One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies: A Simple Weeknight Recipe
Are you looking for a delicious and easy chicken recipe that's perfect for a busy weeknight? Look no further! This one-pan lemon herb roasted chicken and veggies is packed with flavor, requires minimal cleanup, and is sure to become a family favorite. This recipe is optimized for SEO, incorporating relevant keywords naturally throughout the text to improve search engine ranking.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous weeknight dinner. Here's what you'll need:
- 1.5 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay juicy during roasting.
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved or quartered: Choose small potatoes to ensure even cooking.
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and chopped: Baby carrots can also be used.
- 1 large lemon, thinly sliced: The lemon adds brightness and zest.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: For healthy fats and flavor.
- 1 tbsp dried Italian herbs: A blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary works well.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a savory punch.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don't forget to season generously!
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
This recipe is incredibly straightforward, even for beginner cooks. Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and chop the potatoes and carrots. Toss them in a large bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and the remaining olive oil.
Step 3: Assemble and Roast
In a large roasting pan, arrange the potatoes and carrots. Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the vegetables. Tuck the lemon slices around the chicken and vegetables. Sprinkle the Italian herbs over everything.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Roast for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear when pierced with a fork. For extra crispy skin, broil for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra flavor: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before roasting.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers.
- Use fresh herbs: Substitute fresh herbs for dried herbs. Use about double the amount.
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Why This Recipe is Great:
This easy chicken recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight because it's:
- One-pan: Minimal cleanup!
- Healthy: Packed with vegetables and lean protein.
- Delicious: The lemon herb flavor is irresistible.
- Versatile: Easily customizable to your liking.
This simple chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy! Remember to share your culinary creations using #OnePanChicken on social media!
