Hey there, fellow home cooks! If you’re looking for a dish that’s both simple and bursting with flavor, you’ve hit the jackpot with this one-pan lemon garlic chicken & veggies recipe! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve turned to this gem after a long day—it’s easy, fuss-free, and you only dirty one pan! Imagine the aroma of garlic and lemon filling your kitchen while the chicken cooks to juicy perfection alongside vibrant veggies. Trust me, even if you’re just starting out in the kitchen, this recipe will have you feeling like a pro in no time. Let’s dive in and get cooking!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious one-pan lemon garlic chicken & veggies! Make sure to gather these simple ingredients before you start:
- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in for extra flavor!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (the more, the merrier!)
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested (fresh is best!)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or any herb you love)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots—feel free to mix it up!)
That’s it! Simple, right? You’re going to love how easy this is!
How to Prepare One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken & Veggies
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s preheat that oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your chicken cooks evenly and gets that nice, golden finish. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step!
Prepare the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good whisk until everything is well blended. The aroma will be heavenly, and that’s just the beginning! This marinade is going to infuse the chicken and veggies with so much flavor.
Coat the Chicken
Now, grab those chicken thighs and place them in a large baking dish. Pour your marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. I like to use my hands—just make sure they’re clean! Give them a little massage with the marinade so the flavors really soak in.
Arrange the Vegetables
Next, it’s time to add those colorful mixed vegetables around the chicken. Toss them in the remaining marinade in the dish, ensuring they get a nice coating too. This step is essential because those veggies will soak up all that delicious lemon-garlic goodness while baking!
Bake the Dish
Pop the baking dish in the oven and let it bake for about 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the veggies are tender. You want that chicken to be juicy and the vegetables to be perfectly cooked—golden and vibrant!
Rest and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, let everything rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle, making each bite super juicy! Serve it up warm, and don’t forget to drizzle any leftover marinade from the pan over the top for an extra burst of flavor!
Tips for Success
Here are some handy tips to make your one-pan lemon garlic chicken & veggies turn out perfectly every time! First, make sure to pat the chicken dry with a paper towel before marinating—this helps the skin get crispy. If you’re using frozen veggies, thaw them first to avoid extra moisture in the pan. And don’t skip the resting time after baking; it’s crucial for juicy chicken! If you find the chicken isn’t browning enough, you can pop it under the broiler for a minute or two at the end. Trust me, these little tweaks make a big difference!
Nutritional Information
This one-pan lemon garlic chicken & veggies recipe is not only delicious but also a great option for a balanced meal! Each serving is estimated to contain around 350 calories, with 20g of fat, 30g of protein, and 10g of carbohydrates. It’s a wonderful choice for a healthy dinner, packed with flavor and nutrition. Remember, these numbers can vary based on the exact ingredients you use, but it’s a tasty meal that won’t weigh you down!
FAQ Section
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work just fine, but keep an eye on the cooking time as they may cook a little faster than thighs. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) just the same.
What vegetables work best for this recipe?
You can really get creative here! I love using bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots, but feel free to swap in whatever you have on hand, like broccoli or snap peas. Just remember to keep the cooking time in mind based on how tender you like your veggies!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prep everything and store it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just let it come to room temperature before you pop it in the oven. This makes weeknight dinners a breeze!
Is this one-pan lemon garlic chicken & veggies gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect meal for those with dietary restrictions.
Can I add more lemon flavor?
Of course! If you love that zesty kick, feel free to add more lemon juice or even some lemon slices on top of the chicken before baking. It’ll enhance the flavor beautifully!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- One-pan cleanup means less mess in the kitchen.
- Packed with vibrant flavors from lemon and garlic.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies for a personal touch.
- Healthy and satisfying, making it a great option for any meal.
- Beginner-friendly, so you can impress without stress!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers (which might be hard to believe because it’s so good!), let the chicken and veggies cool down to room temperature first. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy those tasty leftovers, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until they’re warmed through. You can also microwave them for a quick fix, but I recommend the oven for that crispy finish! Either way, you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out quick chicken dinner ideas!
For more information on the health benefits of garlic, visit Healthline’s article on garlic.
Print
One-Pan Lemon Garlic Chicken & Veggies: 5 Easy Steps!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious one-pan lemon garlic chicken with vegetables recipe that is perfect for beginners.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, zucchini, carrots)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Place chicken thighs in a large baking dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure they are well coated.
- Add the mixed vegetables around the chicken in the baking dish.
- Toss the vegetables in the remaining marinade.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken for more flavor.
- Feel free to swap the vegetables based on what you have.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: one-pan lemon garlic chicken & veggies, easy chicken recipe, beginner cooking
