Tired of endless takeout menus and complicated recipes? Craving a delicious, healthy, and easy meal that's ready in under an hour? Then you've come to the right place! This one-pan lemon herb roasted chicken and veggies recipe from my "You Gotta Eat Here" recipe book is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, delivering big on flavor without sacrificing simplicity. This recipe is one of my go-to quick dinner ideas, and I know it'll become one of yours too!
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
- 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:
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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 in the zone!
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the potatoes, carrots, and onion with olive oil, minced garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Ensure the vegetables are evenly coated.
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Arrange in Pan: Spread the vegetables in a single layer in a large roasting pan or baking dish. Arrange the chicken pieces on top of the vegetables. Tuck lemon slices under and around the chicken.
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Roast: Pour the lemon juice over the chicken and vegetables. Roast for 50-60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and the vegetables are tender. For bone-in chicken breasts, you may need to add 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.
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Rest & Serve: Once cooked, remove the pan from the oven and let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
Cooking Tips for Delicious Dishes:
- For extra crispy skin: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before placing it in the pan.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure the vegetables and chicken are in a single layer to promote even cooking and browning.
- Adjust cooking time: Cooking times may vary depending on the size of your chicken and vegetables. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the vegetables for a spicy kick.
- Herby Delight: Experiment with different herbs like fresh rosemary, sage, or parsley.
- Different Protein: Substitute chicken with turkey, pork chops, or even sausages for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 35-40g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This easy recipe is a perfect example of a healthy meal that doesn't require hours in the kitchen. It’s a delicious and satisfying dish the whole family will enjoy. From quick dinner ideas to impressive meals, this one-pan wonder fits the bill perfectly. Enjoy!