Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Herb Sauce Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together with pantry staples, Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Herb Sauce is about to become your new best friend. Think juicy, flavor-packed chicken, tender roasted veggies, and a zesty, creamy sauce—each bite is bright and satisfying!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things simple, letting each ingredient shine—whether it’s the bright pop of lemon, the savory parmesan, or the tender roasted potatoes. Every element works together for juicy chicken, caramelized veggies, and a luxuriously creamy sauce!

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Deliciously juicy and packed with flavor, they soak up the marinade beautifully and stay tender in the oven.
• Baby Dutch potatoes: Their creamy centers and golden edges become utterly irresistible when roasted—plus, quartering them means faster cooking.
• Broccoli florets: Roasts sweet and crispy right alongside the potatoes, adding color and a bit of crunch.
• Olive oil: Extra virgin is best for a full-bodied flavor and luscious marinade.
• Fresh garlic: Mince it well for the brightest, punchiest flavor throughout your chicken and veggies.
• Lemon juice and zest: Don’t skip the zest—it’s the secret to that bossy lemony kick in both the marinade and sauce.
• Dijon mustard: Adds just the right balance of tang and helps the marinade hug every bite.
• Spices (salt, pepper, dried basil, oregano, onion powder, paprika, ground cumin, dried thyme, sugar): A cozy blend that brings warmth, depth, and a bit of unexpected magic to this dish.
• Greek yogurt or sour cream: The creamy base for the herby parmesan sauce—choose Greek yogurt for extra protein and tang, or sour cream for ultra richness.
• Finely grated Parmesan: Freshly grated melts in the sauce for the ultimate cheesy goodness.
• Chopped parsley, chives, and dill: These herbs bring freshness, color, and a grassy bite to the sauce—use any combo you love.

Variations

One of the best things about Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Herb Sauce is how flexible it is. Swap in your favorite veggies, try a different protein, or let the sauce do double-duty as a dip—the options are endless for making this recipe your own!

• Use chicken breasts: Swap in boneless, skinless chicken breasts—just be sure to pound them to an even thickness for even roasting.
• Change up the veggies: Try asparagus, cauliflower, green beans, or even carrot rounds if that’s what you have on hand.
• Add a spicy kick: Sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne with the marinade for some gentle heat.
• Dairy-free option: Make the sauce with your favorite plant-based yogurt and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.

How to Make Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Herb Sauce

Step 1: Make the Lemon Garlic Marinade

Whisk together all the marinade ingredients in a large sealable bag. Reserve a couple of tablespoons for your veggies—this makes them extra flavorful as they roast. Add the chicken thighs to the bag, seal it up, and turn gently to coat every piece. Let your chicken marinate while you prep everything else (20 minutes on the counter is great, up to 4 hours in the fridge is even better for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Prep the Potatoes and Sheet Pan

Line a large, rimmed sheet pan with foil and give it a quick spray for breezy cleanup later. Add your quartered potatoes, a tablespoon of that reserved marinade, and a sprinkle of salt. Toss it all together with your hands (or a spatula) until every spud is glistening, then spread them out in a single even layer.

Step 3: Roast the Potatoes

Pop the potatoes into the oven at 400°F and let them roast for 15 minutes. This gives them a head start so they’ll come out creamy inside and golden around the edges by the time everything is done together.

Step 4: Add Broccoli and Chicken

After the potatoes get their jump start, take the pan out and nudge potatoes to one side. Add your broccoli florets to the empty space, drizzle with the last bit of reserved marinade, and toss to coat. Then, nestle marinated chicken thighs in a single layer alongside the veggies.

Step 5: Finish Roasting

Return the pan to the hot oven, uncovered, and roast for 17–22 minutes. You want your chicken thighs to hit 170–175°F (or 165°F for chicken cutlets) and for the broccoli to be beautifully crisp-tender.

Step 6: Whip Up the Parmesan Herb Sauce

While everything roasts, quickly whisk together the Greek yogurt or sour cream with parmesan, fresh herbs, lemon juice, and spices in a bowl. Pop it into the fridge to let the flavors mingle—it’s the finishing touch for your Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Herb Sauce.

How to Serve Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Herb Sauce

Garnishes

Finish each plate with a generous scoop of that parmesan herb sauce, plus a scatter of extra chopped parsley or chives for color and freshness. A little extra lemon zest on top adds brightness and brings every flavor to life.

Side Dishes

This all-in-one meal is hearty enough on its own, but if you want a bigger spread, try serving your Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Herb Sauce over fluffy couscous or buttery rice. Add a crisp green salad or warm, crusty bread to soak up every drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For easy entertaining, slice the chicken and arrange it on a platter over a bed of roasted vegetables. Serve the sauce on the side in a pretty bowl—guests can drizzle as much as they like! Mini skewers and dipping cups are perfect for parties or game night, too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Herb Sauce keeps beautifully for meal prep or next-day lunches. Store chicken, vegetables, and sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing

The chicken and vegetables freeze well—cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 2 months. The sauce is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it separately and re-whisk once thawed if needed (note: texture may change slightly).

Reheating

For best results, reheat chicken and veggies in a 350°F oven until warm and edges crisp back up, or microwave gently. Stir the sauce before serving and add a little fresh lemon juice to perk it up, if needed.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a bright, comforting dinner that delights every time, you can’t go wrong with Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Herb Sauce. It’s the kind of meal that soothes, impresses, and leaves you happily scraping your plate—give it a try and share the love with your favorite people!

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