Are you craving a healthy, flavorful meal but short on time and ingredients? Then look no further! This five-ingredient lemon herb roasted chicken and veggies recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's incredibly easy to make, requires minimal cleanup, and delivers a burst of fresh, vibrant flavors that will impress your family and friends. This recipe is a fantastic example of how simple homemade cooking can be, resulting in delicious dishes that are far superior to takeout. Get ready to experience the joy of quick dinner ideas without compromising on taste or nutrition!
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), patted dry
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
Instructions:
-
Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse the chicken and pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up beautifully.
-
Season and Stuff: Place lemon slices inside the chicken cavity. Generously sprinkle the dried Italian herbs all over the chicken, inside and out.
-
Arrange and Roast: In a large roasting pan, toss the potatoes and carrots with a little olive oil (optional, but enhances flavor and browning). Arrange the vegetables around the chicken.
-
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. You can use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked.
-
Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. Serve immediately with the roasted vegetables.
Cooking Tips for Best Results:
- For extra crispy skin: Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking.
- Customize your herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices based on your preference. Rosemary, garlic powder, or paprika would all be delicious additions.
- Add more vegetables: This recipe is easily adaptable! Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers.
Variations:
- Lemon Pepper Chicken: Replace the Italian herbs with a generous amount of lemon pepper seasoning.
- Garlic Herb Chicken: Add 4-6 cloves of minced garlic to the herbs for extra flavor.
- Sheet Pan Dinner: For easier cleanup, roast everything on a single large sheet pan.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of the chicken and the serving size. However, a general estimate is:
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-30g
This healthy and easy recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight. It's a complete meal, packed with flavor and nutrients, and requires only five simple ingredients. Enjoy!