Tired of complicated weeknight dinners? Craving a healthy and delicious meal that's ready in under an hour? Then look no further! Chef Luca Corleone's one-pan lemon herb roasted chicken and veggies is the perfect solution. This easy recipe is packed with flavor, requires minimal cleanup, and is guaranteed to become a family favorite. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, offering a quick dinner idea that's both satisfying and nutritious. This recipe is a delicious dish perfect for busy weeknights, showcasing the best recipes for healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into 8 pieces or use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large red onion, cut into wedges
- 2 lemons, one thinly sliced, one juiced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, thyme, rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, toss the potatoes, carrots, and red onion with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure the vegetables are evenly coated.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
In a separate bowl, toss the chicken pieces with the remaining olive oil, minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Ensure each piece is well seasoned.
Step 3: Assemble and Roast
Spread the vegetables in a single layer in a large roasting pan or baking sheet. Arrange the chicken pieces on top of the vegetables. Tuck the lemon slices between the chicken and vegetables. Pour the lemon juice evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Roast for 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and the vegetables are tender. You may need to adjust cooking time depending on the size of your chicken and vegetables.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the pan from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. Garnish with fresh herbs (like parsley or chives) if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious and easy meal!
Cooking Tips:
- For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning.
- Don't overcrowd the pan. If necessary, roast the chicken and vegetables in two batches.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the pan, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers.
- For a richer flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the chicken seasoning.
- Mediterranean Twist: Substitute the Italian herbs with Greek herbs like oregano, thyme, and marjoram. Add some Kalamata olives and feta cheese during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Herb Experimentation: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to find your perfect combination.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. Enjoy this simple and healthy meal! It’s a wonderful example of how easy it is to prepare food recipes that are both tasty and good for you. This is the perfect recipe to add to your collection of quick dinner ideas and best recipes.