Lemon Herb Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables Recipe
If you’re anything like me and love dinner recipes that come together quickly without sacrificing flavor, you’re going to absolutely adore this Lemon Herb Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables Recipe. It’s one of those dishes I keep coming back to — juicy chicken, bright lemon notes, and a medley of roasted veggies all cooked on a single pan. It’s simple, healthy, and perfect for busy weeknights or when you don’t feel like tediously washing a million pots afterward. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step so your dinner turns out just right.
Why This Recipe Works
- All-in-One Cooking: Using a single sheet pan means less mess and a beautifully roasted one-pan meal every time.
- Bright, Balanced Flavors: The lemon and herbs infuse the chicken and vegetables just right, keeping the dish light yet full of zest.
- Versatile Ingredients: This recipe is flexible for what you have on hand—swap or add veggies based on your pantry or preference.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The beauty of the Lemon Herb Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables Recipe is how well these fresh, simple ingredients harmonize. Each ingredient plays its part, enhancing the chicken’s tenderness and the veggies’ natural sweetness. Choosing fresh lemons and quality olive oil really makes a difference, so don’t skip that step when you go shopping.
- Chicken breast: I recommend boneless and skinless pieces for even cooking and easy bite-sized chunks.
- Dried parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note without overpowering the other flavors.
- Italian seasoning: This blend is your shortcut to complexity — think oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary in one.
- Minced garlic: Fresh garlic is a game-changer here, giving that irresistible aroma and subtle kick.
- Onion powder: Adds depth without the texture of actual onions, which can sometimes burn.
- Paprika: A mild smoky sweetness that enhances color and flavor effortlessly.
- Seasoned salt & pepper: Essential for layering flavor and balancing the herbs.
- Lemons: Both zest and juice brighten the whole dish with fresh citrus zing.
- Olive oil: Divided to help marinate and roast, it keeps everything moist and adds richness.
- Baby carrots: Sweet and tender when roasted — slicing them ensures they cook evenly with potatoes.
- Baby golden potatoes: Their creamy texture pairs perfectly with the herbs and lemon dressing.
- Broccoli florets: Added late in roasting so they stay tender-crisp and vibrant green.
Make It Your Way
This recipe is a fantastic foundation that you can truly make your own. I often swap the veggies based on what’s fresh or what my family prefers, and sometimes I bump up the garlic for those extra savory days. You should absolutely feel free to experiment and tailor it to your taste buds!
- Variation: I once subbed in asparagus and cherry tomatoes for the broccoli and carrots — the vibrant colors and sweetness were a hit. Don’t be afraid to mix veggies that roast well together.
- Dietary tweaks: Want it dairy-free or lower fat? This recipe already fits the bill, but you could add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without cheese.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a smoky heat that awakens the plate.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Herb Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry – this helps the marinade stick better and gives you a nice crust later. Cut the chicken into 1 ½-inch chunks; I like these bite-size pieces because they roast evenly and are perfect for scooping up with a fork. Mix your dried herbs, paprika, onion powder, seasoned salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Toss half of this seasoning mix with the chicken, plus olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and juice. Give everything a good stir so each piece is coated. Then cover and pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes. Trust me, this makes a huge difference in flavor.
Step 2: Roast the Carrots and Potatoes First
Preheat your oven to 425°F—hot enough to get those veggies perfectly roasted and caramelized. Slice the baby carrots in half lengthwise and halve or quarter the baby golden potatoes depending on their size. Toss them on a parchment-lined baking sheet with olive oil and most of the leftover seasoning mix, reserving about a teaspoon for later. Roast these for 20 minutes, stirring halfway through to encourage even browning. Starting the root veggies first ensures they get nice and tender by the time the chicken finishes cooking.
Step 3: Add Broccoli and Chicken for the Final Roast
While the potatoes and carrots are roasting, chop your broccoli into bite-sized florets. Once your initial 20 minutes are up, toss that sheet pan in and move the potatoes and carrots to one side. Plop the broccoli on the other side, sprinkle with minced garlic and drizzle with olive oil along with the reserved seasoning. Gently toss to coat, but don’t mix them too much unless you want everything mingling. Now, remove your chicken from the fridge, drain any excess marinade (no puddles!), and spread the chunks across the empty half of your sheet pan so none overlap. Pop the pan back in and let everything roast another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken hits 165°F internal temp and veggies are tender. For a little extra golden crunch, switch to broil for 1-2 minutes at the end—just watch it like a hawk to avoid burning!
