Zesty Herb Marinated Chicken Thighs and Potatoes (One Pan Dinner That Wows!)
If you're looking for a flavorful, low-effort dinner that the whole family will actually be excited to eat—this Zesty Herb Marinated Chicken Thighs and Potatoes Bake is it. Juicy, golden chicken thighs infused with lemon, dill, garlic, and thyme roast up beautifully next to crispy-edged potatoes. It's all made on one pan, prepped in minutes, and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
As a busy mom, I live for recipes that check all the boxes: easy, flavorful, and low cleanup. And this one delivers every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses pantry-friendly ingredients plus a few fresh herbs to take the flavor to the next level:
Chicken Thighs (bone-in, skin-on): These stay juicy and get irresistibly crispy on top.
Baby Potatoes: Creamy inside, crispy outside—perfectly roasted next to the chicken.
Fresh Dill and Thyme: Adds brightness and a herby punch.
Garlic & Lemon: A zesty combo that brings everything to life.
Paprika & Adobo Seasoning: For warmth, depth, and that golden glow.
Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper & Fresh Parsley: Simple, but essential.
Marinade Makes the Magic
This herby, lemony marinade is what takes this dish from basic to restaurant-worthy. The dill and garlic pair perfectly with the lemon zest, while the olive oil helps everything crisp up in the oven. Let your chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes—but if you have time, overnight is even better.I personally always prefer overnight.
Pro tip: Score the chicken skin slightly so the marinade seeps deep into the meat!
How to Make Zesty Herb Chicken Thighs and Potatoes
Step-by-step:
Make the Marinade: Combine olive oil, garlic, lemon zest and juice, dill, thyme, paprika, adobo, salt, and pepper.
Marinate Chicken: Toss chicken thighs in the marinade and let them sit (minimum 30 minutes).
Prep Potatoes: Halve baby potatoes and toss with a little of the marinade or olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place chicken thighs skin-side up on a large baking tray. Surround them with the seasoned potatoes.
Bake: Roast at 425°F for 35–45 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (175°F internal temp) and potatoes are golden.
Broil (Optional): Broil for 2–3 minutes to crisp the chicken skin even more.
Finish: Let chicken rest 5 minutes. Sprinkle everything with chopped fresh parsley and a final squeeze of lemon.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One pan = minimal cleanup
Kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing flavors
Naturally gluten-free and high-protein
Meal prep friendly – leftovers taste amazing the next day!
Tips for the Best Chicken & Potatoes Bake
Use a rimmed sheet pan or cast iron skillet for better browning.
Don’t overcrowd the pan – air circulation = crispiness.
Add onions or bell peppers to bulk it up with more veggies.
Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring the crisp back!
Zesty Herb Marinated Chicken Thighs with Potatoes
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
- Marinate for Flavor: Don't rush the marinating process. Allow the chicken thighs to marinate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to ensure maximum flavor absorption.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the marinade to suit your taste preferences. Add more garlic for extra punch, or increase the amount of lemon juice for a zesty kick.
- Even Cooking: To ensure even cooking, try to cut the baby potatoes into uniform sizes. This will help them cook evenly alongside the chicken thighs.
- Bake or Grill: While this recipe is designed for baking, you can also grill the chicken thighs and potatoes for a smoky flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer. However, keep in mind that chicken breasts may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to prevent them from drying out.
- Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh? While fresh herbs provide the best flavor, you can use dried herbs if that's what you have on hand. Just use about one-third of the amount specified for fresh herbs, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can marinate the chicken thighs in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. You can also prepare the potatoes and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake.
- How do I know when the chicken is cooked through? The chicken thighs are cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Can I add other vegetables to the pan? Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the pan, such as carrots, bell peppers, or onions, for a complete one-pan meal. Just be mindful of cooking times and adjust as needed.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
670.93Fat
58.01 gSat. Fat
11.39 gCarbs
14.39 gFiber
3.26 gNet carbs
11.15 gSugar
4.57 gProtein
25.37 gSodium
701.37 mgCholesterol
138.43 mgWhether it’s a weeknight dinner or your Sunday meal prep, this Zesty Herb Marinated Chicken Thighs and Potatoes recipe is a flavor-packed lifesaver. It’s bright, herby, garlicky, and satisfying in all the right ways—with almost no mess.
Let me know in the comments if you try it! And tag me @HomeCookBlog if you share it on Instagram—I love seeing your creations.
Save This Recipe For Later!
Pin it, share it, or print it out—this is one you’ll keep coming back to. Because easy dinners that taste like you ordered out? We’re all about that life.