Category Archives: general

Maple Leafs Plans Could Take Drastic Turn Amid Tanev News

The Toronto Maple Leafs are holding on for dear life in the Eastern Conference playoff race. In any other season, the Leafs would likely be well out of a playoff spot. But the unusually tight race in the Atlantic Division, and the Eastern Conference overall, has kept Toronto within striking distance of a postseason berth.

However, recent rumors suggesting Chris Tanev could be out for the remainder of the season may force the Maple Leafs into making drastic changes. The team is already down two regular blueliners—Tanev and Brandon Carlo. To make matters worse, Jake McCabe left Saturday night’s game against the New York Islanders in the third period, and there’s still no update on his potential injury. The situation is looking increasingly dire for Toronto’s defense corps, and management needs to figure out what comes next.

**Navigating Cap Space and LTIR Limitations**

According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Maple Leafs may have some cap flexibility to work with. This stems from the possibility of moving Tanev and Dakota Joshua to LTIR (Long-Term Injured Reserve). However, it’s important to note the new rules for this season. Teams can allocate a maximum of $3.8 million to LTIR, based on last year’s average. In Toronto’s case, they could only utilize $3.8 million—or Tanev’s $4.5 million cap hit, whichever is lower. Meanwhile, Joshua’s full $3.25 million cap hit would count toward adding another player if he’s placed on LTIR.

If both players end up on LTIR, the Leafs would have a little over $7 million to play with. While that’s enough to land one quality player, it may not be sufficient to address all the team’s pressing needs.

**No More Exploiting the LTIR Loophole**

Here’s an important change: The Maple Leafs cannot exploit the LTIR loophole that got so much attention in previous years. Previously, teams could use LTIR to add players during the regular season and, with no cap limit in the playoffs, activate injured players for a postseason push—even if it meant exceeding the salary cap. The Florida Panthers (Matthew Tkachuk) and Edmonton Oilers (Evander Kane) were recent beneficiaries of this system.

This year, that loophole is closed. If Toronto places Tanev and/or Joshua on LTIR, the club cannot activate them for the postseason and go over the cap. The same cap limitations that apply during the regular season remain in effect for the playoffs. If the team opts to put both players on season-ending LTIR, they will be out until next season regardless of cap compliance.

**Injuries Could Force Toronto’s Hand**

This current rash of injuries could force GM Brad Treliving into making critical moves. If the Leafs are serious about staying competitive, they’ll need to add another defenseman and potentially a depth forward. While the forward situation isn’t as urgent, bolstering the blue line is absolutely essential.

There’s been chatter that Rasmus Andersson is high on Toronto’s trade radar. However, the Leafs may not have the assets the Calgary Flames are looking for in return. That may mean exploring other, less impressive, options on the trade market.

The bottom line? The Maple Leafs are in dire straits. Unless internal options significantly step up, the club will have to pull a major rabbit out of its hat to survive this wave of injuries and remain in playoff contention.
https://heavy.com/sports/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/maple-leafs-trade-plans-injuries/

Eagles’ Nick Sirianni Facing Backlash Over Decision With Major Playoff Impact

Philadelphia Eagles fans are expressing their frustration over a critical decision made by head coach Nick Sirianni during Week 18.

Many believe that this key choice negatively impacted the team’s playoff seeding, leading to widespread disappointment among the fan base.

As the Eagles prepare for the postseason, the controversy surrounding Sirianni’s call continues to be a hot topic of discussion.
https://www.newsweek.com/sports/nfl/eagles-nick-sirianni-facing-backlash-over-decision-with-major-playoff-impact-11306285

Miami Dolphins’ opponents for the 2026 season

The Seattle Seahawks’ win over the San Francisco 49ers in the final week of the regular season simplified the formula to determine the one remaining opponent for the Miami Dolphins’ 2026 schedule. The Los Angeles Rams’ victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Sunday’s late afternoon games means the Dolphins will visit the 49ers next season.

