to use gluten-free tomato paste and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free. Always tailor the dish to fit your family’s preferences and dietary restrictions.

How can I enhance the flavor of the chicken?
For an extra flavor boost, consider marinating your chicken in a mix of the sauce ingredients for at least 30 minutes up to overnight before baking. This allows the herbs and spices to penetrate the meat, resulting in an even more flavorful One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken and Potatoes. Enjoy experimenting!