Sheet Pan Lemon Chicken Dinner For Two – A Bright, Easy Dinner With Big Flavor

This lemon chicken dinner is one of my favorite meals to make in the middle of winter when the sky is gray and outside is bitter cold. As much as I love classic comfort food meals, sometimes I crave a lighter, healthier meal, especially at the start of a new year.

And that is exactly what this recipe provides. Tender pieces of chicken, potatoes and broccoli seasoned and cooked together on a single sheet pan making dinner simple yet healthy.

It is the perfect recipe designed for a small household, date night at home, or anytime you want something satisfying without a lot of effort. Thin chicken breasts cook quickly. Yukon gold potatoes turn soft on the inside and slightly crisp on the edges. And broccoli florets soak in the savory lemon juices while still becoming tender with just the right amount of firmness.

Everything about this dinner is perfect when you are cooking for two. And it proves that an easy and healthy lemon chicken dinner can be both delicious and effortless.

Sheet Pan Lemon Chicken Recipes

One of the reasons lemon chicken recipes are so popular is because the fresh lemon flavor brightens the plain taste of chicken in a way that tastes light but still filling.

Just like when making my Lemon Garlic Chicken Breast Recipe it cuts the richness, adds brightness, and also wakes up the other ingredients like potatoes and broccoli.

Yukon gold potatoes are perfect here because they roast beautifully. Not to mention that they have a naturally buttery flavor which compliments the chicken perfectly. Then add in the broccoli and watch the edges caramelize ever so slightly.

The combination is a complete, well-balanced dinner with protein, starch and vegetables, all in one bite. This lemon chicken meal is also wonderful because you do not need complicated ingredients. Nor do you need long marinating times, or any special cookware. A single sheet pan, some pantry spices, olive oil, fresh lemon, and you are well on your way to making a delicious dinner.

Why Sheet Pan Lemon Chicken Works Perfectly For A Small Dinner

Another great thing about this lemon chicken sheet pan recipe is that it fits perfectly into busy evenings. When you are cooking for two, it is easy to fall into the trap of takeout or overly simple meals because you don’t want to overcook or waste food.

This meal takes that stress away. Everything roasts together, so you do not have to juggle multiple pans or watch something closely on the stove.

Once the ingredients are tossed in their tangy lemon mixture and spread onto the pan, the oven does the work. The house fills with the scent of roasting garlic, citrus, and herbs. And before long you have a complete (and healthy) lemon chicken dinner ready to enjoy.

In addition, because this lemon chicken meal is designed for two people, the ingredient amounts work perfectly without leaving behind a ton of leftovers. Thin chicken breasts work very well here because they cook faster and stay juicy without drying out.

Just be sure to cut the Yukon gold potatoes small so they roast through in about the same time as the chicken. And as for the broccoli, I prefer to buy pre-cut florets, making it even easier to prepare.

Sheet Pan Lemon Chicken Dinner Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 thin boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 heaping cup small Yukon gold potatoes, quartered or cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 heaping cup broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease or line a sheet pan.
2. Place the potatoes in a bowl and toss with half of the olive oil, half of the lemon juice, half of the lemon zest, and a little salt and pepper. Spread them on the sheet pan and begin roasting them alone for about 10 minutes to give them a head start.
3. While the potatoes roast, season the chicken breasts with the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove them from the dish and toss the broccoli with any remaining mixture so it is lightly coated as well.
4. Remove the pan from the oven, push the potatoes slightly to one side, and add the chicken breasts and broccoli to the sheet pan.
5. Return everything to the oven and roast for another 18 to 22 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, the broccoli is tender, and the potatoes are golden and soft inside. The internal temperature of the lemon chicken should reach 165°F.
6. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then serve everything hot with fresh lemon wedges if desired.

Recipe Tips

What makes this lemon chicken dinner truly shine is the balance of flavor and texture. However, here are some ways to customize this dish to your taste preference:

• If you love extra lemon flavor in your lemon chicken dishes, you can always squeeze fresh lemon over the pan right before serving.

• Another option is to sprinkle Parmesan cheese lightly over the potatoes or broccoli at the end of roasting. This adds richness that pairs perfectly with lemon chicken meals while still keeping things simple.
• Instead of broccoli, use asparagus spears instead.

• A sprinkle of fresh parsley can also add freshness and color.

How To Substitute Chicken Thighs for Chicken Breasts

This sheet pan dinner is also very flexible when it comes to substitutions. If you prefer chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts, you can easily swap them in.

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in lemon chicken recipes because they stay juicy and tender even if cooked a bit longer. The main change is adjusting time slightly.

Thighs usually need a few additional minutes, so check them toward the end of roasting. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F, just like breasts.

Their deeper flavor and richness work wonderfully with lemon, garlic, and herbs. It gives you a slightly heartier lemon chicken experience while still pairing beautifully with potatoes and broccoli.

If you enjoy meals that are easy, flavorful, balanced, and well-suited for smaller households, this sheet pan lemon chicken dinner recipe will quickly become part of your regular menu rotation as it has in my house.

Enjoy! Mary

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