This outcome is due to the shift in the third-place finisher in the NFC West, with the Dolphins, as the AFC East’s No. 3 team, set to play that team on the road.

### Miami’s 2026 Opponents Overview

Miami is already scheduled to face their three divisional opponents—the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, and New York Jets—both home and away. Additionally, the Dolphins will host the Los Angeles Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, and Chicago Bears at Hard Rock Stadium.

On the road, Miami will travel to face the Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, and, as noted, the San Francisco 49ers.

The NFL will release the full 2026 week-by-week schedule later this year.

### Notes on Each Non-Division Game Next Season

**Kansas City Chiefs at Hard Rock Stadium**
Patrick Mahomes has played two games at Hard Rock Stadium, both six years ago. The first was in February 2020 during his first Super Bowl against the 49ers. The second, in December, was his only game against the Dolphins in South Florida. In that matchup, the AFC champion led 30-10 in the fourth quarter before easing off, eventually winning 33-27. The Dolphins have a five-game losing streak against the Chiefs and haven’t beaten them in Miami Gardens in 20 years.

**Los Angeles Chargers at Hard Rock Stadium**
Justin Herbert, selected sixth overall in the 2020 draft following Miami’s selection of Tua Tagovailoa, has averaged 26.8 points per game in his four career matchups against the Dolphins, including 29 points in a key game earlier this season. The Dolphins have scored an average of 27.3 points in those contests.

**Chicago Bears at Hard Rock Stadium**
Former Dolphins assistant Ben Johnson makes his first return to Hard Rock Stadium since working with Miami from 2012-18. The Dolphins initially took a 4-0 lead in the all-time series, highlighted by a legendary Monday Night Football victory over the then-undefeated Bears in 1985. However, the Bears won four of the next seven meetings. Miami currently holds a three-game winning streak.

**Detroit Lions at Hard Rock Stadium**
Another former Dolphins assistant and interim head coach returns to Miami Gardens for the first time since completing his six-year tenure in 2015. The Dolphins last defeated the Lions at home in a 49-21 season opener in 2002, which was also Ricky Williams’ Dolphins debut.

**Cincinnati Bengals at Hard Rock Stadium**
Joe Burrow will look to improve to 3-0 all-time against Miami, averaging 36 points per game in his matchups with the Dolphins.

**Denver Broncos at Empower Field***
Broncos head coach Sean Payton will have awaited this game for three years. His Broncos were famously dismantled for 70 points in Miami Gardens in 2023, the most recent meeting between these teams.

**Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium***
One of the rare series swings in the Dolphins’ favor since Don Shula’s departure in 1995. Miami trailed Oakland/Los Angeles 6-16-1 heading into the 1996 season but has dominated the past 20 years (15-5), evening the series at 21-21-1.

**Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field***
The Dolphins boasted an 8-0 record against Green Bay when Jimmy Johnson took over for Don Shula in 1996. Since then, Packers quarterbacks Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers—both Hall of Famers—have led Green Bay to seven wins in nine meetings.

**Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium***
Miami has played just one Brian Flores-defended game since his departure after 2021—a 16-10 Dolphins win in 2022, notably marked by four dropped Tua Tagovailoa passes by the Steelers.

**Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium***
Before their decline, the Colts arguably had their best performance of the season in the opener against Miami, a commanding 33-8 victory in Indiana.

**San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, California***
One of the last moments the Dolphins felt a turnaround was a first-play 75-yard touchdown from Tua Tagovailoa to Trent Sherfield during their last trip to Santa Clara. However, the 49ers rebounded to rout Miami, who entered the game 8-3. Miami finished 9-8 and squeaked into the playoffs, where they lost to Buffalo 34-31.

