This One-Pan Baked Lemon Chicken with Vegetables is a delicious, healthy, and effortless meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Tender chicken thighs are marinated in a zesty lemon and herb marinade, then baked alongside vibrant vegetables for a complete meal—all on one pan! It’s quick to prepare, easy to clean up, and packed with flavor, making it a go-to recipe for any home cook.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ One-Pan Wonder – Minimal cleanup required with all ingredients cooked on one pan.
✅ Flavorful & Zesty – The tangy lemon marinade infuses the chicken and vegetables, adding a burst of freshness.
✅ Healthy & Balanced – A great source of protein and fiber, perfect for a balanced meal.
✅ Customizable – Swap out vegetables for what you have on hand or prefer.
✅ Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a batch for the week and store leftovers for easy lunches or dinners.
One-Pan Baked Lemon Chicken with Vegetables Recipe
Essential Ingredients
- 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large lemon (juice and zest)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup baby carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced into rings
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together to make a flavorful marinade for the chicken.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes—ideally, 1-2 hours for maximum flavor. If you’re short on time, even a brief marination will work, but longer marination gives a more intense lemon flavor.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven and Prep the Vegetables Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the chicken marinates, prep the vegetables. Place the baby carrots, bell pepper slices, zucchini slices, and onion rings on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Arrange Chicken and Vegetables Take the marinated chicken thighs and arrange them on the baking sheet with the prepared vegetables. Make sure the chicken is placed directly on top of some vegetables to allow them to cook evenly.
Step 5: Bake Everything Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C) and the vegetables are tender. If you’d like the chicken skin to be a little crispier, you can broil it for an additional 3-5 minutes.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and vegetables for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately with your favorite side dish or enjoy it on its own for a simple, satisfying meal.
Delicious Variations & Add-Ins
- Herb Variations: Swap out rosemary and thyme for other herbs like oregano, basil, or parsley to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the marinade for a subtle spicy heat that pairs wonderfully with the lemon.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to swap out vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have in the fridge. Sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli would all work great in this dish.
- Creamy Option: For a creamy twist, drizzle a little heavy cream or Greek yogurt over the chicken and vegetables before serving.
Nutritional Benefits
| Per Serving | Calories | Protein (g) | Carbs (g) | Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One-Pan Baked Lemon Chicken with Vegetables | 400 | 40 | 15 | 20 |
🦋 Chicken – High in protein and an excellent source of essential nutrients like iron and zinc.
🍋 Lemon – Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants that boost immunity and enhance flavor.
🥕 Carrots – Rich in fiber and vitamin A, promoting eye health.
🥒 Zucchini – Low in calories and provides antioxidants, potassium, and vitamin C.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Skipping the Marination: Marinating the chicken adds depth of flavor. Even a short marination period will elevate your dish.
❌ Overcrowding the Pan: For even cooking, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. If needed, use two sheets or bake in batches.
❌ Not Checking Chicken Temperature: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by using a meat thermometer to check it reaches 165°F (75°C) internally.
❌ Underseasoning the Vegetables: Don’t forget to season the vegetables well with salt, pepper, and olive oil—this will bring out their natural sweetness.
Serving Suggestions & Storage Tips
🍷 Pair with: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, or a refreshing glass of iced tea.
🥗 Side Dishes: Serve with quinoa, brown rice, or a simple mixed green salad for a complete meal.
❄️ Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
🔥 Reheating Tip: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave the leftovers, but the oven will help retain the crispiness of the chicken.
FAQs About One-Pan Baked Lemon Chicken with Vegetables
❓ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! You can use chicken breasts, but keep in mind they may cook a little faster than thighs. Check the internal temperature to avoid overcooking.
❓ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken the night before and bake the dish the next day. The vegetables can also be prepped in advance, but it’s best to bake everything fresh to maintain flavor and texture.
❓ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just be sure to double-check any marinades or seasoning blends you use.
❓ How do I adjust the cooking time for other vegetables?
If using root vegetables like sweet potatoes or potatoes, they may take a little longer to cook. Consider chopping them into smaller pieces or baking them for 10-15 minutes before adding the chicken.
Final Thoughts: A Simple, Healthy Meal You’ll Love!
This One-Pan Baked Lemon Chicken with Vegetables is a meal everyone will enjoy. It’s packed with nutrients, super easy to make, and requires minimal cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping meals for the week, or hosting a dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it tonight for a fresh, flavorful dinner that comes together in just one pan!
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