Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and easy dinner that doesn't require hours in the kitchen? Look no further! This one-pan lemon herb roasted chicken and veggies recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. It's packed with flavor, uses simple organic ingredients, and requires minimal cleanup – a win-win-win! This recipe is a fantastic example of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas, perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all skill levels. It's one of those best recipes that's both satisfying and simple.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole organic chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into 8 pieces OR 4 organic chicken breasts
- 1 pound organic baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 pound organic carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large organic lemon, thinly sliced
- 4 sprigs fresh organic rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh organic thyme
- 2 tablespoons organic olive oil
- 1 teaspoon organic sea salt
- ½ teaspoon organic black pepper
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your chicken and vegetables cook evenly and get that lovely roasted texture.
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Prepare the vegetables: Wash and chop your potatoes and carrots. Make sure the pieces are roughly the same size so they cook at a similar rate.
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Season the chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Ensure each piece is evenly coated. This step helps the chicken brown beautifully and stay moist during roasting.
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Assemble the pan: Place the potatoes and carrots in a large roasting pan or baking sheet. Arrange the chicken pieces on top of the vegetables. Tuck the lemon slices and herb sprigs around the chicken and vegetables.
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Roast: 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). For chicken breasts, reduce the cooking time to 25-30 minutes.
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Rest and serve: Once cooked, remove the pan from the oven and let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
Tips for Success:
- Organic ingredients: Using organic ingredients enhances the flavor and nutritional value of your dish. The subtle differences in taste are noticeable!
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure there's enough space between the chicken pieces and vegetables for even browning and cooking.
- Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through to prevent foodborne illnesses.
- Customize your herbs: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like oregano, sage, or parsley.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers would be delicious additions.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it a sheet pan meal: Use a large baking sheet instead of a roasting pan for easy cleanup.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on a 4-serving recipe using 4 chicken breasts. Nutritional values will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: Approximately 35-45g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This easy organic dinner recipe is a perfect example of delicious dishes you can create with minimal effort. It's a versatile recipe easily adaptable to your preferences and dietary needs, making it a go-to for both quick weeknight meals and special occasions. Enjoy!