A Delicious and Easy Weeknight Dinner
Looking for a flavorful and satisfying dinner that’s incredibly easy to make? This Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken with Vegetables is a perfect choice! It’s a one-pan wonder, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal. The chicken comes out juicy and tender, infused with bright lemon and savory herbs, while the roasted vegetables become sweet and slightly caramelized.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
- 2 lemons
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound small potatoes, quartered
- 1 pound carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large onion, cut into wedges
Step-by-Step Making
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat the whole chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get nice and crispy.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Zest one of the lemons into the olive oil mixture. Cut the zested lemon in half and the other lemon into quarters.
5. Rub the olive oil mixture all over the chicken, making sure to get under the skin of the breast for extra flavor.
6. Place the lemon quarters, rosemary sprigs, and thyme sprigs inside the cavity of the chicken.
7. Arrange the quartered potatoes, chopped carrots, and onion wedges around the chicken in a large roasting pan. Drizzle the vegetables with a little extra olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
8. Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven.
9. Roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when you pierce the thickest part of the thigh. The vegetables should be tender and slightly browned.
10. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken extra moist.
11. Serve the carved chicken with the roasted vegetables. Squeeze the juice from the remaining lemon half over the chicken and vegetables before serving, if desired.
Nutritional Value (Approximate per serving)
Protein: 45g
Calories: 550
Carbs: 30g
Health Benefits
This meal is a great source of lean protein from the chicken, which is essential for building and repairing tissues. The vegetables provide a good amount of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, supporting overall digestive health and providing antioxidants. Olive oil contributes healthy monounsaturated fats.
Disclaimer: This recipe information is provided by umernews.com for general informational purposes only.