Are you tired of endless meal prep and complicated recipes? Craving a delicious, healthy, and easy dinner that's ready in under an hour? Then look no further! This one-pan lemon herb roasted chicken and veggies is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's a complete meal, packed with flavor, and requires minimal cleanup – a true win-win! This recipe is perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts seeking quick dinner ideas and best recipes. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this simple yet satisfying dish.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 4-6)
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 lb 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:
-
Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and prepare all your vegetables. This is a great time to put on some music and enjoy the process!
-
Toss the Veggies: In a large bowl, toss the potatoes, carrots, and red onion with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, half the garlic powder, half the salt, and half the pepper.
-
Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season them generously with the remaining olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs.
-
Assemble the Pan: Arrange the seasoned vegetables in a single layer in a large roasting pan or baking dish. Nestle the chicken thighs on top of the vegetables. Tuck the lemon slices around the chicken.
-
Roast to Perfection: Roast for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and the vegetables are tender. Basting the chicken and vegetables halfway through with the pan juices will add extra flavor.
-
Finish & Serve: Once cooked, remove the pan from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Squeeze the juice of the remaining lemon over the chicken and vegetables for an extra burst of freshness.
Cooking Tips for Delicious Dishes:
- Bone-in vs. Boneless: Bone-in chicken thighs are recommended for this recipe as they stay juicier and more flavorful during roasting.
- Vegetable Variety: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers.
- Herb Experimentation: Get creative with your herbs! Fresh herbs are wonderful if you have them on hand.
- Crispy Skin: For extra crispy chicken skin, pat the chicken dry very well before seasoning.
Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning for a little heat.
- Mediterranean Twist: Use oregano, thyme, and a sprinkle of feta cheese.
- Garlic Lovers: Add extra garlic cloves to the pan along with the vegetables.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 (depending on serving size and ingredients)
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-30g
This easy recipe for healthy meals is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. The delicious aroma alone will have everyone eager to dig in! Enjoy!