Ingredients
Let’s start with the fantastic ingredients that will make this Lemon Chicken and Potatoes dish absolutely incredible. Preparing this one-pot wonder is easier than you think, and the results are truly rewarding – juicy chicken, tender potatoes, and perfectly roasted vegetables all infused with a bright, tangy lemon-garlic flavor. This recipe is designed for simplicity and deliciousness, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a comforting and flavorful meal.
Here’s a comprehensive list of everything you’ll need, broken down for clarity:
- Chicken Thighs – We’re using boneless, skinless chicken thighs (approximately 6) for maximum flavor and moisture. They hold up beautifully during baking and create a wonderfully tender result. You could also use chicken drumsticks – just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as they tend to cook a bit faster. Consider the cut you choose – bone-in, skin-on thighs offer richer flavor, while boneless, skinless are quicker and leaner. Chicken thighs are a great choice for this recipe, and they won’t dry out like chicken breasts would.
- Baby Potatoes – Approximately 1 pound of baby potatoes, halved or quartered if they’re large. Using baby potatoes ensures even cooking and a creamy texture. Red potatoes would also work well. Baby potatoes are the perfect foundation for this flavorful dish.
- Red Onion – One large red onion, cut into wedges. Red onion adds a sharp, slightly sweet flavor that complements the lemon and garlic beautifully. Red onion is key for depth of flavor.
- Red Bell Pepper – One large red bell pepper, sliced. Red bell peppers bring a sweet, vibrant color and a subtle sweetness to the dish. Red bell pepper is essential for the visual appeal and the subtle sweet flavor.
- Garlic – Approximately 3 cloves of fresh garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is crucial for that unmistakable lemony-garlic punch. Don’t use garlic powder – it just doesn’t compare to the aromatic intensity of fresh garlic. Fresh garlic is the only way to go.
- Lemon – 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice – use the juice from 2-3 medium lemons, depending on their size. Fresh lemon juice is what truly elevates this dish, so don’t skimp! Lemon juice is the base of the marinade and the final flavor.
- Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Olive oil adds richness and helps with browning. Olive oil is a key ingredient for a flavorful dish.
- Dried Thyme – 1 tablespoon of dried thyme. Thyme adds an earthy, herbaceous note that perfectly complements the lemon and garlic. Dried thyme is a fantastic herb for this recipe.
- Salt and Black Pepper – To taste. Seasoning is crucial – don’t be afraid to season generously! Salt and pepper will really bring out the flavor of all the ingredients.
For the Marinade
The heart of this incredibly flavorful lemon chicken and potatoes recipe lies in its vibrant marinade – a concoction designed to penetrate every nook and cranny of the chicken and vegetables, infusing them with a bright, zesty flavor. This isn’t just a simple seasoning; it’s a carefully crafted blend of ingredients working in harmony. We start with the star – fresh lemon juice, citrus extraction , providing a concentrated burst of acidity that not only cuts through the richness of the chicken but also tenderizes the meat. Using freshly squeezed juice is far superior to bottled; it delivers a more intense, authentic lemon flavor. Next, we add two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, olive oil benefits , contributing a subtle fruity note and ensuring the marinade coats the chicken evenly. The addition of three cloves of garlic, garlic health benefits , is crucial – minced or crushed, garlic brings a pungent, savory depth that elevates the entire dish. Don’t be shy with the garlic, as it’s a key component of flavor. The recipe calls for one tablespoon of dried thyme, thyme culinary uses, a fragrant herb that provides an earthy undertone. However, fresh thyme – about two sprigs – would absolutely amplify the aroma and flavor even further; just bruise the leaves slightly to release their oils before adding them to the marinade. Finally, we season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, salt’s role in flavor , adjusting to your personal preference. Kosher salt is recommended for its larger crystals, which dissolve more evenly. Allowing the chicken and potatoes to marinate for at least 20-30 minutes, but ideally longer – up to a few hours in the refrigerator – allows the flavors to fully meld and penetrate the ingredients, resulting in a truly unforgettable meal. Consider marinating the chicken overnight for maximum flavor absorption. Remember to pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before cooking to ensure a good sear and prevent steaming.
For the Chicken
Let’s talk about the star of this show – the chicken! Choosing the right cut makes a noticeable difference in both flavor and cooking time. I strongly recommend utilizing boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They are incredibly flavorful and stay juicier than breasts, especially when baked for this length of time. Furthermore, they’re generally more affordable. You could certainly use chicken breasts, but you’ll need to reduce the baking time considerably – approximately 20-25 minutes, and monitor them very closely to prevent overcooking. Overcooked chicken breasts are a common pitfall. Chicken Thighs are a fantastic option for a delicious and forgiving recipe. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs can also be used, but be prepared to increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes, checking for doneness with a meat thermometer. Internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is the safe target. Cooking Chicken is a skill that improves with practice, and this recipe is a great starting point. The slight fat content in the thighs contributes significantly to the overall moistness of the dish. Another thing to note is that the size of the chicken thighs can vary – larger thighs will naturally require a longer cooking time. Aim for thighs that are roughly the same size for consistent results. Consider buying thighs that are approximately 6-8 ounces each, and cut them into 3-4 inch pieces for easier handling and even cooking. Properly trimmed chicken thighs are key here. Don’t be afraid of a little bit of fat – it adds a wonderful depth of flavor. You can also Marinate Chicken for 30 minutes for enhanced flavor. If you’re short on time, you can skip the marinating step, but the flavors will be less pronounced. When you finally remove the chicken from the bag, pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to ensure a good sear during the initial cooking stage and contributes to a beautifully browned exterior. Remember to be careful when handling the chicken, and always use a cutting board to prevent cross-contamination. Finally, a little secret: a pinch of paprika added to the chicken before baking elevates the color and adds a subtle smoky note. Paprika is a versatile spice that works wonders in this recipe. Don’t overcrowd the skillet during the browning process – this ensures that the chicken sears properly and doesn’t steam. If you do end up with more chicken than fits in your skillet, cook it in batches.
