One-Pan Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Garlic

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy roasted chicken thighs cooked with bright lemon slices and aromatic garlic, all on one pan for easy cleanup and maximum flavor. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, medium, thinly sliced lemons, smashed garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Pat 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season evenly with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 3 tbsp olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chicken thighs, scatter 6 smashed garlic cloves, 2 thinly sliced lemons, and 4 fresh thyme sprigs around the chicken in the pan. Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and juices run clear.
  4. Step 4: Remove the pan from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving, spooning pan juices and roasted lemon slices over the top for extra flavor.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover One-Pan Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Garlic?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep medium, thinly sliced lemons from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Garlic?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale One-Pan Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Garlic for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with One-Pan Roasted Chicken with Lemon and Garlic?

Mediterranean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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