Onepan Lemon Herb Chicken Rainbow Roasted Veggies

Alright then, let's get cracking! Fancy some healthy meals that don't take all day? I'm here to share a recipe that's both delicious and good for you, because nobody wants to suffer for their supper, eh?

One-Pan Wonder: Lemon Herb Chicken & Rainbow Roasted Veggies

Honestly, who wants to spend hours in the kitchen after a long day? This One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken & Rainbow Roasted Veggies is my go-to for those weeknight healthy meals .

It's packed with flavour and nutrients, all while minimizing the washing up. Plus, it's got that lovely healthy mediterranean recipes vibe going on.

Think sunshine on a plate, even when it's raining cats and dogs outside.

A Taste of the Mediterranean, Made Easy

This dish whisks you away to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean. It's a flavourful one pan meals healthy recipe with juicy chicken thighs, vibrant veggies, and a zesty lemon herb marinade.

This recipe is an easy peasy, ready in under an hour. Perfect for a fuss free weeknight dinner. It serves four hungry people.

Packed with Goodness

We are talking about lean protein from the chicken, and a rainbow of vitamins and minerals from the veggies. It's a nutritious family meals option! It's also a brilliant addition to any balanced diet meal plan .

Plus, it's naturally gluten-free and can be easily adapted for other dietary needs. If you are after weight loss meal ideas , this can totally be part of it.

What Makes this Chicken Recipe So Special?

It's all about the simplicity and flavour. The marinade infuses the chicken and vegetables with a burst of sunshine. It’s a dish even healthy eating for beginners can nail.

Trust me. The best part? It is a quick healthy recipes . Also, the cleanup is minimal. Fewer dishes mean more time for Netflix, am I right?

Get Your Ingredients Ready!

Time to gather the troops. Next step, we will be diving into the ingredients!

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up this cracking One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken & Rainbow Roasted Veggies.

It's easier than building a Lego set, promise! It’s a great way to start with healthy eating for beginners .

Ingredients & Equipment

Here's the lowdown on getting the best results for one of those easy healthy dinner recipes . I once tried to skimp on the lemon juice, thinking it wouldn't make a difference.

Big mistake! The flavour just wasn't the same, so trust me on this!

Main Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: 4 (about 600g / 1.3lbs ). Go for good quality ones, plump and pink.
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ) for the marinade, 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ) for the veggies. Extra virgin, naturally!
• Lemon juice: From 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons / 45ml ). Fresh is best, no bottled stuff!
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic makes all the difference.
• Dried oregano: 1 tablespoon . Adds that classic Mediterranean flavour.
• Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon . A little goes a long way.
• Salt: ½ teaspoon . Season to taste, of course.
• Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon . Freshly ground is always better.
• Red bell pepper: 1 . Look for firm, shiny peppers.
• Yellow bell pepper: 1 . Same as above.
• Zucchini: 1 . Choose a firm one, not too soft.
• Red onion: 1 . Adds a nice bit of sweetness.
• Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup ( 150g / 5.3oz ), halved. Sweet and juicy!
• Broccoli: 1 head (about 300g / 10.5oz ), cut into florets. Bright green and firm.
• Fresh parsley: For garnish. Adds a pop of colour and freshness.

This healthy mediterranean recipes is all about the quality of the ingredients. Get it right, and the taste will blow your mind. These are good nutritious family meals , after all.

Seasoning Notes

Oregano and thyme are your base. It's a flavor enhancer and essential spice combination . Lemon brings the zing and garlic adds that punch.

Don't be shy with them! If you don't have oregano, Italian seasoning works as a quick substitution options . This is the base for the most weeknight healthy meals and a start for a balanced diet meal plan ! I love trying out quick healthy recipes to have something yummy after work.

Equipment Needed

• Large baking sheet (approx. 13x18 inches ). This is key for even cooking.
• Large mixing bowl. For tossing the veggies and chicken.
• Small bowl. For the marinade.
• Cutting board. For chopping those veggies.
• Sharp knife. A must have!

No fancy gadgets needed! A casserole dish can stand as common household alternatives to a baking sheet. Now that you're all set, it's time to embark on weight loss meal ideas and healthy chicken recipes .

I'm excited for you to try this!

One-Pan Wonders: Lemon Herb Chicken & Rainbow Veggies

Fancy a trip to the Mediterranean without leaving your kitchen? This one pan meals healthy recipe is your ticket! Think sunshine, vibrant colours, and flavours that'll make your tastebuds sing.

It's a winner for busy weeknight healthy meals because it's ridiculously easy. Honestly, you'll spend more time chopping veggies than actually cooking! We're going to create some nutritious family meals in no time!

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Magic

Essential mise en place is key to easy healthy dinner recipes . Chop your veggies first. Red pepper, yellow pepper, zucchini, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli get them all ready.

Then, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper for the marinade. Marinating the chicken ahead of time helps to keep a balanced diet meal plan .