Cook the Chicken and Potatoes
Now, let’s bring all the flavors together to create a truly exceptional one-pot meal. Starting with the chicken, sear it in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, creating a beautiful, golden-brown crust that locks in the juices and adds a fantastic depth of flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pan; doing so will steam the chicken instead of searing it, and you’ll miss out on that crucial browning. Once the chicken is nicely browned, we’ll reduce the heat slightly, ensuring it cooks evenly without burning. Golden brown searing is a cornerstone of many great dishes, and this recipe delivers it perfectly.
Next, we’ll introduce the potatoes. Halved baby potatoes are ideal here – their shape provides ample surface area for crisping up as they roast. Arrange them strategically around the chicken in the skillet. Crispy roasted potatoes are a universally loved side dish, and with a little attention, you’ll achieve a similar result.
Following the potatoes, we’ll add the vibrant red bell pepper and fragrant red onion. The bell pepper’s sweetness combined with the onion’s slight sharpness creates a fantastic textural and flavor contrast. Flavorful roasted vegetables are a versatile addition to any meal, and these complement the chicken and potatoes beautifully. Slice the onion and bell pepper into wedges, ensuring they’re roughly the same size to ensure even cooking. The key here is to arrange them around the chicken and potatoes, maximizing their contact with the heat.
Now, it’s time to pour in the remaining lemon-garlic marinade. This isn’t just for flavor; the liquid is crucial for creating steam, which tenderizes the chicken and helps the potatoes cook through uniformly. Make sure the marinade covers the chicken and vegetables generously – don’t be shy! Lemon-garlic marinade is the heart of this recipe, and this is when all the delicious flavors really come together.
With everything nestled in the skillet, cover the pan tightly with a lid or aluminum foil. This step is absolutely vital. The steam created will slowly and gently cook the potatoes to a fluffy perfection, while simultaneously braising the chicken, creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Reducing the heat to low ensures that the chicken and potatoes cook through without burning. Slow cooking techniques are essential for tender meats and evenly cooked vegetables. The total cooking time is around 30-35 minutes, but keep an eye on it – every oven is different.
After 30 minutes, remove the lid and continue to bake for another 5-7 minutes. This final burst of heat will ensure the potatoes are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. The key here is to check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer – it should reach 165°F (74°C) for optimal safety and flavor. Safe internal temperature guidelines are critical when cooking poultry. Listen for the sizzle, and watch for the potatoes to develop a gorgeous, crispy exterior. The goal is a perfect balance of tenderness and crispness. This is where the magic happens – a beautifully cooked, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying one-pot meal. One-pot meal variations can be quite complex, but this recipe is a fantastic starting point.
Nutrition
This vibrant Lemon Chicken and Potatoes recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with essential nutrients! Let’s break down the nutritional information per serving – a truly satisfying and healthy weeknight meal. Vitamin C is a standout, with a generous 84mg per serving, which is fantastic for boosting your immune system and fighting off those pesky colds. Potassium contributes a substantial 1052mg, vital for maintaining healthy blood pressure and supporting muscle function. The recipe offers 413 calories, making it a moderate-calorie option that won’t derail your dietary goals. Let’s delve deeper into the macronutrient breakdown: approximately 36g of protein – crucial for muscle repair and growth – 18g of fat, predominantly from olive oil, which is a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. And at 27g, the carbohydrate content is moderate, thanks to the potatoes, providing sustained energy. Beyond the core macronutrients, this dish is a good source of fiber, offering around 4g per serving. Fiber is essential for digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Vitamin A also plays a role, contributing 1366 IU. Vitamin A is essential for maintaining good vision and supporting immune function. The recipe boasts a relatively low sodium content at 162mg, which is beneficial for those watching their salt intake. Finally, the 18g of fat provides essential fatty acids and supports brain health. Healthy Fats are a key component of a balanced diet. It’s worth noting that the exact nutritional values may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used and the precise measurements taken. This detailed breakdown allows you to fully appreciate the health benefits of this delightful lemon chicken and potatoes dish – a simple meal that nourishes your body from the inside out. You can use these numbers to track your calorie intake or to customize the recipe further based on your individual nutritional needs. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice. Calorie Counting is a useful tool for maintaining a healthy weight. Dietary Guidelines can provide further guidance.
,
,
,
,
