Are you tired of expensive grocery bills and complicated recipes? Craving delicious, satisfying meals without breaking the bank? Then you've come to the right place! This Cheap Eats Recipe Book is dedicated to helping you create healthy and tasty food on a budget. We'll explore simple, easy recipes that are perfect for busy weeknights and won't leave your wallet feeling empty. Get ready to discover the joy of homemade cooking without the hefty price tag!
One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies
This recipe is a perfect example of how to make a delicious and healthy meal without spending a fortune. It's quick, easy, and requires minimal cleanup – a win-win for busy weeknights! This recipe is perfect for healthy meals, quick dinner ideas, and fits perfectly into a homemade cooking routine.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into parts or use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 onion, cut into wedges
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is a crucial first step for even cooking.
- Prepare the chicken and vegetables: Wash and chop all vegetables. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp up nicely.
- Toss the vegetables: In a large bowl, toss the potatoes, carrots, and onion with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Season the chicken: In a separate bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the remaining olive oil, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and lemon slices.
- Arrange and roast: Spread the vegetables in a single layer in a large roasting pan. Arrange the chicken pieces on top of the vegetables.
- Roast for 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Serve immediately. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying meal!
Cooking Tips for Best Results:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before roasting.
- Don't overcrowd the roasting pan. This ensures even cooking and browning.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini.
- If you prefer crispier potatoes and carrots, roast them separately for the first 20 minutes before adding the chicken.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken seasoning for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Lover's Version: Add 2-3 cloves of minced garlic to the vegetables and chicken.
- Herb Experiment: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like rosemary or parsley.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 20-30g
This easy recipe is a great example of delicious dishes that don't require expensive ingredients. It's a perfect addition to your repertoire of best recipes and an excellent example of cheap eats that are also healthy and satisfying. Enjoy experimenting with variations and making this your go-to quick dinner idea!