This lemon garlic chicken bake is perfect for busy evenings as it's easy to prepare the night before, with just a few minutes preparation.
It's full of great flavours, including lemon, garlic and thyme and the vegetables are cooked at the same time too. Easy!
And the best bit? The lemons cook down in the oven to keep everything moist and provide a delicious sauce.
Bon appétit!
Do you find that weeknight meal planning is hard work? If you are like me, then when you get in there isn't much time for fuss when everyone is hungry.
I either want something quick, that I can make on the hob, or something that I can sling in the oven. So a regular dinner for us is this super easy lemon garlic chicken bake.
It's perfect for preparing ahead, by chopping the vegetables the night before or first thing in the morning. Then all you need to do is a quick assembly and put it in the oven.
🥘 Ingredients
I've used bone in and skin on chicken thighs because they are great value to buy and they are full of taste. The bone keeps the meat nice and moist and the crispy skin is so good too. Of course, remove the skin if you prefer. You could also use boneless chicken breast too.
For the vegetables I've used lemons, onions and potatoes, so that all you need to serve with this is a green salad. You could use any type of potato for this and there is no need to peel.
To flavour the chicken I have used thyme, garlic and seasoning. You will also needs some olive oil.
🔪 Instructions
Start by trimming away any excess skin and fat from the thighs.
Now this is where it gets slightly embarrassing as there is actually no skill involved!
Simply put the trimmed chicken thighs in a large roasting tin.
Cut the potatoes into 8 cubes each and quarter the lemons. Peel the onions and cut into wedges and slice the garlic in half lengthways. Tuck the vegetables around the chicken, season and tuck in the sprigs of thyme.
At this point you could cover the whole thing with foil and store it in the fridge overnight.
⏲️ Cooking time
When you are ready to cook, drizzle over some olive oil and cook at 180C/350F/ Gas4 for 20 minutes with the foil on, then remove for another 20 minutes.
Et voilà! What you have is perfectly cooked chicken, crispy potatoes, heavenly garlic and hot lemons oozing with flavour to squeeze over everything. Serve with a salad or some steamed greens for a complete meal.
FAQs
Remove the skin from the chicken and skip the olive oil. Instead baste the chicken with the vegetable juices when you remove the foil.
Raid the contents of the fridge and add chunks of peppers, courgette, carrot, aubergine, mushrooms or anything you have. Just be sure to add roots like carrots at the beginning and softer vegetables after 20 minutes.
Try and use fresh herbs like oregano, tarragon or parsley. Of course, you can also use dried herbs or mixed herbs. Alternatively, add sumac, za'atar, paprika, chipotle or harissa to the chicken. You could also smear on your favourite pesto. There's a huge choice to customise this dish for the pickiest palate!
Let me know what you think in the comments or you can post a picture and tag me on Twitter @chezlereve, Instagram @chezlerevefrancais, or Facebook @chezlerevefrancais.
More chicken recipes
📋 Recipe
Lemon Garlic Chicken Bake
Ingredients
- 1 kg chicken thighs bone in, 8 medium
- 4 lemons
- 8 cloves garlic
- 3 tablespoon olive oil
- 5 sprigs thyme
- 4 potatoes medium
- 2 yellow onions cut in to 8 wedges
- seasoning
Instructions
- Trim the chicken thighs of excess fat and skin and place in a large baking dish.
- Add the potatoes, onions, garlic, lemon and thyme. (Cover with foil and refrigerate at this point, for later if liked).
- Drizzle oil over and season with salt and pepper. Tuck in the sprigs of thyme.
- Cook, covered with foil at 180C/350F/Gas 4 for 20 minutes then remove the foil for a further 20 minutes.
- Check that the chicken is cooked through before serving.
Notes
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Amanda
I know how you feel! I am out every day now and finding it hard to fit in the cooking and preparation. I think I need to concentrate on healthy quick meals on the blog for a bit - for all of us!
Fat Dormouse
Because my OH is now working (huzzah!) we are both out until at least 6.00 every weekday evening (ecept Friday). So we both want quick, easy recipes that take little planning/preparation.
I've recently introduced "Chicken Wednesday" - a throw-it-all-in-the-oven chicken recipê. Last week we did a very similar recipe to this, but including carrots, which upped the veg content.
I'm trawling through your archives to find some appropriate recipes for Fishy Monday, Veggie Tuesday, Chicken Wednesday, and PastaBake Friday (I can prepare it during the day & my OH can pop it in the oven while I go out to teach my 1 lesson that day) Plus WoteverItIs Thursday!!
Amanda
Thanks Sheryl. I love keeping it simple.
Sheryl
The Lemon Garlic Chicken Bake sounds perfect - tasty, simple to make, and makes a beautiful presentation.
Amanda
Thanks Jerry.
Jerry
Definitely our style of food, especially mid-week. Looks very tasty.
Amanda
Thanks June. I've gone back to work full time so food prep time is limited!
Amanda
Thanks Karen. I can't get enough of this combination!
Karen (Back Road Journal)
Lemon, garlic and chicken...the perfect combination of flavors.
June de Silva
I love tray bakes, almost as much as I love one pot dishes! Will definitely be trying this one. Thanks!
Amanda
Thanks Beth. Let's just say I didn't hold back on the lemon and garlic!
Amanda
Thanks Jacqui. The lemon and thyme really make it.
Jacqueline Debono
Love the idea of adding lemon to this chicken bake and, of course, one pan meals are perfect for weeknights. Def going to try this recipe. I even have fresh thyme in my garden!
Beth Neels
That just looks like my perfect chicken! Easy and delicious! I love the plethora of lemon and the plethora of garlic! YUM!
Amanda
Thanks Pam. I hate to throw food away!
Amanda
Thanks Caroline.
Amanda
Thanks Dannii. Lemon and chicken is one of my favourite combinations.
Amanda
Thanks Amy. I think we all need a few quick recipes for weeknights.
Amanda
Thanks Danielle. I am getting back from work late so this dish is a life saver!
Amanda
Thanks Claudia. The lemon melts into the dish and it’s delicious!
Claudia Lamascolo
I love this combination lemon makes chicken so moist and tender and its sure is a winner!
Danielle Wolter
What an easy simple recipe. Perfect for those busy weeknight where you need dinner on the table.
Amy | The Cook Report
This is such a great idea and a wonderful easy weeknight meal!
Dannii
This is such a great spring meal. Chicken and lemon go so well together!
Caroline
Lemon goes so well with chicken, and garlic too of course. Looks like a tasty, easy meal and as you say great for a night when you're not sure what to make.
Pam Greer
This is my kind of dinner - all in one pan and so easy! I love your tip about using older lemons!