The One-Pan Lemon & Garlic Chicken Dinner is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, combining the zestiness of lemon with the aromatic punch of garlic. This dish typically starts with a selection of skin-on, bone-in chicken pieces, such as thighs and drumsticks, known for their rich flavor and juicy texture. These pieces are seasoned generously with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of herbs like thyme or rosemary, enhancing their natural savoriness.
In the one-pan approach, the chicken is first browned in a skillet or a large oven-proof pan, achieving a crispy, golden exterior. This browning not only renders the fat but also leaves behind fond, those caramelized bits at the bottom of the pan, integral to the dish’s depth of flavor. Once browned, the chicken is set aside, and the same pan is used to sauté sliced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.
The real magic happens with the addition of lemon. Slices of fresh lemon are often layered in the pan, their citrusy essence infusing the chicken as it cooks. Some recipes call for lemon juice or zest to be sprinkled over the dish, offering a bright, tangy contrast to the rich, savory chicken.
Root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or parsnips are commonly included, turning this dish into a complete meal. These vegetables are nestled around the chicken, absorbing the flavors of the garlic, lemon, and chicken juices as they roast. As the dish bakes in the oven, everything melds together, the chicken becoming tender and juicy, the vegetables soft and flavorful, all coated in a glossy, lemon-infused sauce enriched with chicken drippings.
The dish is often garnished with additional herbs or a sprinkle of parsley before serving. The result is a delightful symphony of flavors – the tang of lemon, the warmth of garlic, the earthiness of herbs, and the comforting, rich taste of chicken and vegetables. This one-pan meal exemplifies rustic elegance, offering a hearty, satisfying dinner with minimal cleanup, making it a popular choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
One-Pan Chicken Dinner
45 minutes to prepare serves 6-8
INGREDIENTS
3 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, wings, breasts)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup white wine
2 lemons, halved and quartered
8-10 cloves garlic, whole
1-2 tablespoons fresh thyme
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
PREPARATION
Preheat oven to 400°F and set aside a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Whisk together the white wine, thyme, and olive oil and pour into the bottom of the baking dish.
Pat the chicken dry and season liberally with salt and pepper. Place chicken skin side up in baking dish and arrange lemons and garlic around it.
Bake until chicken is cooked through, 30-40 minutes. If you’d like crispier skin, broil until browned, 2-3 minutes.
Remove from oven and let rest 10 minutes. Spoon the sauce over the top of the chicken before serving. Enjoy!
