Sheet Pan Lemon Balsamic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe

Simple Sheet Pan Lemon Balsamic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe

Lemon balsamic chicken potatoes refine an ordinary dinner into a culinary adventure bursting with vibrant Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

This simple yet sophisticated sheet pan sensation delivers maximum taste with minimal kitchen effort.

The aromatic combination of citrusy brightness and rich balsamic depth creates an irresistible meal that awakens your palate.

Crispy potato edges and succulent chicken pieces promise a textural experience that elevates home cooking.

Fresh herbs infuse each bite with an elegant, garden-fresh essence that feels both rustic and refined.

The harmonious blend of ingredients ensures a foolproof dinner that impresses without complicated techniques.

Your family will crave this delightful dish that turns weeknight meals into memorable moments.

Why Sheet Pan Lemon Balsamic Chicken Shines Bright

  • Savor Effortless Mediterranean Flavors: This sheet pan recipe brings vibrant Greek-inspired tastes with minimal kitchen work, combining zesty lemon, tangy balsamic, and herbaceous notes in one simple dish.
  • Maximize Nutrition with Minimal Prep: Packed with lean protein from chicken and nutrient-rich potatoes, this meal delivers 35g of protein while requiring just 25-30 minutes of hands-off cooking time.
  • Transform Weeknight Dinners into Gourmet Experiences: Elevate your everyday meal with restaurant-quality flavors using accessible ingredients like pepperoncini, olives, and tzatziki, creating a sophisticated yet approachable dinner that impresses without complexity.
  • Streamline Cooking with One-Pan Convenience: Eliminate multiple dishes and cooking steps by roasting chicken and potatoes together, reducing cleanup time and making meal preparation stress-free for busy home cooks.

What You’ll Need for This Tangy Chicken Dinner

Main Ingredients:

Chicken and Potatoes:
  • Chicken Thighs: Juicy protein that absorbs marinade flavors and creates a delicious main course.
  • Potatoes: Hearty side that becomes crispy and golden when roasted on the sheet pan.
Marinade and Seasonings:
  • Balsamic Vinegar: Adds tangy depth and helps tenderize the chicken.
  • Olive Oil: Provides richness and helps ingredients brown evenly.
  • Mustard: Brings sharp, zesty flavor to the marinade.
  • Oregano, Paprika: Classic herbs and spices that add Mediterranean-inspired warmth.
  • Garlic, Shallot: Aromatic base that provides complex savory notes.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced flavor.
Finishing Touches:
  • Lemon Juice: Bright, citrusy element that freshens the entire dish.
  • Pepperoncini: Adds a mild, tangy pepper kick.
  • Kalamata Olives: Salty, briny Mediterranean accent.
  • Tzatziki Feta Sauce: Creamy, tangy accompaniment that complements the roasted chicken.

One-Pan Prep for Maximum Weeknight Ease

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 425°F and grab a large sheet pan. Toss potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, spreading them evenly across the pan.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine chicken with:
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Dijon mustard
  • Dried oregano
  • Paprika
  • Minced garlic
  • Finely chopped shallot
  • Salt and pepper

Drizzle olive oil and mix thoroughly to coat the chicken.

Step 3: Arrange and Roast

Place marinated chicken pieces around the seasoned potatoes on the sheet pan. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes until chicken is golden and potatoes are crispy.

Step 4: Prepare the Herby Olive Topping

Whip up a zesty topping by mixing:
  • Olive oil
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Chopped fresh herbs
  • Sliced pepperoncini
  • Kalamata olives

Serve the roasted chicken and potatoes topped with the herby olive mixture and a dollop of creamy tzatziki feta sauce on the side.

Tips for Juicy Chicken and Crisp Potatoes

  • Boost Potato Crispiness: Pat potatoes completely dry before tossing with oil to ensure maximum golden-brown edges and a perfect crunchy exterior.
  • Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let chicken sit in the balsamic mixture for 15-30 minutes before cooking to allow deeper seasoning penetration and more robust taste.
  • Prevent Chicken Dryness: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier results, as they're more forgiving during high-temperature roasting.
  • Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and perfectly cooked protein without overcooking.
  • Space Ingredients Strategically: Spread chicken and potatoes with some room between them on the sheet pan to promote even browning and prevent steaming.

