Are you tired of complicated recipes and endless cleanup? Craving a healthy, delicious meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Then you've come to the right place! This Pretty Good Tools recipe for lemon herb chicken and veggies is a game-changer. It's a simple, one-pan wonder that delivers big on flavor and nutrition, making it a perfect addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. This easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, and even beginner cooks will find it incredibly straightforward. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 lb broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your chicken and veggies cook evenly and get beautifully browned.
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Prepare the ingredients: Wash and chop all your vegetables. Mincing the garlic beforehand saves time later. Zesting the lemon first also ensures you get the maximum amount of flavor.
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Combine everything in a large bowl: In a large bowl, toss the chicken, potatoes, broccoli, and bell pepper with olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well coated. This is crucial for even cooking and delicious flavor distribution.
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Spread on a baking sheet: Spread the mixture in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lead to steaming instead of roasting.
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Roast for 25-30 minutes: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the vegetables are tender. You can check the chicken's doneness with a meat thermometer for best results.
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Serve and enjoy! Serve immediately. This dish is delicious on its own, but you can also add a side of quinoa or a simple salad for a more complete meal.
Cooking Tips for Best Results:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure the chicken and vegetables are in a single layer for even cooking. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the most accurate way to ensure your chicken is fully cooked.
- Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to add more or less lemon juice, herbs, or spices to suit your preference.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like carrots, zucchini, or asparagus.
Variations:
- Spicy Pretty Good Tools: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Mediterranean Pretty Good Tools: Substitute Italian herbs with a mix of Greek herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Add some Kalamata olives and feta cheese for extra flavor.
- Sheet Pan Fajitas: Use chicken breast strips, bell peppers and onions, and season with fajita seasoning instead of Italian herbs. Serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
This Pretty Good Tools recipe is a simple, healthy, and delicious option for a quick weeknight dinner. It's a perfect example of homemade cooking that doesn't require hours in the kitchen. The one-pan method makes cleanup a breeze, leaving you with more time to enjoy your delicious and healthy meal. Try it today and let us know what you think!