Imagine a dinner that's not just a meal, but a culinary adventure - crispy golden chicken, perfectly roasted potatoes, and tender green beans, all infused with the bright, zesty flavors of lemon and garlic. This Baked Lemon Garlic Chicken isn't just another recipe; it's a game-changing dinner solution that will transform your weeknight cooking from mundane to magnificent. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this dish promises to become your new go-to meal that will have your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the center for even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together to create a marinade.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Season both sides of the chicken with additional salt and pepper.
- Place the halved baby potatoes and trimmed green beans in the same mixing bowl with the marinade. Toss gently to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Arrange the marinated potatoes and green beans in a single layer on a large baking sheet or roasting pan. Create space in the center for the chicken thighs.
- Place the chicken thighs skin-side up on the baking sheet, positioning them over the vegetables. Ensure they are not overcrowded to allow proper heat circulation.
- Drizzle any remaining marinade over the chicken and vegetables for extra flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken skin is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures moist chicken.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or additional lemon zest if desired. Serve hot directly from the baking sheet.
Tips
- Pat the chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure ultra-crispy skin that's golden and irresistible.
- Use fresh garlic and lemon for the most vibrant flavor - avoid pre-minced garlic if possible.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. Leaving space between ingredients allows for proper heat circulation and ensures everything roasts evenly.
- Invest in a meat thermometer to accurately check the chicken's internal temperature. 165°F (74°C) is the perfect doneness for chicken thighs.
- Let the dish rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the marinade.
- If you prefer crispier vegetables, consider roasting the potatoes and green beans for 15-20 minutes before adding the chicken.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 403kcal
Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 60mg
