Are you craving a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy weeknight dinner? Look no further! This one-pan lemon herb roasted chicken and veggies recipe from Mr. Food is the perfect solution for busy cooks who don't want to sacrifice flavor or nutrition. It’s a complete meal, ready in under an hour, and requires minimal cleanup – what's not to love? Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its simplest and most satisfying best! This recipe is perfect for healthy meals, quick dinner ideas, and is one of the best recipes you'll find for easy recipes.
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 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, basil, thyme)
- 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 roast to perfection.
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Prepare the vegetables: Wash and chop all your vegetables according to the ingredient list. Having everything prepped before you start saves time and makes the cooking process much smoother.
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Season the chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is well coated for even flavor.
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Assemble the pan: Place the potatoes, carrots, and onion wedges in a large roasting pan. Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the vegetables. Tuck the lemon slices between the chicken and vegetables.
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Add lemon juice: Drizzle the freshly squeezed lemon juice over the chicken and vegetables. This adds a burst of fresh flavor and helps keep everything moist.
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Roast: Roast in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and the vegetables are tender. Cooking time may vary depending on your oven and the size of your chicken.
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Rest and serve: Once cooked, remove the pan from the oven and let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious and easy meal!
Cooking Tips:
- For extra flavor, add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme to the roasting pan.
- If you prefer crispy skin on your chicken, pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels before seasoning.
- Don't overcrowd the roasting pan. If necessary, use two pans to ensure even cooking.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to the pan, such as broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning for a little kick.
- Garlic Lovers: Add extra garlic powder or minced fresh garlic.
- Different Herbs: Experiment with other herbs like paprika, or a blend of your favorite herbs.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 20-30g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-30g
This one-pan wonder is a fantastic example of delicious dishes that are also quick dinner ideas, making it a perfect addition to your weekly meal plan. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying recipe, and happy cooking!