Keep It Fresh and Flavorful Later

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken and potatoes in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, these delicious leftovers will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the herby olive mixture and tzatziki sauce in separate containers to maintain their distinct flavors.
  • Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, which helps restore the chicken's crispy exterior and potato's golden edges. Drizzle a little extra olive oil before reheating to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
  • Freezing: Wrap cooled chicken and potatoes tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil.

What to Serve Alongside This Zesty Sheet Pan Dish

  • Zesty Mediterranean Wine Companion: Crisp, dry white wines like Assyrtiko from Greece or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the bright lemon and balsamic flavors, cutting through the richness of the chicken.
  • Fresh Herb Salad Sidekick: Create a light Greek-style salad with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and feta to balance the roasted potatoes and add a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken.
  • Creamy Tzatziki Dip Delight: Serve the homemade tzatziki feta sauce as a cool, tangy accompaniment that enhances the herb and garlic notes of the dish, providing a smooth texture against the crispy chicken skin.
  • Rustic Bread Pairing Perfection: Grab a crusty sourdough or Greek pita bread to soak up the delicious pan juices and herby olive mixture, turning this sheet pan meal into an interactive dining experience.

Zingy Variations to Shake Up Your Chicken Game

  • Mediterranean Magic: Swap oregano with za'atar spice blend, add sliced red bell peppers, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the dish for an authentic Greek-inspired experience.
  • Spicy Kick Rendition: Replace paprika with smoked chipotle powder, include jalapeños, and drizzle hot sauce over chicken for a fiery southwestern-style meal that ignites taste buds.
  • Herb Garden Remix: Incorporate fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage instead of standard herbs, include whole garlic cloves, and use fingerling potatoes for a rustic, earthy flavor profile that celebrates garden-fresh ingredients.
  • Mediterranean Protein Switch: Exchange chicken with bone-in lamb chops, maintain balsamic marinade, add mint leaves, and serve with quick cucumber yogurt sauce for a gourmet protein alternative that transports diners to Mediterranean hillsides.
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Sheet Pan Lemon Balsamic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe

Sheet Pan Lemon Balsamic Chicken and Potatoes Recipe


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4.5 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Mediterranean-inspired sheet pan lemon balsamic chicken delivers bold, zesty flavors with minimal cleanup. Herbed chicken and crispy potatoes roast together, creating a simple yet sophisticated dinner that brings European comfort to your kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 pound (454 grams) baby potatoes, halved
  • 1 cup green olives, torn

Marinade and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 4 tablespoons plus ⅓ cup (120 milliliters) extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons smoked or regular paprika
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped oregano
  • 6 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 shallot, chopped
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Chili flakes, to taste

Garnish and Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1 cup mixed fresh herbs (dill, basil, or thyme), chopped
  • 2 tablespoons sliced pepperoncini
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 1 cup tzatziki sauce
  • 6 ounces (170 grams) feta cheese, crumbled

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 425°F (220°C), ensuring an even temperature for optimal roasting.
  2. Coat diced potatoes thoroughly with olive oil, sprinkling generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper directly on the baking sheet.
  3. Create a flavorful marinade in a mixing bowl by combining balsamic vinegar, whole grain mustard, dried oregano, sweet paprika, minced garlic, finely chopped shallots, and additional seasonings with olive oil.
  4. Massage the chicken pieces completely with the prepared marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated and infused with robust flavors.
  5. Strategically position marinated chicken pieces around the seasoned potatoes on the sheet pan, allowing adequate spacing for even heat circulation.
  6. Roast the sheet pan dish in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and potatoes turn golden and crispy.
  7. While the chicken roasts, whisk together additional olive oil, fresh lemon juice, chopped herbs, sliced pepperoncini, and briny olives to create a vibrant Mediterranean-inspired sauce.
  8. Remove the sheet pan from the oven and generously drizzle the herby olive mixture over the golden chicken and potatoes.
  9. Serve immediately with a cooling tzatziki and crumbled feta sauce for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Prep like a pro by marinating chicken in zesty balsamic and spices for maximum flavor infusion before roasting.
  • Sheet pan magic transforms simple ingredients into a Mediterranean-inspired feast with minimal cleanup required.
  • Crispy potato edges and juicy chicken combine for a one-pan dinner that impresses without complicated techniques.
  • Pepperoncini and briny olives add unexpected tangy brightness that elevates the entire dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting paprika and garlic quantities to match personal taste preferences.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 470 kcal
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 640mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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