For healthy eating for beginners , organisation is the number one tip!

step-by-step to Deliciousness

Here's how to nail this dish:

1. Marinate the chicken thighs in the zesty lemon herb mix for at least 15 minutes.
2. Toss all those colourful chopped veggies in a tablespoon of olive oil.
3. Spread the veggies on a large baking sheet.
4. Nestle the marinated chicken thighs amongst the vegetables.
5. Roast in a preheated oven at 400° F ( 200° C) for 35- 40 minutes .
6. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) .

It's that simple! You'll have your pick of healthy chicken recipes in your hands in no time!

Pro Tips for a Stunning Supper

Don't overcrowd the pan! Veggies need space to roast, not steam. Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken.

I learned that the hard way when I first started cooking, let me tell you! For the healthy mediterranean recipes , you can substitute with lime juice if you don't have lemons.

For weight loss meal ideas , this can be easily incorporated into your daily diet. You can even make the marinade the night before for a quick healthy recipe

So there you have it - a dish bursting with goodness. You can find many healthy meals out there, but not many that pack in so much flavour in one pan! Now, go get your chef's hat on!

Recipe Notes: Your Secret Weapons for Success

Right then, let's talk about how to make this One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken & Rainbow Roasted Veggies absolutely foolproof. These are the little things I've learned while making this dish countless times, the stuff that'll take you from "good" to "Oh my gosh, this is amazing!" Basically, these are the notes you scribble down in the margins of your favourite cookbook.

Serving Suggestions: Make it a Feast!

Presentation matters, you know? For plating, I love piling the chicken and veggies high on a warm plate. A sprinkle of that fresh parsley really makes it pop.

Think rustic charm. For complementary sides, a bit of fluffy quinoa or couscous soaks up all those lovely juices perfectly.

And if you're feeling fancy, a dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki adds a creamy coolness that's just chef's kiss .

A simple green salad is always a winner too!

Storage Tips: Keeping the Goodness Going

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This dish keeps well. Just pop it in an airtight container and it will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely first. Then, portion it out into freezer safe containers. It will last for up to 2 months.

For reheating, the microwave works fine, but honestly, the oven is best. Just bake it at 350° F ( 175° C) until it's heated through.

Variations: Making it Yours

Want to mix things up? Go for it! For a healthy vegetarian option, swap the chicken for chickpeas or firm tofu.

Tofu browns nicely too. If you're feeling spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade. For a seasonal twist, swap the zucchini for butternut squash in the autumn.

There are countless easy healthy dinner recipes you can create by mixing and matching veggies!

Nutrition Basics: Fueling Your Body Right

Okay, let's talk numbers, but in a chilled way. Roughly, you're looking at about 350-400 calories per serving. You are getting a good 35g of protein.

Plus, a nice dose of healthy fats and carbs. It's a proper balanced diet meal plan sort of meal. This is a great way to get started with healthy eating for beginners .

It's packed with nutrients, so you're getting a good dose of vitamins and minerals without even trying. A go-to nutritious family meal , really.

These healthy mediterranean recipes are great for weight loss meal ideas

So there you have it! This One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken & Rainbow Roasted Veggies is not only delicious but also a brilliant way to get some weeknight healthy meals sorted.

Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. This is just one of many quick healthy recipes that will give you a chance for cooking up a storm in the kitchen, even if you're a beginner.

Honestly, you got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggies recipe really considered one of those healthy meals I keep hearing about?

Absolutely! This dish ticks all the boxes for a healthy meal. It's packed with lean protein from the chicken, loaded with vitamins and fiber from the colorful vegetables, and uses healthy fats from olive oil.

Plus, the lemon and herbs are a great way to add flavor without relying on excess salt or unhealthy sauces, innit?

I'm a bit of a cooking newbie. How hard is it to make these "healthy meals" and this recipe in particular?

Fear not, my friend! This recipe is genuinely easy peasy. It's basically chop, mix, and roast even a complete beginner can nail it. The beauty of a one-pan meal is that it minimizes the fuss and washing up, leaving you more time to put your feet up with a cuppa.

Can I prep this One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggies ahead of time to make weeknight healthy meals easier?

Good on ya for thinking ahead! Yes, you can definitely prep this recipe in advance. You can chop all the vegetables and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours in the fridge, or even overnight, for a more intense flavour.

Just remember to bring the chicken to room temperature for about 30 minutes before roasting, to ensure even cooking.

What if I don't like one of the vegetables listed? Can I substitute it with something else while maintaining it as "healthy meals"?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out any vegetables you're not keen on. Bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes are all nutritional powerhouses, but the important thing is that you enjoy your meal. Consider substituting with similar vegetables like squash, asparagus, or green beans.

Just ensure you are still keeping the dish balanced with fibre and nutrients.

How long does this dish keep in the fridge, and is it alright to reheat as leftovers?

This One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggies will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. To reheat, you can microwave it until heated through, or for better results, warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

Ensure the chicken is piping hot before serving, mind!

I'm trying to watch my calories. What are some ways I can make this recipe even lighter while still enjoying a healthy meal?

No worries, easy peasy. You can trim any visible fat from the chicken thighs before marinating. You could also swap the chicken thighs for chicken breast, a leaner protein choice. When roasting, use a light hand with the olive oil a little goes a long way.

Serve with a generous portion of salad or steamed greens to bulk out the meal without adding extra calories.