Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and easy weeknight dinner that doesn't involve a mountain of dishes? Look no further! This one-pan lemon herb roasted chicken and veggies is a simple, flavorful masterpiece that's perfect for busy families and anyone who appreciates homemade cooking without the fuss. It’s a complete meal in one pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. Get ready to enjoy a healthy, delicious dish that's sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), patted dry
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, cut into wedges
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, thyme, rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the potatoes, carrots, and onion in a large roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat evenly.
Step 2: Season the Chicken and Vegetables
In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it gets into the crevices. Season the vegetables generously with salt and pepper as well.
Step 3: Stuff and Roast
Place lemon slices inside the chicken cavity. Arrange the chicken on top of the vegetables in the roasting pan.
Step 4: Baking Time
Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the vegetables are tender. If the vegetables start to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent the pan with foil.
Step 5: 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.
Tips for Perfect Results:
- For crispier vegetables: Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last 20 minutes of cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure there's enough space between the chicken and vegetables for even cooking. If necessary, use two roasting pans.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor combinations.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Broccoli florets, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers would be delicious additions.
- Use different herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb mixture for a little kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a good source of protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. The exact nutritional content will vary depending on the size of the chicken and the types of vegetables used. A general estimate would be around 400-500 calories per serving.
This one-pan wonder is a perfect example of delicious and healthy food recipes, and it's quick enough to qualify as one of those amazing quick dinner ideas. Enjoy this easy recipe and impress your friends and family with your homemade cooking skills! It's certainly one of the best recipes for a satisfying and flavorful meal.