Tired of endless meal prep and complicated recipes? Craving a healthy, delicious, and easy dinner that's ready in under an hour? Then you've come to the right place! This one-pan lemon herb roasted chicken and veggies recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It's a complete meal, packed with flavor, and requires minimal cleanup – a true win-win-win! This easy recipe is perfect for healthy meals, quick dinner ideas, and homemade cooking enthusiasts. It's one of those best recipes that consistently delivers delicious results.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 4-6)
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large red onion, cut into wedges
- 2 lemons, one thinly sliced, one juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, thyme, rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and chop all your vegetables. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp up nicely.
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Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken thighs, ensuring they're evenly coated.
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Assemble the Pan: In a large roasting pan or baking dish, toss the potatoes, carrots, and red onion with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the vegetables. Tuck the lemon slices around the chicken and vegetables.
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Roast to Perfection: Roast for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and the vegetables are tender. If the vegetables are browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the pan with foil.
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Rest & Serve: Once cooked, remove the pan from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
Cooking Tips for the Best Results:
- Bone-in vs. Boneless: Bone-in chicken thighs are recommended for this recipe as they stay more moist during roasting.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure there's enough space between the chicken and vegetables for even cooking and browning.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on your oven and the size of your chicken and vegetables. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb mixture for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Lovers: Add extra garlic – minced fresh garlic or more garlic powder.
- Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like paprika, parsley, or sage.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 35-40g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This one-pan wonder is a fantastic example of delicious and healthy food recipes that are surprisingly easy to make. It's a perfect quick dinner idea for busy weeknights, a great way to incorporate homemade cooking into your routine, and a surefire way to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!