Hey there, friend! If you’re anything like me, you know that life can get super busy, and sometimes you just need a quick meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor. That’s where my one pan 20 minute lemon herb chicken veggies come in! This recipe is an absolute game changer—it’s fast, incredibly easy, and packed with vibrant flavors that brighten up any weeknight dinner. Imagine juicy chicken breasts coated in a zesty lemon herb marinade, roasted to perfection alongside a colorful medley of fresh veggies. Oh, and the best part? You only need one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to relax. Trust me, this dish will quickly become a staple in your kitchen, and you’ll love how flavorful and satisfying it is without any fuss!
Ingredients List
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested (you’ll want to get all that bright flavor!)
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs (this adds such a lovely depth)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy—season it well!)
- 2 cups mixed vegetables, like bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli (fresh is best, but use what you love!)
How to Prepare One Pan 20 Minute Lemon Herb Chicken Veggies
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 400°F (200°C). This is super important because a hot oven will help cook the chicken evenly and get those veggies nice and tender—oh, the smell will be amazing!
Mix the Marinade
While the oven is warming up, grab a bowl and combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the juice and zest of 1 lemon, 2 teaspoons of dried Italian herbs, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. Whisk it all together until it’s well blended. This marinade is where the magic happens—it’s going to infuse your chicken with all that zesty, herby goodness!
Coat the Chicken
Now, take those chicken breasts and give them a good coat with your marinade. I like to use my hands for this—just get in there and rub it all over the chicken, making sure every bit is covered in that flavorful mixture. Trust me, you want all that flavor!
Arrange in Baking Dish
Next, place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Then, take those vibrant mixed vegetables you prepared earlier and scatter them around the chicken. Drizzle any leftover marinade over the veggies for an extra flavor boost. It’s like a colorful garden in your dish!
Bake and Rest
Pop your baking dish in the oven and let it bake for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. You’ll know it’s done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once it’s out of the oven, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting time helps the juices redistribute, leaving you with juicy, tender chicken. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- One pan wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal and relax!
- Bright and zesty flavor: The lemon herb marinade infuses the chicken and veggies with a delicious, fresh taste.
- Healthy and satisfying: Packed with protein and colorful vegetables, this meal is both nutritious and filling.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or herbs to make it your own!
- Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch ahead of time for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Tips for Success
- Choose the right chicken: If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, they may need a bit more time in the oven, so adjust accordingly. I recommend using thin-cut breasts or pounding them to even thickness for best results!
- Don’t skip the marinade: Marinating the chicken for a bit longer (if you have time) can amp up the flavor even more. Just pop it in the fridge for an hour or so—trust me, it’s worth it!
- Mix and match your veggies: Feel free to get creative with your vegetable choices! Broccoli, asparagus, and snap peas all work beautifully. Just make sure they’re cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Watch the clock: Keep an eye on the baking time—every oven is different! Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; you’re aiming for 165°F (75°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Let it rest: I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking is crucial. It helps keep the juices inside, making every bite super juicy!
- Save some marinade: If you want to drizzle some extra sauce over your dish before serving, set aside a bit of the marinade before adding it to the chicken. Just be sure it doesn’t touch the raw chicken to keep everything safe!
Variations
One of the best things about my one pan 20 minute lemon herb chicken veggies recipe is how easy it is to mix things up! Here are some fun and delicious variations to inspire your creativity:
- Veggie swap: Don’t feel limited to just bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli! Try asparagus, green beans, or even sweet potatoes for a different flavor and texture. Just remember to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking!
- Herb infusion: If you’re a fan of fresh herbs, go ahead and substitute the dried Italian herbs with fresh ones! Basil, thyme, or even rosemary would add a wonderful aroma and taste to your chicken.
- Spicy kick: Want to add some heat? Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade. It’ll give your dish a nice kick without overwhelming the lemony goodness!
- Chicken alternatives: Feel free to swap out chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer a richer flavor. You could even use salmon or shrimp for a seafood twist—just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
- Add grains: For a heartier meal, consider adding some cooked quinoa, rice, or farro to the baking dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly to accommodate the added ingredients.
- Marinade variations: Mix it up by experimenting with different marinades. Try adding honey for a touch of sweetness, or balsamic vinegar for a deeper flavor profile!
These variations not only keep things exciting but also allow you to cater to your own tastes and dietary preferences. So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and make this dish truly your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve got some delicious leftovers from your one pan 20 minute lemon herb chicken veggies? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat them so they taste just as good the next day.
First, let the chicken and veggies cool to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container. I like to keep the chicken and veggies together for easy reheating, but if you want to separate them, that’s totally fine too. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re well sealed to keep everything fresh!
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken and veggies in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is warmed up nicely and the veggies are tender again.
If you’re short on time, you can also reheat in the microwave. Just pop your chicken and veggies in a microwave-safe dish, cover it (a damp paper towel works well), and heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between, until everything is warm. Just be careful not to overdo it, or you might end up with dry chicken!
Enjoy your flavorful meal again, and don’t forget to savor every bite just like the first time around!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Hey there! Just a quick note about the nutritional info for my one pan 20 minute lemon herb chicken veggies. While I strive to provide accurate estimates, keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use. Things like the type of chicken, the exact veggies, and even how much oil you drizzle can all affect the final numbers.
Typically, you can expect each serving to contain around 350 calories, with about 12 grams of fat, 30 grams of protein, and 20 grams of carbohydrates. But remember, these are just rough estimates! I always recommend checking the nutritional labels of your ingredients for the most accurate information. Enjoy your cooking, and know that this dish is both delicious and nourishing!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen vegetables will work just fine. Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the baking dish, or they might release too much moisture and make the dish soggier than you’d like.
What can I serve with the lemon herb chicken?
This dish is pretty versatile! I love serving it with a side of rice or quinoa to soak up all that delicious lemony goodness. You could also pair it with a light salad for a refreshing touch.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken earlier in the day or even the night before. Just be sure to store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. It will infuse more flavor that way!
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part of the chicken; it should be white and the juices should run clear.
Can I use a different protein?
Definitely! Feel free to swap out the chicken for boneless turkey, flavorful fish like salmon, or even shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as seafood cooks faster than chicken.
Check out this delicious chicken recipe for more inspiration!
Z nadrukami
One Pan 20 Minute Lemon Herb Chicken Veggies for Joyful Meals
- Całkowity Czas: 30 minutes
- Ustępować: 2 servings 1x
- Dieta: Niskokaloryczne
Opis
This recipe offers a quick and easy one-pan meal featuring lemon herb chicken and fresh vegetables.
Składniki
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli)
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the chicken breasts with the mixture.
- Place the chicken in a baking dish.
- Add the mixed vegetables around the chicken.
- Drizzle any remaining marinade over the vegetables.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Uwagi
- Adjust cooking time based on chicken thickness.
- Use your favorite vegetables.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 20 minutes
- Kategoria: Dinner
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 serving
- Kalorie: 350
- Cukier: 3g
- Sód: 600mg
- Kwasy: 12g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 2g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 20g
- Włókno: 5g
- Białko: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Słowa kluczowe: one pan, 20 minute, lemon herb chicken, veggies