*Note: An asterisk (*) denotes a possibility that the game may be played internationally.*

Stay tuned for the official 2026 NFL schedule release later this year for more details.
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2026/01/04/miami-dolphins-opponents-for-the-2026-season/

Our Most Popular Cake Recipe Of 2025 Is So Good, ‘There Won’t Be A Crumb Left’

Southern women are big fans of multiple names—and the same can be said of this year’s most popular cake. Some call it “Texas Tornado Cake.” Others know it as “Cajun Cake” or “Lazy-Daisy Cake.” Whatever name you prefer, everyone who tastes it agrees on one thing—it’s absolutely delicious!

### Why Is “Do Nothing Cake” So Popular?

The list of reasons to love this cake is long and well justified.

**Easy Batter:**
First and foremost, the batter is made in one bowl, using nothing but a whisk. Shockingly, there’s no oil or butter in the batter—just sugar, eggs, and crushed pineapple. But don’t worry—the topping has plenty of butter in it.

**Yummy Topping:**
That gooey topping is yet another reason folks can’t get enough of this cake. It’s very similar to the buttery, coconut-pecan decadence that makes German chocolate cake so darn delicious.

### Extra-Special Reasons It’s Delicious

Instead of just sitting on top of the cake, the sweet topping actually soaks into the cake, thanks to holes poked in the baked cake with the handle of a wooden spoon.

But what makes this particular recipe for Do Nothing Cake so special is one small but crucial upgrade—browning the butter for the frosting. Toasting the butter in a skillet until it turns amber and smells nutty takes less than 10 minutes and adds an enormous amount of flavor to this already-scrumptious dessert.

### What Our Reviewers Love About Do Nothing Cake

> “Great recipe! We have a weekly potluck at our friends’ house for around a dozen people, and this cake was the hit of the night! I used half pecans, half walnuts in the topping. Go ahead and brown the butter, added the rum and extra spices, and your friends will worship your baking skills!”

> “I’ve been making this for many, many years, and it’s always been a hit for family reunions, neighborhood potlucks, and family meals. It’s so quick and easy to make. I keep the ingredients on hand to make sure I can whip it up at a moment’s notice.”

> “It was great! So easy and keeps well in the freezer.”

> “I needed a dessert for my wife to bring to a work meeting. I saw this recipe on the SL website and decided to try it. When she came home, I had to ask how the cake went over. She set the empty cake pan in front of me and said, ‘Six people would like your recipe for this. There wasn’t a crumb left.’”

Whether you call it Texas Tornado Cake, Cajun Cake, Lazy-Daisy Cake, or Do Nothing Cake, this delicious and easy-to-make dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
https://www.southernliving.com/most-popular-cake-2025-11878698

Disappointing speculation on Britt Baker’s AEW future amid her hiatus

A disheartening update has emerged regarding Dr. Britt Baker’s future in All Elite Wrestling (AEW). The DMD has been absent from television for well over a year now, leaving fans concerned about her status with the company.

Despite her lengthy absence, there has been little information about when or if she will return to in-ring action. This prolonged time away has raised questions about Baker’s role in AEW moving forward.

As one of AEW’s standout performers, her absence is felt deeply by both the roster and the fans. Wrestling enthusiasts are hoping for positive news about her return in the near future.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/aew/rumor-disappointing-speculation-britt-baker-s-aew-future-amid-hiatus

Things appear grim in search for Dec. 30 boat strike survivors

Welcome to The Hill’s Defense & National Security Newsletter

**Defense & National Security**

**The Big Story**

Things appear grim in the search for Dec. 30 boat strike survivors. The U.S. Coast Guard has painted a somber picture regarding its ongoing efforts to locate survivors of the December 30 strike on an alleged drug-trafficking convoy.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
https://thehill.com/newsletters/defense-national-security/5670517-things-appear-grim-in-search-for-dec-30-boat-strike-survivors/

Banker’s daughter floods MAGA PAC with millions as dad dodges felony bribery charges

A key super PAC supporting President Donald Trump received a series of donations from a woman whose father, a banker, settled felony charges of bribery in Puerto Rico, The New York Times reported on Friday.

