One-Pan Lemony Chicken with Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Welcome to what might be your new favorite weeknight dinner. Seriously. This is one of those magical one-pan meals that tastes like you spent hours on it, but actually comes together with minimal fuss and, most importantly, minimal cleanup. It’s the ultimate “wow-to-work ratio”!
We’re talking juicy, flavorful chicken and potatoes that are soft on the inside with an unbelievably crispy, crunchy exterior, all drenched in a bright, zesty lemon-herb sauce. It’s a complete meal, on one pan, in about an hour. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- I could go on forever, but here’s why this dish is a constant in my dinner rotation:
- One-Pan Wonder: All the magic happens on a single sheet pan, which means cleanup is an absolute breeze.
- That “Smash” Factor: You get to smash the potatoes! It’s fun, a little stress-relieving, and the secret to getting those shatteringly crispy edges.
- Bright & Cozy: The zesty lemon and fresh herbs make it feel bright and fresh, while the roasted chicken and potatoes are pure comfort food. It’s the best of both worlds!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s walk through it. Here’s how to make this one-pan magic happen.First, boil the potatoes until they’re nice and tender. This is the key to a creamy interior.
Next comes the fun part: the smash! Once your potatoes are drained, get them on a sheet pan. Use the bottom of a heavy glass to firmly press down on each one. Don’t be shy! A good smash is the secret to a good crust.
Now, season everything up. Drizzle the chicken and smashed potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle on your seasonings.
Finally, the “sprinkle.” Once everything is roasted to golden-brown perfection, hit it with a generous shower of fresh herbs and a big squeeze of lemon juice. This final step is what makes the whole dish sing!
Ava’s Notes
- Add a Veggie: Want to make it a true one-and-done meal? Toss some asparagus spears or broccoli florets with olive oil and add them to the pan for the last 10-15 minutes of roasting.
- Get Creative with Herbs: No dill? No problem. Fresh chives, oregano, or even a little bit of mint would be delicious here.
- Crispiness is Key: Don’t be afraid to leave the potatoes in for an extra 5 minutes if they’re not as crispy as you’d like. That golden-brown crust is worth waiting for!
One-Pan Lemony Chicken with Crispy Smashed Potatoes
4
servings15
minutes45
minutes1
hourKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
1.5 lbs baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work best)
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
1/4 cup olive oil, divided
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
Directions
- Boil the Potatoes: Place the baby potatoes in a medium pot and cover with cold, salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they are easily pierced with a fork. Drain them completely.
- The *Smash*: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Drizzle a large, rimmed baking sheet with a tablespoon of olive oil. Place the boiled potatoes on the sheet pan, leaving some space between them. Now for the fun part: use the bottom of a heavy glass or a measuring cup to firmly press down on each potato, smashing it to about a 1/2-inch thickness.
- Season and Roast: Drizzle the smashed potatoes and the chicken breasts with the remaining olive oil. Sprinkle everything generously with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to toss it all together right on the pan. Arrange everything in a single layer, ensuring the potatoes have some space to get crispy. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping the chicken once, until the chicken is cooked through and the potatoes are deeply golden and crisp.
- The *Sprinkle*: Remove the sheet pan from the oven. Immediately sprinkle the fresh lemon zest, parsley, and dill all over the hot chicken and potatoes. Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over everything.
- Serve: Serve hot, straight from the pan. Enjoy your one-pan wonder!
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