Are you tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a delicious, healthy meal that's also quick and easy to make? Then look no further! This Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and will become a staple in your healthy meal rotation. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that the whole family will love. This recipe offers a fantastic blend of homemade cooking techniques, creating a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready for a quick dinner idea that’s bursting with flavor!
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), patted dry
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and chopped
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your chicken and vegetables cook evenly and achieve that perfect roasted texture.
Prepare the Chicken:
- Place the chicken in a roasting pan. Stuff the cavity of the chicken with lemon slices, rosemary, and thyme sprigs. This infuses the chicken with incredible aroma and flavor.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it's evenly coated. This step is crucial for achieving that beautiful golden-brown skin and juicy meat.
Prepare and Roast the Vegetables:
- In a large bowl, toss the potatoes, carrots, and red onion with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Seasoning the vegetables separately ensures they are equally flavorful.
- Arrange the vegetables around the chicken in the roasting pan.
Roast to Perfection:
- Roast for 60-75 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the vegetables are tender. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked.
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
Cooking Tips for Success:
- For extra crispy skin, pat the chicken very dry before seasoning.
- Don't overcrowd the roasting pan; this ensures even cooking.
- If your vegetables are cooking faster than the chicken, you can tent them loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb mixture for a little heat.
- Mediterranean Twist: Use oregano and lemon zest instead of rosemary and thyme. Add some Kalamata olives and cherry tomatoes to the vegetables.
- Herbs de Provence: Substitute the rosemary and thyme with a generous sprinkle of Herbs de Provence for a fragrant and aromatic dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your chicken and vegetables. A general estimate is:
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: Approximately 35-45g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-30g
This easy everyday cooking recipe is perfect for a healthy and delicious weeknight meal. Enjoy this simple, yet impressive dish that’s sure to become a family favorite! It's a wonderful example of how delicious dishes can be created through simple homemade cooking techniques. This recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike, offering a flexible and satisfying culinary experience.