The new details about how MAGA Inc. raised $100 million in the second half of 2025 include contributions from several entities with business before the administration, according to Ken Vogel and Karen Yourish. Among the donors were Greg Brockman, a co-founder of the artificial intelligence firm OpenAI, and his wife, Anna Brockman, each contributing $12.5 million. Additionally, the parent company of Crypto.com donated a total of $20 million. Other notable donors included the vape company Juul, whose product recently secured FDA approval, and American Rights and Reform PAC, a pro-marijuana group.

One of the more striking cases involved Isabela Herrera. She initially donated $2.5 million to MAGA Inc. in late 2024 while her father, Julio Herrera Velutini—a Venezuelan-Italian banker—was facing federal charges for attempting to bribe the governor of Puerto Rico in 2020.

In May, a top Trump appointee at the Justice Department authorized a misdemeanor plea deal to settle the case, overruling career prosecutors who had pushed for a harsher sentence. Then, in July, Ms. Herrera made an additional $1 million donation to MAGA Inc.

This report follows an earlier August article detailing how MAGA Inc. effectively operates as a platform to sell access and favor with the president, despite being legally independent and distinct from presidential control.
https://www.rawstory.com/maga-inc-donors/

Time to mourn, time to embrace, time to heal on LA wildfires’ anniversary: A list of public events

Events Marking the 1-Year Anniversary of the Eaton and Palisades Fires

Jan. 4 – Altadena Forever Run

A tribute to those who lost, those who helped, and those who are rebuilding.
The event features a 10K Run, 5K Walk/Run, and 1K Family Walk/Run. Registration is closed, but the public can cheer on participants starting at 8 a.m. (the 10K run).
This run was created to honor Altadena’s resilience, support long-term recovery, and fundraise for residents impacted by the Eaton fire. Proceeds and donations to the GoFundMe account benefit the Altadena Eaton Fire Relief Fund and the Sheriff’s Support Group of Altadena.
For route maps and details, please check the event website.
**Location:** Mariposa Junction, 849 E. Mariposa St., Altadena.

Jan. 6 – Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church Prayer Services

The Rev. Matt Hardin leads an evening prayer service at 7 p.m. at Brentwood Presbyterian Church (12000 San Vicente Blvd., Brentwood).
He also leads a morning prayer gathering at the church’s destroyed campus site (15821 Sunset Blvd., Pacific Palisades) at 8 a.m. on Jan. 7.
For more information, call 310-454-0366 or visit palipres.org.

Jan. 7 – Eaton Fire Remembrance

La Cañada Presbyterian Church:
The church offers “grief stations” throughout the day and a worship service at 6:30 p.m.
**Location:** 626 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada Flintridge. Contact: 818-790-6708.

Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine – A Day of Remembrance and Renewal:
The restored gardens are open for peaceful contemplation from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Each hour, a gong signals a moment of silence. No reservations are required.
The Lake Shrine, founded by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1950, is located at 17080 Sunset Blvd., Pacific Palisades.
Contact: 310-454-4114.

American Legion Post Ceremony:
The ceremony portion will be livestreamed from 9–10 a.m. outside the post at 15247 La Cruz Drive, Pacific Palisades. The public is invited to watch.

They Let Us Burn – A Call for Fairness, Accountability, and Vision for the Rebuild:
A non-partisan demonstration and rally by Pacific Palisades residents and business owners featuring speakers (check website for updates) from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. RSVP requested on the website.
**Location:** Palisades Village, 15307 Antioch St. (corner of Swarthmore Avenue), Pacific Palisades.
Websites: pacificpalisades.com

