A one-pan lemon garlic chicken & veggies dish that saves my weeknights

Weeknights can be hectic, and the last thing anyone wants is to juggle multiple pots and pans after a long day. That’s why this one-pan lemon garlic chicken with veggies has become my go-to dinner. It’s fresh, flavorful, and best of all—everything cooks together in a single pan for minimal cleanup. Juicy chicken, crisp-tender vegetables, and a bright lemon garlic sauce make this dish a lifesaver when time is short.

1. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish checks all the weeknight boxes:

• One pan = less cleanup (goodbye, sink full of dishes).

• Balanced meal with protein and veggies all in one.

• Bright, fresh flavor from lemon and garlic that tastes way fancier than the effort it takes.

• Versatile—swap in your favorite vegetables or serve with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.

2. Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken thighs or breasts (skin-on for extra flavor, boneless if you prefer quick cooking)

• Fresh lemon juice + zest

• Garlic cloves, minced

• Olive oil

• Assorted veggies (broccoli, zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, or green beans all work great)

• Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme

• Salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat

3. How to Make It

Prep the chicken. Season well with salt, pepper, lemon zest, and minced garlic.

Sear for flavor. In a large oven-safe skillet or sheet pan, brown the chicken in olive oil until golden.

Add veggies. Toss your vegetables in olive oil, garlic, and lemon, then scatter them around the chicken.

Roast everything together. Bake until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender.

Finish fresh. Squeeze over more lemon juice and sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving.

4. Tips for Success

Cut veggies evenly so they cook at the same rate.

Use a meat thermometer to ensure juicy chicken (165°F is perfect).

Make it your own—try Mediterranean spices, add potatoes for extra heartiness, or swap chicken for salmon.

5. Serving Ideas

One of the best things about this dish is how flexible it is when it comes to serving. The chicken and veggies are already a complete meal, but you can pair them with simple sides to make dinner even more satisfying:

• With grains: Serve the chicken and veggies over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or quinoa to soak up all that lemon-garlic sauce.
• With pasta: Toss cooked penne or spaghetti directly into the pan juices for a quick lemon-garlic pasta on the side.
• With potatoes: Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted baby potatoes, or even garlic parmesan fries for an extra-hearty dinner.
• With bread: A crusty baguette or warm dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up every drop of the garlicky lemon pan sauce.
• Light and fresh: Serve alongside a crisp green salad or a simple cucumber-tomato salad for a refreshing balance.
• Wine pairing: A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the citrusy brightness of the chicken beautifully.

This recipe is versatile enough to fit any occasion—whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner, a meal-prep option for the week, or even a casual dinner party centerpiece.