Recipe of the Week
Are you looking for a delicious and wholesome meal that comes together in less than 45 minutes? Look no further! Our Lemon Garlic Chicken with Roasted Vegetables recipe is a winner in terms of taste, convenience, and nutrition. Bursting with zesty flavors, tender chicken, and caramelized vegetables, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds and satisfy your hunger.
Not only is this recipe incredibly tasty, but it’s also easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and simple preparation steps, you can have a mouthwatering meal on the table in no time. Let’s dive into the details and see how you can recreate this flavorful dish at home.
Marinating the Lemon Garlic Chicken
The secret to the delicious flavor of this dish lies in the tangy and aromatic marinade for the chicken. Combining minced garlic, melted butter, olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and pepper, the marinade infuses the chicken breasts with a burst of brightness and depth of flavor. Simply coat the chicken breasts in the marinade and let them sit for at least 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and penetrate the meat.
Roasting the Vegetables
While the chicken marinates, you can prepare the roasted vegetables. A colorful assortment of mixed vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, is tossed in olive oil and Italian seasoning, then roasted in the oven until caramelized and tender. The high heat of the oven helps to intensify the flavors of the vegetables and creates a beautiful charred texture that adds a delightful contrast to the tender chicken.
Cooking the Chicken
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to cook it to juicy perfection. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, and sear the chicken breasts until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. The marinade forms a delicious crust on the outside of the chicken, locking in the moisture and ensuring a succulent and flavorful result.
Assembling the Dish
To serve, arrange the cooked Lemon-Garlic Chicken on a platter and surround it with the roasted vegetables. The vibrant colors and enticing aroma of the dish are sure to whet your appetite. You can garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of lemon zest for an extra touch of freshness.
Recipe Notes
- You can customize the recipe to your liking by using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer and juicier result, or by swapping in your favorite vegetables for roasting.
- Adjust the seasoning and herbs/spices to your preference. Taste the marinade and vegetables before serving, and make adjustments as needed.
- Ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Serve with your favorite side dishes, such as rice or quinoa, or a simple mixed greens salad to create a well-rounded meal.
- Use an air-fryer to cut down the roasting time on the veggies.
Our Lemon Garlic Chicken with Roasted Vegetables recipe is a delicious and nutritious option for a quick and flavorful meal. With its zesty marinade, tender chicken, and caramelized vegetables, this dish is sure to become a family favorite that you can whip up in no time. Enjoy the burst of flavors and the convenience of this delightful recipe. Happy cooking!
Quick and Easy Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Roasted Vegetables
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 2 tsp olive oil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- FOR VEGETABLES
- 4 cups mixed vegetables (such as carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, melted butter, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a marinade for the chicken.
- Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let the chicken marinate for 10 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
- In a large bowl, toss the mixed vegetables with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly browned, stirring occasionally.
- While the vegetables are roasting, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade and add them to the hot skillet.
- Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it.
- Serve the lemon-garlic chicken alongside the roasted vegetables, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
- Chicken Breast Substitution: If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a slightly richer and juicier result. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as chicken thighs may require a few minutes longer to cook through.
- Marinating Time: The recipe includes a 10-minute marinating time for the chicken to allow the flavors to infuse. However, if you’re short on time, you can marinate the chicken for as little as 5 minutes or skip the marinating step altogether, although marinating does enhance the flavor of the chicken.
- Vegetable Variation: Feel free to customize the roasted vegetables to your liking! You can use any combination of your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, or asparagus. Just be mindful of the size of the vegetable pieces and adjust the roasting time accordingly, as different vegetables may require different cooking times.
- Oven Temperature: The recipe calls for roasting the vegetables at 425°F (220°C), which is a relatively high temperature that helps to caramelize the vegetables quickly. However, if you prefer softer and more tender vegetables, you can reduce the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and increase the roasting time slightly.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Taste the marinade and roasted vegetables before serving, and adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and lemon juice to your preference. You can also add additional herbs or spices, such as thyme, rosemary, or paprika, to further customize the flavors to your liking.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as rice, quinoa, or a simple mixed greens salad, to create a well-rounded meal. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or additional lemon zest for an extra burst of freshness.
- Food Safety: When cooking chicken, always ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken breasts for accuracy.