Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and easy weeknight dinner? Look no further! This one-pan lemon herb roasted chicken and veggies recipe is the perfect solution for busy cooks who want a homemade meal bursting with flavor without the fuss. It's a complete dinner, packed with protein and nutrients, ready in under an hour. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet elegant dish – perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a delightful Sunday supper. This recipe is a testament to how quick dinner ideas can still be incredibly delicious and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into 8 pieces OR 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
- 1 pound small red potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, cut into wedges
- 2 lemons, one thinly sliced, one juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried herbs (Italian mix, Herbes de Provence, or a mix of rosemary, thyme, and oregano)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and chop all your vegetables. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp up nicely.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the potatoes, carrots, and onion with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Arrange & Season: Arrange the vegetables in a single layer in a large roasting pan or baking sheet. Place the chicken pieces on top of the vegetables. Tuck lemon slices under and around the chicken. Drizzle the chicken with lemon juice and sprinkle generously with your chosen herbs.
- Roast to Perfection: Roast for 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and the vegetables are tender. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your chicken and your oven.
- 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.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure the vegetables and chicken are in a single layer for even cooking. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
- Adjust cooking time: Larger chicken pieces will require longer cooking time. 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.
- Use fresh herbs: If you have fresh herbs on hand, use about 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs instead of dried.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Lovers: Add extra garlic cloves, minced or sliced, to the vegetables and under the chicken.
- Different Herbs: Experiment with different herb combinations to create unique flavor profiles.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the size of your chicken and the amount of vegetables used. However, a general estimate per serving is:
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 20-30g
This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delicious and healthy meal without sacrificing flavor or quality. Enjoy your homemade, restaurant-quality dinner! This recipe is a great example of easy recipes and best recipes, showcasing how healthy meals can also be quick dinner ideas and delicious dishes. Try it today and experience the ease and satisfaction of homemade cooking.