Are you looking for a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy weeknight dinner? Look no further! This One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies recipe, inspired by a recent Twin Cities Live segment on KSTP, is a game-changer. It's packed with flavor, requires minimal cleanup, and is perfect for busy weeknights. Get ready to impress your family with this simple yet elegant dish – it's one of those healthy meals that tastes far more complicated than it is!
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 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:
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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 get organized. Homemade cooking is all about enjoying the process!
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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. Make sure the vegetables are evenly coated.
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Arrange & Roast: Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Arrange the chicken thighs on top of the vegetables. Tuck lemon slices under and around the chicken.
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Bake: 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 with pan juices halfway through cooking helps keep it moist.
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Finish & Serve: Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Squeeze the juice of the remaining lemon over the chicken and vegetables. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender dish.
Tips for Success:
- Bone-in vs. Boneless: Bone-in chicken thighs are recommended for this recipe as they stay juicier during roasting.
- Vegetable Variety: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor. Fresh herbs are fantastic if you have them on hand.
- Crispy Skin: For extra crispy chicken skin, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels before seasoning and roasting.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning for a little kick.
- Mediterranean Twist: Use oregano, thyme, and lemon zest, and add Kalamata olives and cherry tomatoes.
- Sheet Pan Fajitas: Use chicken breasts instead of thighs, and serve with tortillas, salsa, and guacamole.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This one-pan wonder is a fantastic quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a delicious dish that’s both satisfying and healthy. Enjoy your delicious, easy meal! This is truly one of the best recipes for a simple yet flavorful dinner. You'll be amazed at how much flavor you can pack into one pan!