Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Vegetables

A few years ago, I discovered the magic of one-pan meals. The ease of cooking everything together while blending flavors captivated me. One such recipe that stands out is Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Vegetables. It seems like a simple dish, but the combination of juicy chicken, vibrant vegetables, and zesty lemon transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

The preparation of this dish involves minimal effort and yields maximum flavor. As I started experimenting with different herbs and spices, I realized how versatile and forgiving a sheet pan recipe could be. Today, I’ll share my favorite version with you: a delightful symphony of chicken breast pieces, fresh veggies, and that unmistakable zing of lemon.

With this recipe, you’ll not only create a colorful and nutritious meal but also enjoy the convenience of one single pan for cooking. By the end of this article, the possibilities will inspire you to dive into the kitchen and try making this dish at home. Let’s embark on this culinary adventure together.

Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Vegetables

Fundamentals

This recipe invokes a beautiful blend of flavors, especially with the freshness of lemon and aromatic herbs. To create a well-balanced meal, use high-quality chicken breasts and fresh veggies. The seasoning mix adds layers of flavor that penetrate the chicken while enhancing the vegetables. Together, they roast to perfection in your oven, creating a harmonious dish that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Sheet pan meals are the ultimate answer to weeknight cooking challenges. They simplify meal prep, reduce cleanup time, and allow you to enjoy a nutritious dinner without the fuss. The combination of chicken and assorted vegetables makes for a well-rounded meal. You’ll especially appreciate how the varied textures of the veggies mesh beautifully with the tender chicken.

Preparation/Setup

Before diving into the recipe, gathering all your ingredients is paramount. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, baby carrots, baby golden potatoes, and broccoli florets. The seasoning mix consists of dried parsley, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, onion powder, paprika, seasoned salt, and pepper, all of which partner excellently with the chicken and vegetables.

Start your cooking journey by preheating your oven to 425°F. Prepare a large mixing bowl and a smaller bowl for the seasoning. This structure keeps your kitchen organized while you whip up this delightful dish.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your perfect sheet pan lemon herb chicken and vegetables:

• 1 lb chicken breast (boneless and skinless, cut into 1½ inch pieces)
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 lemons (zested and juiced)
• 5 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
• 1 cup baby carrots (cut in halves)
• 1 1/2 cups baby golden potatoes (halved)
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic (for broccoli)

Directions

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry and cut them into 1½ inch chunks. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
2. In a smaller bowl, mix together the dried parsley, Italian seasoning, onion powder, paprika, seasoned salt, and pepper.
3. Add half of this seasoning mix, along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the chicken. Coat evenly and cover. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. While the chicken marinates, preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Halve the baby carrots and golden potatoes. Add them to the baking sheet along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and most of the remaining seasoning mix. Toss to coat and roast for 20 minutes.
6. Meanwhile, chop the broccoli into florets and set aside.
7. After the 20-minute mark, stir the veggies and move them to one side of the pan. On the other side, add the chopped broccoli and remaining garlic. Drizzle with the final tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with the remaining seasoning mix.
8. Remove excess marinade from the chicken, and spread the pieces evenly across the pan.
9. Return the pan to the oven and roast for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
10. For extra color, optional broil for 1-2 minutes.
11. Serve hot and enjoy!

In a sheet pan lemon herb chicken and vegetables dish, the choice of herbs and spices significantly impacts flavor. You might find that changing the mix can elevate the dish to a new level. Exploring various spices while sticking to the fundamentals can lead to interesting taste combinations.

Technique

Cooking chicken breast pieces on a sheet pan allows for even cooking while intensifying flavors. When roasting veggies, cut them into similar sizes to ensure they cook uniformly. By controlling the roast temperature, you can achieve that desirable golden brown crust while maintaining their natural sweetness.

Experimenting with the positioning of the veggies and chicken on the pan can lead to fantastic results. Placing the chicken in the center of the pan allows for even baking, allowing the veggies to roast around it, absorbing the flavors.

Tips/Tricks

• Ensure your chicken and veggies are spaced out on the sheet pan, allowing hot air to circulate. This step helps achieve crispier results.
• If you prefer a sturdier vegetable texture, you can add those to the pan after the chicken has roasted for 10 minutes. They will retain more bite this way.
• Keep an eye on your chicken during the cooking process. Oven temperatures can vary, so using a food thermometer is crucial for perfectly cooked chicken.

This lemon herb chicken meal becomes a canvas for your creativity. Don’t hesitate to switch up the vegetables, using whatever is in season or on hand. Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus into the mix for freshness and color.

Perfecting Results

Achieving perfect results with this dish hinges on careful attention to timing and temperature. Roasting the chicken and vegetables on a parchment-lined sheet pan promotes even cooking while reducing the mess.

If you serve the cherry tomatoes alongside the veggies, they will burst with flavor as they roast. This delightful addition might just steal the show.

Troubleshooting/Variations

If you find that your chicken hasn’t reached the desired internal temperature after 20 minutes, feel free to add a few more minutes to the cooking time, checking the temperature frequently.

Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving. Fresh parsley, basil, or even dill can brighten the dish beautifully.

If you prefer a creamier texture or simply want to indulge, consider drizzling a garlic lemon sauce just before serving, providing an extra layer of indulgence.

Serving/Presentation

Once out of the oven, allow the dish to rest for a few minutes. This step permits the flavors to meld and the juices in the chicken to settle.

Serve the chicken and veggies directly from the sheet pan for a rustic presentation. A vibrant garnish of chopped fresh herbs or a few lemon wedges can elevate the dish’s visual appeal.

Pairings/Storage

This meal pairs perfectly with a side of quinoa or rice to soak up any drippings from the chicken. Pairing it with a simple salad would round out the meal nicely.

For storage, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy within three days for optimal freshness. Reheat in the oven or microwave just until warm, ensuring the chicken stays juicy.

This sheet pan lemon herb chicken and vegetables dish remains a staple in our home, not only for its deliciousness but for the simplicity it offers to weeknight cooking. The bright flavors of lemon combined with tender chicken pieces and colorful vegetables create an inviting meal that takes very little time to prepare and delivers on taste.

Let the aroma of this herb-filled dish inspire you to whip up your batch soon. Happy cooking!

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