Corpus Christi Catholic Church and School:
A noon gathering to commemorate the Palisades fire on the church school steps (890 Toyopa Drive), followed by a 7 p.m. Mass of Remembrance and Reflection at St. Monica Catholic Church, 725 California Ave., Santa Monica.
Corpus Christi Church (15100 Sunset Blvd., Pacific Palisades) was destroyed in the fire.
More info at corpuschristichurch.com

St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church – Concerts of Remembrance, Healing, and Renewal:
Community prayers at noon followed by a 1 p.m. concert featuring violinist Anne Akiko Meyers and members of the Los Angeles Master Chorale (conducted by Grant Gershon).
Evening community prayers at 6 p.m., followed by a 7 p.m. concert with Meyers and the Pacific Strings (conducted by Lucinda Carver).
Free to attend; suggested donation of $45 online or at the door.
**Location:** 1031 Bienveneda Ave., Pacific Palisades.
Details and donations: tinyurl.com/4ujrkfu5
Facebook: The Parish of St. Matthew’s

City of Malibu Palisades Fire Remembrance – Finding Strength in Community:
The event includes a Chumash blessing, a moment of silence, a remembrance poem by Malibu’s poet laureate Charlotte Ward, an art gallery paying tribute to first responders and community members, and a memorial area starting at 4 p.m.
The formal program is livestreamed from 4–5:30 p.m. on Malibu’s YouTube channel.
**Location:** Malibu City Hall, 23825 Stuart Ranch Road.
More info: malibucity.org/palisades1yrremembrance

Community Coalition for Altadena Recovery (CCAR) – Community Commemoration:
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who formed CCAR in 2025, leads a gathering with remembrances, music, and light refreshments at 5 p.m. Rain or shine event.
**Location:** Grocery Outlet parking lot, 2270 Lake Ave., Altadena.

Altadena for Accountability – Peaceful Silent Demonstration:
Held simultaneously at 5 p.m. in front of Grocery Outlet, 2270 Lake Ave., Altadena.
For info: foraltadena@gmail.com

Rise Malibu – A Night to Honor, Remember, and Rise Together:
Includes musical performances and a screening of the documentary “Big Rock Burning” (2025).
Starts at 6 p.m.
Text “BIGROCKBURNING” to 44834 for tickets. Proceeds support Malibu Education Foundation.
**Location:** Malibu High School, 30215 Morning View Drive, Malibu.

A Concert for Altadena:
Hosted by John C. Reilly at 6:30 p.m. Tickets start at $150.
Performers include Aloe Blacc; Dawes & Friends featuring Eric Krasno; Everclear; Brandon Flowers (The Killers); Jenny Lewis; Lord Huron; Lucius; Mandy Moore; Ozomatli; Brad Paisley; Taboo (Black Eyed Peas); Rufus Wainwright.
Proceeds benefit the Altadena Builds Back Foundation through the Pasadena Community Foundation’s Eaton Fire Relief and Recovery Fund.
**Location:** Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena.
Tickets: tinyurl.com/4vccyk4h (Ticketmaster)

Jan. 9 – Music Center’s Innovation Social: Reflections on Loss, Hope, and Renewal

Guests can explore Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality stories and interactive 3D stations documenting personal and environmental stories from the LA wildfires.
The event runs from 6–9 p.m. and includes a performance by Evolve Altadena. TreePeople will distribute acorns.
Free to attend; reservation required on the Music Center website.
Parking is available for $10 at Music Center garage (135 N. Grand Ave.) or Walt Disney Concert Hall garage (111 S. Grand Ave.). Public transport info is available on the website.
**Location:** Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Founders’ Room and Stern Grand Hall, 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles.
More info: musiccenter.org/innovationsocial

Jan. 11 – Altadena Candlelight Vigil

Hosted by Kinfolks Helping Hands and Connect 2 Rise to commemorate the Eaton fire. The event features performances by a children’s choir and the Benn Family (“America’s Got Talent”).
Early entry at 6:30 p.m., ceremony starts at 7 p.m.
Please note the event date and location have changed from the original Jan. 7 outdoor event.
**Location:** Altadena Town and Country Club, 2290 Country Club Drive, Altadena.
For details: changematters99@gmail.com

