![- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup chicken broth - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - Lemon slices for garnish To make this dish great, use fresh chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender. If you want to, you can swap chicken thighs for breasts. Just remember that they may cook faster. - 1 cup sliced mushrooms - 1 bell pepper, chopped - 1 cup green beans Adding these ingredients can enhance flavor and nutrition. Mushrooms bring an earthy taste. Bell peppers add sweetness and color. Green beans offer crunch and freshness. You can change the recipe with what's in season. Try zucchini in summer or root veggies in winter. Each option gives a unique twist! Start by prepping the chicken and marinade. First, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Then, add 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Toss them well to coat every piece with the marinade. Let the chicken sit for a few minutes. This helps the flavors soak in. Next, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, prepare your skillet. Use a large oven-safe skillet for this dish. Place it on the stove and let it warm up over medium-high heat. Now it’s time to sear the chicken thighs. Add a bit more olive oil to the skillet. Once the oil is hot, place the marinated chicken thighs in the pan. Sear them for 4-5 minutes on each side. You want them to have a nice golden crust. This step locks in the juices and flavor. After browning the chicken, it's time to deglaze the pan. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any brown bits off the bottom of the skillet. These bits add great flavor. Now, stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Spread the veggies around the chicken. Let everything simmer for about 2-3 minutes. This helps combine the flavors. Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is fully cooked. To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. If it reads 165°F (75°C), you are good to go. Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish with lemon slices right before serving. Let it rest for 5 minutes for the best flavor. Enjoy your One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken! For the full recipe, check the entire article. To cook chicken perfectly, follow these steps. First, use chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender. Sear the chicken on medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side. This creates a nice crust. The ideal oven temperature is 400°F (200°C). Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes. Always check for a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures your meal is safe and tasty. Pair your One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken with fresh sides. Consider serving rice or a light salad. Roasted vegetables also work well. For presentation, serve directly from the skillet. This adds a rustic charm. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices for extra color. It makes your dish look appetizing and inviting. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken in fun ways. Try different herbs or spices to suit your taste. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika. If you love fresh herbs, basil or rosemary works well too. You can also toss in add-ins like mushrooms or bell peppers. These veggies add color and flavor. Sauté them briefly before adding the chicken. This step helps them absorb all the delicious flavors. You can mix and match based on what you have at home. Making this dish fit your diet is easy. For gluten-free options, ensure that your chicken broth is gluten-free. Most brands offer this. If you're low-carb, skip the tomatoes. You can add more spinach or zucchini instead. If you need a dairy-free version, you can skip any cheese or creamy sauces. The lemon and garlic will still shine through. You can modify this recipe to meet your needs without losing flavor. Check the [Full Recipe] for more ideas. To keep your One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken fresh, store leftovers properly. First, let the chicken cool down to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. For freezing, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe container. This will help keep it fresh for up to three months. Use freezer bags for easy storage and organization. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. The best methods include using an oven or a stovetop. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes. This method keeps the chicken juicy. If you prefer the stovetop, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to the pan and place the chicken in. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping it halfway through. This keeps the chicken moist and flavorful. Avoid using a microwave, as it can dry out the chicken and change its texture. What can I serve with One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken? You can serve this dish with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. These sides add balance and flavor. For a heartier meal, try garlic bread or roasted potatoes. Each option pairs well with the chicken's bright flavors. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check. If you don't have one, cut into the thickest part of the chicken. The meat should be white, not pink, and the juices should run clear. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They will cook faster, so check for doneness earlier. Breasts tend to be drier than thighs. Consider marinating them longer for moisture and flavor. How do I prevent sticking in the pan? To avoid sticking, use a well-oiled pan. Preheat the skillet before adding the chicken. Searing the chicken properly also helps create a crust that prevents sticking. Make sure to scrape any bits off the bottom while deglazing. What can I use instead of spinach? You can use kale, Swiss chard, or arugula as alternatives. Each provides a different flavor and texture. Just add them when you would add spinach, as they cook quickly, too. Can I replace fresh lemon with bottled lemon juice? Yes, you can use bottled lemon juice. However, fresh lemon juice offers a brighter taste. If using bottled juice, use the same amount. Adjust to your taste, as some brands can vary in strength. This blog post covered all you need to make One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken. We discussed the main and optional ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. I shared variations to fit different diets and provided storage and reheating advice. Cooking this dish can be fun and easy. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and tweaks to fit your taste. With practice, you'll impress everyone with your skills. Just remember, cooking is all about trying new things and enjoying the process.](https://homecookingstyle.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/49feee63-bcbb-4212-9105-c4a795cc9ffc-250x250.webp)
One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken
Discover the deliciously simple One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken recipe that elevates weeknight dinners with minimal hassle! This vibrant dish combines juicy chicken thighs, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes all infused with zesty lemon and fragrant garlic, giving you a meal that's bursting with flavor. Perfect for busy nights, it's easy to prepare and clean up. Click through for step-by-step instructions and make mealtime a breeze!