Sheet Pan Chicken With Garlic Sauce
Highlighted under: Quick Home Meals
I absolutely love making Sheet Pan Chicken with Garlic Sauce because it brings incredible flavors together with minimal effort. The garlic sauce seeps into the chicken, making each bite delectably savory and slightly tangy. With just a few vegetables tossed in alongside, it transforms into a complete meal that’s not only easy to prepare but also delightful to share. The best part? Everything cooks on one pan, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying a delicious homemade dinner.
When I first tried making sheet pan meals, I was thrilled with the effortless combination of cooking and flavor. The garlic sauce for this chicken dish was inspired by a classic family recipe, but I made sure it packed more punch. The combination of garlic, lemon, and herbs creates a fragrant glaze that is simply irresistible. I also learned that allowing the chicken to marinate for just a bit enhances the flavors immensely.
One tip I found indispensable is to use a hot oven to really allow the chicken and vegetables to brown beautifully. The caramelization adds depth and richness, making it look as good as it tastes. Plus, it’s so satisfying to pull it all out at once and have a complete meal ready to serve!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Aromatic garlic sauce that elevates simple chicken to gourmet status
- Healthy veggies roasted alongside for a well-rounded meal
- An all-in-one dish that simplifies cooking and cleanup
Maximizing Flavor with Marinades
The marinade in this recipe is key to achieving moist, flavorful chicken. The combination of olive oil and lemon juice not only enhances the chicken's flavor but also helps in tenderizing the meat, ensuring a juicy result. I recommend marinating for at least 15 minutes, but if you have the time, letting the chicken soak in the mixture for a few hours or overnight will intensify the garlic and herb notes, elevating the taste to new heights.
Don't hesitate to adjust the garlic to your liking; if you're a garlic lover like me, doubling the amount can provide a robust taste while roasting. Additionally, including fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary along with the dried oregano can add a fresh aroma and complexity that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Choosing and Preparing Your Vegetables
While broccoli and bell peppers are excellent choices for this sheet pan dish, feel free to mix in your favorite seasonal vegetables. Asparagus, zucchini, or carrots can add interesting textures and flavors. Just be sure to cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking. For instance, carrots should be sliced thinner, as they take longer to soften compared to other veggies in the mix.
When preparing the vegetables, remember to toss them in the residual marinade for an added layer of flavor. This not only enhances their taste but also allows them to caramelize slightly in the oven, contributing a delightful sweetness. Keep an eye on the cook time, as softer vegetables like bell peppers may become tender and slightly charred before the chicken is done, so you might want to add them halfway through roasting.
Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients before you start to make the preparation easier.
For the Chicken and Vegetables
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Make sure to adjust the vegetables to your preference or what is in season.
Instructions
Let’s get started by preheating the oven and preparing the marinade.
Prepare the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and ensure they are well coated in the marinade. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes for maximum flavor.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Arrange Chicken and Vegetables
On a large baking sheet, arrange the marinated chicken and place the broccoli, bell pepper, and onion around it. Drizzle any remaining marinade over the vegetables.
Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the skin is golden brown, and the vegetables are tender.
Serve
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious, garlic-infused chicken and veggies!
Don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs for additional flavor!
Pro Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, try adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the marinade.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers from this dish are great for meal prep! Store any uneaten chicken and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the chicken moist when reheating, consider adding a splash of chicken broth or a drizzle of olive oil before warming it in the microwave or oven. This helps prevent the chicken from drying out during the reheating process.
If you're looking to extend the shelf life, you can freeze the cooked dish. Just ensure it’s cooled down completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will last for up to 2 months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat, making sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal, consider pairing this dish with a side of quinoa or rice to soak up the delicious garlic sauce. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette would also provide a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken and roasted vegetables. You can even serve it with warm pita bread to enhance the meal's Mediterranean flair.
For an added visual appeal, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro just before serving. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds a bright, fresh aroma to the dish that complements the roasted ingredients beautifully.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken works well too! Just adjust the cooking time as it will cook faster.
→ What can I substitute for garlic if I don't have any?
You can use garlic powder as an alternative, but fresh garlic gives a much better flavor.
→ Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well in the refrigerator and can be reheated easily.
→ Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or carrots based on your preference!
Sheet Pan Chicken With Garlic Sauce
I absolutely love making Sheet Pan Chicken with Garlic Sauce because it brings incredible flavors together with minimal effort. The garlic sauce seeps into the chicken, making each bite delectably savory and slightly tangy. With just a few vegetables tossed in alongside, it transforms into a complete meal that’s not only easy to prepare but also delightful to share. The best part? Everything cooks on one pan, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying a delicious homemade dinner.
Created by: Anya Coleman
Recipe Type: Quick Home Meals
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken and Vegetables
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
How-To Steps
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and ensure they are well coated in the marinade. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes for maximum flavor.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
On a large baking sheet, arrange the marinated chicken and place the broccoli, bell pepper, and onion around it. Drizzle any remaining marinade over the vegetables.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the skin is golden brown, and the vegetables are tender.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious, garlic-infused chicken and veggies!
Extra Tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, try adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the marinade.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 30g