Tired of complicated recipes and endless cleanup? Craving a delicious, healthy meal that's ready in under an hour? Then get ready to rip up the recipe book (figuratively, of course!) because this one-pan lemon herb roasted chicken and veggies is about to become your new weeknight favorite. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a healthy and flavorful meal without the fuss. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, delivering delicious dishes with minimal effort.
A Flavor Explosion in One Pan
This recipe combines juicy roasted chicken with tender, perfectly seasoned vegetables all cooked on a single pan. The lemon and herbs create a bright, fresh flavor profile that complements the chicken and veggies beautifully. It’s a complete meal, packed with nutrients and ready in surprisingly little time – making it a great addition to your quick dinner ideas repertoire.
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 red onion, cut into wedges
- 2 lemons, one thinly sliced, one juiced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, thyme, rosemary)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and prepare all your vegetables.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the potatoes, carrots, and red onion with olive oil, Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Arrange & Roast: Spread the vegetables in a single layer in a large roasting pan. Place the chicken thighs on top of the vegetables. Tuck lemon slices between the chicken pieces and vegetables.
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Bake to Perfection: Roast for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and the vegetables are tender. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, pour the lemon juice over the chicken and vegetables.
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Rest & Serve: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
Tips for Recipe Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure the vegetables and chicken are in a single layer for even cooking. If necessary, use two pans.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to add more herbs, spices, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Use bone-in chicken: Bone-in chicken thighs stay juicier and more flavorful during roasting.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers.
- Different herbs: Experiment with different herbs like fresh rosemary, sage, or parsley.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chili flakes for a spicier kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 20-30g
This one-pan wonder is a perfect example of how easy and delicious healthy meals can be. It’s a recipe you'll want to make again and again, and a testament to the joy of homemade cooking. Enjoy!