Are you tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a healthy, flavorful meal that's quick and easy to prepare? Then look no further! This recipe, inspired by a recent segment on Kelly and Ryan's show (though slightly adapted for home cooks!), delivers on all fronts. This one-pan lemon herb roasted chicken and veggies is a delicious and healthy dish perfect for busy weeknights. It's packed with flavor, requires minimal cleanup, and is incredibly versatile – feel free to swap out your favorite vegetables! Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet stunning meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into 8 pieces OR 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts
- 1 pound baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 pound 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 your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your chicken and vegetables cook evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown color.
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Prepare the vegetables: Wash and chop the potatoes, carrots, and red onion. 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, lemon juice, Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated.
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Arrange in a roasting pan: Spread the prepared vegetables in a single layer in a large roasting pan. Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the vegetables. Tuck the lemon slices around the chicken and vegetables.
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Roast: Roast for 50-60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and the vegetables are tender. For chicken breasts, reduce cooking time to approximately 30-40 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.
Cooking Tips for a Perfect Dish:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure the vegetables and chicken are in a single layer to promote even cooking and browning.
- Use bone-in chicken: Bone-in chicken tends to stay more moist during roasting.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your chicken and vegetables and your oven. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers.
Variations:
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning for a spicier dish.
- Different herbs: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, sage, or parsley.
- Garlic lovers: Add a few cloves of minced fresh garlic to the seasoning.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a healthy and balanced meal. Nutritional values will vary depending on the size of your chicken and the specific vegetables used. However, you can expect a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins from this delicious and healthy meal. For precise nutritional information, use an online nutrition calculator and input the specific ingredients and their quantities.
This easy one-pan recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner. Enjoy this healthy and flavorful meal, and don't forget to share your culinary creations with us! Let us know how your Kelly and Ryan inspired dinner turns out!