Welcome to your new favorite weeknight dinner! If you need a meal that is simple, healthy, and requires almost zero cleanup, you’ve found it. This Lemon Chicken Tray Bake is packed with bright, zesty flavor thanks to a homemade honey-lemon-garlic marinade. Best of all, it all cooks on a single sheet pan, leaving you more time to relax after a busy day. Get ready for juicy, succulent chicken that’s ready in under 40 minutes!
What’s in Lemon Chicken Tray Bake?
This Lemon Chicken Tray Bake relies on a simple yet powerful combination of ingredients that create a beautiful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes.
The star of the show is the Chicken Thigh Fillets. We use skinless, boneless thighs because they stay incredibly juicy and tender when baked. They also absorb the marinade deeply, making every bite flavorful. Thighs are generally more affordable, too!
For the irresistible marinade, we mix together Olive Oil and Dijon Mustard for a savory base, then add the golden sweetness of Honey. The bright, fresh taste comes from both the Zest and Juice of a Lemon. Finally, we add finely Crushed Garlic and Mixed Herbs (like dried oregano or thyme) to give it that warm, comforting aroma. A generous amount of salt and pepper brings all the flavors into focus.
What Can I Add?
One of the great things about a tray bake is how easy it is to customize! You can truly make this recipe your own.
- Add Vegetables: This recipe is fantastic when bulked up with veggies. Toss in chopped onions, bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes right onto the tray with the chicken. If you want to use potatoes, slice them thinly or parboil them first, as they take longer to cook than the chicken.
- Meat Swaps: While thighs are best for juiciness, you can definitely use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just remember that breast meat is leaner and may cook 5–10 minutes faster, so keep a close watch on it to prevent drying out.
- Spice it Up: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade mix.
- Herb Variations: Swap the mixed herbs for Italian seasoning, dried oregano, or even fresh rosemary for a slightly different flavor profile.
How to Make Lemon Chicken Tray Bake Step by Step
Making this dish is incredibly straightforward! It’s mostly hands-off time while the oven does the work.
- Gather all the marinade ingredients: olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, crushed garlic, lemon zest and juice, and mixed herbs.
- In a large bowl, mix these ingredients together until they are fully combined.
- Once mixed, scoop out about two tablespoons of the marinade and set it aside in a small bowl. This will be used as an optional glaze later.
- Add the chicken thighs to the large bowl with the remaining marinade and mix everything well, making sure all the chicken pieces are completely coated.
- Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. For the best flavor, let it marinate for at least two hours, up to a maximum of 12 hours. If you’re in a rush, even 30 minutes is better than nothing!
- When you’re ready to cook, pre-heat your oven to 200°C/400°F (or 180°C fan/Gas Mark 6).
- Lay the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer in a grill-safe baking dish or on a sheet pan. Season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Bake the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the meat is fully cooked through and the juices run clear.
- Optional: Brush the reserved marinade over the chicken. Turn on your grill (broiler) to high and cook for 3 to 5 minutes to lightly brown the tops and create a sticky glaze. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn!
- Scatter freshly chopped parsley over the chicken, arrange a few fresh lemon slices on top, and serve immediately.
Recipe Tips for Success!
To get perfect results every time for Lemon Chicken Tray Bake, keep these simple tips in mind.
- Always Marinate: This is the key to deep flavor! A marinade time of at least two hours makes a huge difference, allowing the lemon and herbs to tenderize and season the chicken.
- Don’t Forget the Zest: When making the marinade, use both the zest and the juice from the lemon. The zest holds the concentrated oils and essential flavor, giving the dish a much brighter taste than the juice alone.
- Keep It Simple: If you don’t want to use the reserved glaze or the grill, feel free to skip it! The dish is absolutely delicious even if you simply bake everything together from the start. This is a great way to save a step and keep the recipe truly one-pan.
- Check Internal Temperature: The safest way to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).
What to Serve with Lemon Chicken Tray Bake
Because this chicken is so flavorful and creates wonderful pan juices, it pairs beautifully with sides that can soak up the sauce.
- Classic Starch: Serve it alongside fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even simple crusty bread to dip into the lemony juices.
- Fresh Greens: A light, simple green salad works wonders to balance the richness of the meat and sauce. A vinaigrette is a perfect complement.
- Roast Vegetables: If you didn’t cook vegetables on the tray, serve it with a side of steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or broccoli.
Storage & Reheating
It’s easy to save any leftovers from this delicious meal!
For short-term storage, place cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. They are actually excellent eaten cold the next day—try slicing the chicken and adding it to a salad or sandwich!
If you wish to freeze the meal, ensure the chicken wasn’t previously frozen. Simply place the cooled portions in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw completely in the fridge first, then warm thoroughly in the microwave or oven until piping hot throughout.
Time to Try This Lemon Chicken!
We hope this easy recipe simplifies your dinner routine and brings a burst of flavor to your table. The combination of sweet honey, zesty lemon, and fragrant herbs makes this Lemon Chicken Tray Bake a winner every time. Give it a try this week and let us know how much you loved it!
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