Easy One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggies Recipe For Busy Nights

Cooking a delectable one-pan lemon herb chicken and veggies becomes surprisingly simple when you master this speedy culinary trick.

Weeknight dinners demand smart strategies that save time without compromising flavor.

Zesty herbs and bright citrus notes combine beautifully in this streamlined meal solution.

Mediterranean-inspired techniques infuse each ingredient with maximum taste and minimal cleanup effort.

Crisp vegetables nestle alongside succulent chicken pieces, creating a harmonious plate that looks as good as it tastes.

Busy home cooks appreciate how quickly nutritious ingredients can transform into a restaurant-worthy dish.

Dive into this recipe and watch how twenty minutes can revolutionize your dinner routine.

What Makes Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggies Great

• A One-Pan Wonder breaks the dinner routine with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Effortlessly Elevate Simple Ingredients by transforming basic chicken and vegetables into a restaurant-worthy meal through smart seasoning and precise cooking techniques.
• Master Foolproof Cooking with a straightforward method that guarantees perfectly seared chicken and beautifully caramelized vegetables without complicated steps or specialized skills.
• Customize Your Culinary Creation by swapping vegetables, adjusting spice levels, or adding different herbs to match your taste preferences and pantry availability.

Ingredients for Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggies

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender protein for the main dish.

• Garlic: Adds depth and fragrant flavor to the dish.

• Zucchini, Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh vegetables that provide color and nutrition.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes: Spices that enhance the overall taste profile.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish for finishing the dish.

• Lemon, Lemon Slices: Adds zesty brightness and fresh citrus flavor.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Create a rich base and help with cooking and browning.

Instructions for Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggies

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Gather your fresh zucchini, juicy cherry tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and chicken breasts.

Slice the zucchini into beautiful rounds, halve the cherry tomatoes, and finely chop the garlic.

Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Create Flavor Magic

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes (optional for extra kick)

Massage this delicious mixture all over both sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring every inch gets coated with flavor.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat up a large skillet with olive oil and butter over medium-high heat.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot pan.

Cook each side for 4-5 minutes until you achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior and the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.

Step 4: Vegetable Symphony

In the same skillet, add a touch more olive oil if needed.

Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for a quick 30 seconds.

• Zucchini rounds
• Cherry tomatoes

Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables become tender and develop lovely caramelized edges.

Step 5: Bright Citrus Finale

Reunite the chicken with the vegetables in the skillet.

Squeeze fresh lemon juice generously over everything and scatter some lemon slices for an extra burst of sunshine.

Let everything mingle and warm through for one final minute.

Step 6: Plate and Celebrate

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve piping hot alongside fluffy rice, hearty quinoa, or a chunk of crusty bread to soak up all those incredible juices.

Tips for Perfect Chicken & Veggies

• Thoroughly pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and crispy exterior.
• Sauté zucchini and tomatoes just until they soften and slightly caramelize, maintaining their fresh texture and vibrant colors.
• Add fresh lemon slices during the final cooking minute to infuse a bright, zesty flavor without making the dish too acidic.
• Use a meat thermometer to verify chicken reaches 165°F/75°C, guaranteeing safe and juicy meat every time.
• Reuse the same skillet for chicken and vegetables to capture all the delicious browned bits and reduce cleanup time.

How to Store & Reheat Chicken & Veggies

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate chicken and vegetables to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
• Carefully place cooled chicken and vegetables in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place portions on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add splash of water to prevent drying.
• Warm chicken and vegetables in skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of olive oil or broth to prevent sticking. Stir gently and heat until thoroughly warmed, approximately 3-4 minutes.

Side Ideas for Chicken & Veggies

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the lemon's bright acidity and cuts through the chicken's richness, enhancing the dish's herbal notes.
• Serve with Herbed Couscous: Create a light, fluffy couscous side seasoned with fresh parsley, thyme, and a touch of olive oil to mirror the chicken's herb profile and absorb the delicious pan juices.
• Match with Mediterranean Salad: Prepare a simple Greek-style salad with cucumber, feta cheese, red onions, and a light olive oil dressing to add freshness and provide a cool contrast to the warm, seared chicken.
• Recommend Sparkling Water with Citrus: Pour chilled sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime to cleanse the palate, echoing the dish's citrusy undertones and providing a refreshing accompaniment.

Different Styles of Chicken & Veggies

• Keto-Friendly Swap: Replace zucchini with low-carb vegetables like cauliflower or asparagus, and use ghee instead of butter for a high-fat option that keeps the dish ketogenic-friendly.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Substitute Italian seasoning with za'atar spice blend, add kalamata olives, and garnish with crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Protein Alternative: Use turkey breast or skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts, ensuring all seasoning ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinate in the same herb mixture, and pan-sear until golden brown for a plant-based version of this quick meal.

FAQs

• Why should I pat the chicken dry before seasoning?

Patting the chicken dry helps the seasoning stick better and ensures a crispy, golden-brown exterior when searing. Moisture prevents proper browning and can make the chicken steam instead of sear.

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?

Yes, you can substitute dried parsley, but use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. Fresh herbs provide a brighter, more vibrant flavor, but dried herbs work well in a pinch.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F/75°C. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken – the meat should be white throughout with no pink areas.

• Is it necessary to use both olive oil and butter?

The combination creates a richer flavor and helps prevent burning. Butter adds depth and richness, while olive oil has a higher smoke point, making it great for searing at higher temperatures.

One-Pan 20-Minute Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggies Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Zesty lemon herb chicken dances through this quick, mouthwatering one-pan meal that brings Mediterranean flavors to your weeknight dinner. Juicy chicken and crisp vegetables blend seamlessly, promising a delightful dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Fresh Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Lemon slices, for garnish
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Seasonings and Fats:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 grams) butter
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Juice of 1 lemon

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Instructions

1. Gather and prep ingredients by washing zucchini, slicing into rounds, halving cherry tomatoes, and mincing garlic. Ensure chicken breasts are patted completely dry.
2. Create a robust seasoning blend combining salt, pepper, Italian herbs, and optional red pepper flakes. Thoroughly coat both sides of chicken breasts with this aromatic mixture.
3. Preheat large skillet to medium-high heat, adding olive oil and butter. Carefully place seasoned chicken into hot pan, cooking approximately 4-5 minutes per side until achieving golden-brown exterior and reaching 165°F internal temperature. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.
4. Utilize same skillet for vegetables, adding additional olive oil if needed. Quickly sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds, then introduce zucchini and cherry tomatoes. Stir periodically, allowing vegetables to soften and develop caramelized edges over 3-4 minutes.
5. Reunite chicken with sautéed vegetables in skillet. Generously drizzle fresh lemon juice across entire dish, strategically placing lemon slices for enhanced citrus infusion. Allow ingredients to meld together for an additional minute.
6. Elevate presentation by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over completed dish. Serve immediately, complementing with optional accompaniments like rice, quinoa, or rustic bread.

Notes

• Ensure chicken reaches exact internal temperature using a meat thermometer to guarantee safe, juicy meat without overcooking.
• Swap zucchini with alternative vegetables like bell peppers or asparagus for variety and different nutritional profiles.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or adding smoked paprika for deeper flavor complexity.
• Create a gluten-free version by serving over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional grains.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 90mg