One-Pot Chicken and Potatoes with Lemon Zest

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A simple, hands-off dinner featuring tender chicken thighs and golden potatoes roasted with fresh lemon and thyme. This american-inspired one pot ready in about 55 minutes pairs chicken thighs, baby potatoes, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place 1.5 lbs halved baby potatoes in a large ovenproof skillet, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss to coat and spread in an even layer. Roast for 15 minutes until edges start browning.
  2. Step 2: While potatoes roast, season 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs with 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp dried thyme. Heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, skin-side down, and cook for 4 minutes until golden.
  3. Step 3: Remove chicken from skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Return chicken to skillet, add roasted potatoes, 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/4 cup chicken broth. Stir to combine.
  4. Step 4: Cover skillet with foil, transfer to oven, and bake for 25 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally and potatoes are tender. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Chicken and Potatoes with Lemon Zest take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (15 min prep + 40 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-Pot Chicken and Potatoes with Lemon Zest?

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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Chicken and Potatoes with Lemon Zest?

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-Pot Chicken and Potatoes with Lemon Zest 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-Pot Chicken and Potatoes with Lemon Zest?

American one pot 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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