hOne-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken with Potatoes & Green Beans

 

One-Pan Garlic Herb Chicken with Potatoes & Green Beans — Complete Recipe Guide

One-pan meals are loved for their simplicity, convenience, and rich flavor. They reduce cooking time, minimize kitchen cleanup, and allow ingredients to blend together beautifully during cooking. This one-pan garlic herb chicken with potatoes and green beans is a perfect example of comfort food that combines protein, vegetables, and aromatic seasoning into a satisfying family meal.

The dish features tender chicken pieces coated with garlic and herb seasoning, roasted potatoes that are crispy on the outside and soft inside, and fresh green beans that maintain a slight crunch while absorbing the savory flavor of the chicken juices.

This recipe is suitable for home cooks of all experience levels. Whether you are preparing dinner for your family or looking for a reliable meal for meal prep, this one-pan dish is a practical choice.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

4–6 pieces of chicken thighs or chicken breasts (bone-in or boneless)

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional but recommended)

For the vegetables:

4 medium potatoes, cut into bite-sized cubes

200–250 grams fresh green beans, trimmed

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Additional ingredients (optional but recommended):

1 tablespoon butter for richer flavor

Lemon slices for serving

Extra herbs for aroma

Kitchen Equipment Needed

Large baking sheet or roasting pan

Mixing bowls

Sharp knife and cutting board

Aluminum foil or parchment paper (optional but helpful for easier cleaning)

Using a wide pan is important because overcrowding the ingredients can cause steaming instead of roasting.

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

Start by preparing the chicken because this step allows the meat to absorb seasoning flavors.

If you are using chicken thighs, pat them dry using paper towels. Removing surface moisture is important because it helps the chicken skin become crispy during roasting.

Place the chicken in a large bowl.

Add minced garlic, olive oil, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

If you enjoy a slightly tangy flavor, add a tablespoon of lemon juice.

Massage the seasoning mixture into the chicken pieces using your hands or a spoon.

Make sure every surface of the chicken is coated evenly.

After seasoning, cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 20 to 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinating for one hour will produce deeper flavor.

Step 2: Preparing the Potatoes

Potatoes are the foundation of the vegetable portion of this meal.

Wash the potatoes thoroughly under running water to remove dirt.

You can peel the potatoes if you prefer a smoother texture, but leaving the skin on adds fiber and nutrition.

Cut potatoes into uniform bite-sized cubes. Consistent size helps ensure even cooking.

Place potato cubes into a mixing bowl.

Add olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and oregano.

Mix well until each potato piece is lightly coated.

The oil helps create a crispy outer layer during roasting.

Step 3: Preparing the Green Beans

Trim both ends of the green beans if necessary.

Wash them thoroughly and dry them using a clean kitchen towel.

Place green beans in a separate bowl.

Add a small amount of olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

Toss gently to coat the beans without breaking their natural structure.

Green beans cook relatively faster than potatoes, so they will be added later during baking.

Step 4: Preheating the Oven

Preheat your oven to 200°C (about 400°F).

Preheating is important because placing food in a cold oven will affect roasting quality.

While the oven is heating, arrange a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease the pan surface with olive oil.

Step 5: Arranging Ingredients on the Pan

Place the seasoned potatoes on the baking sheet first.

Spread them in a single layer without overlapping.

Potatoes need direct heat exposure to become crispy.

Next, place the marinated chicken pieces on the same pan.

Make sure there is space between chicken pieces to allow proper air circulation.

Do not overcrowd the pan because trapped steam can make the food soft instead of roasted.

At this stage, you may add small butter pieces on top of the chicken if you want a richer, more savory flavor.

Step 6: Initial Baking Phase

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.

Bake the chicken and potatoes for about 25 minutes.

During this period, the chicken fat will slowly render, mixing with garlic and herb seasoning.

After 25 minutes, remove the pan from the oven carefully.

Turn the chicken pieces once to ensure even cooking.

Step 7: Adding Green Beans

Now add the prepared green beans around the chicken and potatoes.

Spread them evenly across empty spaces on the pan.

Return the baking sheet to the oven.

Continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes.

The green beans should remain slightly bright green and tender but still retain some crunch.

Step 8: Checking Doneness

Chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches approximately 75°C (165°F) if you are using a meat thermometer.

If you do not have a thermometer, cut the thickest part of the chicken. The meat should be white without pink juices.

Potatoes should be golden brown and soft when pierced with a fork.

If the chicken skin is not crispy enough, you can switch the oven to broil mode for 2 to 3 minutes while watching carefully to avoid burning.

Step 9: Resting the Dish

After removing the pan from the oven, let the food rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Resting allows meat juices to redistribute inside the chicken, making the texture more tender and flavorful.

Step 10: Serving Suggestions

Transfer chicken, potatoes, and green beans onto serving plates.

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for color and freshness.

Add lemon slices on the side if you enjoy citrus aroma.

This dish pairs well with simple rice, bread, or fresh salad.

Flavor Variations You Can Try

If you want to modify the taste, consider these variations:

Spicy Version

Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning.

Creamy Herb Version

Serve with a small amount of garlic cream sauce after baking.

Mediterranean Style

Add sliced olives, cherry tomatoes, or oregano-heavy seasoning.

Low-Fat Health Version

Reduce olive oil quantity and use skinless chicken breast.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

If you have leftovers, store the food in an airtight container.

Refrigerated cooked chicken and vegetables can usually be kept for 2 to 3 days.

When reheating, use an oven or air fryer rather than a microwave to help restore crispiness.

Common Cooking Mistakes to Avoid

Do not skip drying the chicken surface because moisture prevents browning.

Avoid stacking vegetables and meat too closely.

Do not overbake green beans, as they can become soft and lose their bright color.

Always preheat the oven before cooking.

Nutritional Benefits

This dish provides a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and healthy fats.

Chicken supplies high-quality protein necessary for muscle maintenance.

Potatoes provide energy through complex carbohydrates.

Green beans contribute dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Final Thoughts

One-pan garlic herb chicken with potatoes and green beans is a practical, nutritious, and delicious meal suitable for busy households.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With basic ingredients and straightforward preparation steps, anyone can create a restaurant-quality dinner at home.

Cooking does not always require complicated techniques. Sometimes, the best meals are made by combining fresh ingredients with patience and proper heat control.

If you enjoy home cooking, this recipe can easily become a regular part of your meal rotation.