*Postponed event – please check for updates.*
https://www.dailybreeze.com/2026/01/02/time-to-mourn-time-to-embrace-time-to-heal-on-la-wildfires-anniversary-a-list-of-public-events/

Offensive coordinator John Morton talks future with Lions: ‘I love it here’

**Allen Park — Offensive coordinator John Morton doesn’t know what the future holds as the Detroit Lions’ 2025 season nears its end. But if it were up to him, he would be back for the 2026 season.**

Speaking for the last time before the offseason, Morton told reporters Thursday that despite some of the challenges he’s encountered—namely, being stripped of play-calling duties midway through the season—he would like to be back for another year.

The offensive coordinator job, and whether Morton remains in it, is arguably the biggest storyline to watch for the Lions entering the upcoming offseason.

“I’d like to be here. Yeah. I love it here. I love (coach) Dan (Campbell), I love the organization. It’s my home,” Morton said. “All I’m thinking about is Chicago right now, so whatever happens, happens. I’ve been in this business for a while. I’m proud of the things that I’ve done. There’s a lot of things that I’ve got to improve on. Whatever happens, I just march on, just like I always have. That’s my attitude with everything.”

Morton, an Auburn Hills native, had big shoes to fill when taking over for ex-coordinator Ben Johnson, who guided the Lions to elite offensive outputs in three straight seasons before becoming head coach of the Bears last offseason.

Then, before training camp, the offensive line was thrown into turmoil when All-Pro center Frank Ragnow abruptly retired. The troubles that this season would bring were evident in training camp, when the Lions’ defense looked to be ahead of its star-studded offense.

However, Detroit was also operating without offensive tackle Taylor Decker for much of the summer, making it hard to fully grasp what things would look like during the regular season.

After a lifeless performance in the opener against Green Bay, the Lions’ offense rebounded to form one of the most productive units in the league, but things never looked quite right, even as they began racking up yards and points. The offensive line’s woes made the Lions’ run game an inconsistent mess, and the failure to address those issues seemed to create a disconnect between the roster and the staff.

Despite ranking third in points per game (28.9), for example, the Lions’ rushing offense ranked 15th and has had seven games with 100 rushing yards or fewer. From 2022 to 2024, the Lions had just eight total games with fewer than 100 rushing yards.

In addition to having a completely new interior offensive line, the Lions also dealt with a rash of injuries at those positions. Morton said the offensive line struggles produced “part of the problem,” but “it ain’t all the problem.”

“It’s a little bit of everything, it really is. But it does start up front. If you can control the line of scrimmage and do that, it just makes everything a lot easier,” Morton said. “I think it all does start up front, and losing our tight ends and stuff that’s part of the offensive line. But it’s not excuses. It’s not. We all have our hand in this. We have to be creative, just like in everything else, in the passing game and stuff. When a guy goes down, ‘OK, this guy’s got to step up.’”

Coach Dan Campbell took over offensive play-calling duties after Detroit’s 27-24 loss to the Minnesota Vikings coming out of the bye week on November 2. Campbell said the reason he took the play-calling from Morton was because Morton struggled to bring the vision for his offense to life but remained open to the idea that Morton could return to calling plays once he had a better feel for what he wanted.

In Campbell’s first game as the play-caller, the Lions exploded for 44 points in a win against the Washington Commanders. But not long after, Detroit returned to its inconsistent ways, suggesting that Campbell’s play-calling wasn’t the answer, either.

Morton said Thursday that while he’d like to be back as the offensive play-caller or as a play-caller anywhere, calling plays is “absolutely not” a prerequisite for his return.

“Whatever it takes, you know what I mean? I would love to do that, wherever that may be. I love doing it, I love putting the game plan together. I love all that,” Morton said.

