Herbed Lemon Chicken with Roasted Vegetables

This Herbed Lemon Chicken with Roasted Vegetables is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s both healthy and satisfying. The chicken is marinated in a zesty lemon and herb mixture, ensuring it’s tender and full of flavor. Paired with roasted vegetables, this meal is perfect for a wholesome dinner, full of vibrant flavors and textures.

Ingredients

For the Herbed Lemon Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Zest and juice of 1 lemon

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp dried rosemary

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp pepper

For the Roasted Vegetables:

• 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into sticks

• 1 zucchini, sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Preparation Steps

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.

2. Prepare the Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the sliced carrots, zucchini, and red bell pepper on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and oregano. Toss the vegetables to coat them evenly in the oil and seasoning. Spread the vegetables out in an even layer.

3. Roast the Vegetables

Place the baking sheet with vegetables in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.

4. Cook the Chicken

While the vegetables are roasting, heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).

5. Serve

Once the chicken and vegetables are done, arrange the roasted vegetables on plates and top with the herbed lemon chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor and color, if desired. Serve immediately.

Expert Tips

• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like sweet potatoes, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts to the roasting pan for a more hearty meal.

• Grill the Chicken: For an even deeper flavor, grill the marinated chicken breasts instead of pan-searing them.

• Make it Vegan: You can swap the chicken for tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version of this dish.

Why This Dish Works

The combination of zesty lemon and fragrant herbs makes the chicken incredibly flavorful and tender, while the roasted vegetables bring a natural sweetness and savory depth to the meal. This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious and easy to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.

Conclusion

Herbed Lemon Chicken with Roasted Vegetables is a simple, healthy, and delicious meal that’s full of vibrant flavors. The zesty chicken pairs perfectly with the roasted vegetables, making it a satisfying and well-rounded dish for any occasion.