Added Morton, “I told you guys before, I’m a team player. I’ll do whatever it takes at this point in my career. Whatever Dan wants, I do. I’m here to help him and help this team win. That’s what I’ve done.”

Morton, 56, has 22 years of NFL coaching experience but is in just his second season as a play-caller. He last called plays during the 2017 season as offensive coordinator of the New York Jets.

In terms of what he’s learned since taking a step back, Morton said he’s gotten a better idea of how Campbell views tendencies and wants to marry the run and pass games.

“Those are kind of the things I’ve got to work on,” Morton said. “We’ll look at the offseason and I’ll just keep going like I’m the coordinator calling plays and try to improve.”
https://www.macombdaily.com/2026/01/01/offensive-coordinator-john-morton-talks-future-with-lions-i-love-it-here/

This Cozy Sheet-Pan Dinner Is So Good, Readers Make It ‘At Least Twice A Month’

You’ve likely heard of Marry Me Chicken, so allow us to introduce you to our “Anytime Chicken.” Nicknamed by our Test Kitchen, this sheet pan dinner features lemon, rosemary, garlic, chicken, and potatoes. Its name comes from its low-lift prep and ease of preparation. It’s a satisfying dish full of flavor, yet versatile enough to make your own with endless variations. Our readers give it high praise: one home cook shared, “I love, love, love this recipe. I make it at least twice a month, with small tweaks that work better for my family. I’ve shared it with several friends who love it just as much.”

### Why We Love Lemon-Rosemary-Garlic Chicken And Potatoes

**It’s an ingredient-friendly stunner:**
This recipe calls for many ingredients you likely already have on hand, including olive oil, lemons, kosher salt, and black pepper. The star ingredients that truly make the dish shine are skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs and legs, fresh sprigs of rosemary, capers, red potatoes, and crusty French bread to soak up the lemony sauce.

**It’s versatile:**
That’s the beauty of sheet pan dinners—there are so many variations you can try. Swap out the red potatoes for sweet potatoes, Yukon golds, white potatoes, or any other spuds you have. You can also add root vegetables like carrots, turnips, and parsnips. Don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs too; while rosemary works beautifully here, sage or tarragon can also make excellent substitutes.

**It requires minimal steps:**
With just about 20 minutes of prep, you can get this dish ready to bake. Then, simply let it cook in the oven for 45 to 50 minutes. It’s a straightforward process that allows you to sit back and relax while it finishes cooking.

### The Secret to Stunning Lemon-Rosemary-Garlic Chicken And Potatoes

There’s one crucial step you shouldn’t skip if you want maximum flavor: browning the chicken on the stove before roasting. Browning isn’t just for presentation—it enhances the dish’s flavor profile by creating a rich, savory crust. Pre-cooking also seals in the chicken’s juices, resulting in tender, succulent meat.

Skipping this step and going straight to baking can lead to pale, slightly rubbery chicken. Taking an extra 10 minutes to brown the chicken ensures a beautifully colored, flavorful, and juicy result.

### What Readers Are Saying

If you browse the reviews, it’s clear this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Here’s what some readers have shared:

*”This recipe is so amazing! The lemons are delicious! Everyone loves it. We’re having it tomorrow; can’t wait!”*

*”Made this for a family dinner gathering, and everyone RAVED about the flavor, the smell during cooking, and the tenderness of the chicken. Delicious! Thank you for sharing!”*

*”I loved this recipe as written! I used small yellow Yukon potatoes instead of red potatoes, and everything else was perfect. My husband loved it too! The fresh lemon, garlic, and rosemary from my garden made it a true palate-pleaser. This dish has become a wintertime staple in our house. I even add sliced orange and grapefruit for an extra citrus boost.”*

Experience the effortless, flavorful goodness of this versatile sheet pan dinner—perfect for any day of the week!
https://www.southernliving.com/lemon-rosemary-garlic-chicken-review-11833463