Tips from My Kitchen
- Dry Your Chicken Well: This helps the seasoning stick and prevents steaming, giving you a nice roasted texture.
- Cut Veggies Uniformly: Makes sure everything cooks evenly so no surprise crunchy potatoes or mushy broccoli.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Spreading ingredients out lets the hot air circulate and produce that perfect roast instead of steaming.
- Watch the Broil Time: It can go from golden to burnt in seconds, so keep a close eye during the final minutes.
How to Serve Lemon Herb Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and a quick squeeze of extra lemon juice to brighten everything up right before serving. Sometimes, I’ll add a few chili flakes if guests like a little kick. A handful of toasted pine nuts can also add a nice crunch and a subtle nutty flavor.
Side Dishes
Honestly, this sheet pan meal is pretty complete, but I like pairing it with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a side of garlic butter rice when I want something extra cozy. A crusty baguette to soak up any pan juices makes the meal feel just right.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner party, I’ve laid the roasted chicken and veggies over a bed of fluffy couscous or quinoa on a large platter, garnished with halved lemon wedges and fresh herbs. It looks vibrant, inviting, and folks love scooping from the spread family-style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling to room temperature, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep well for up to 3 days. It’s honestly great for next-day lunches because the flavors deepen overnight.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this meal once or twice. To freeze, spread the cooled chicken and vegetables on a baking sheet to flash freeze first, then transfer to freezer-safe bags. This trick stops them from clumping. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
I find reheating in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes works best to keep the chicken juicy and vegetables crisp. The microwave tends to make the chicken a bit rubbery, so I recommend avoiding it if you can.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and will work beautifully with this recipe. Just keep in mind they may need slightly longer cooking time—check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they’re perfectly done.
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What if I don’t have baby potatoes? Can I use regular potatoes?
Definitely! Just chop regular potatoes into smaller, uniform pieces so they cook evenly alongside the chicken and other veggies. Larger chunks will take longer to roast, so keep an eye on texture.
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How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Marinating the chicken not only adds flavor but helps keep it moist while roasting. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan—this ensures even cooking, and removing the chicken right when it hits 165°F keeps it juicy.
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Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance to deepen flavors. While I don’t recommend assembling everything too far ahead (the veggies can get soggy), pre-cutting your veggies and storing them separately in the fridge will speed up dinner time.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Herb Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables Recipe is a staple in my kitchen because it hits that perfect balance of effortless prep and delicious results. It’s warm and comforting without being heavy, and it’s straightforward enough that you can cook it any night of the week. Give it a try—I promise you’ll love how easy good food can be when everything roasts to perfection on one pan. Invite a friend over, pair it with a glass of crisp white wine, and enjoy a cozy meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen but only took a fraction of the time.
Print
Lemon Herb Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Vegetables recipe is a quick and flavorful dinner option featuring tender chicken breasts marinated in a zesty lemon herb blend, roasted alongside a medley of baby carrots, golden potatoes, and broccoli. Easy to prepare and cleanup, this one-pan meal promises a delicious, wholesome, and colorful dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into 1 ½ inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 cup baby carrots, cut in halves
- 1 1/2 cups baby golden Yukon potatoes, halved
- 1 cup broccoli florets, bite-sized
- 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic (for broccoli and veggies)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided for vegetables)
- Remaining seasoning blend from marinade (about 1 teaspoon)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry using a paper towel, then cut into 1 ½-inch chunks and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Make Seasoning Blend and Marinate: In a small bowl, combine dried parsley, Italian seasoning, onion powder, paprika, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Add half of this seasoning mix to the chicken along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir well to coat, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven and Prep Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice baby carrots lengthwise and halve (or quarter if large) baby Yukon gold potatoes.
- Roast Carrots and Potatoes: Place the carrots and potatoes on the baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and most of the remaining seasoning blend (reserving about 1 teaspoon). Toss to coat evenly. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes.
- Add Broccoli and Garlic: Chop broccoli into bite-sized florets. After 20 minutes, remove the pan from the oven, stir the carrots and potatoes, and push them to one side. Add broccoli and minced garlic on the other side. Drizzle with the last tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle the remaining seasoning. Toss gently to coat and mix if desired.
- Add Chicken to Sheet Pan: Remove marinated chicken from fridge and discard any excess marinade. Spread the chicken pieces evenly on the pan, avoiding overlap to ensure even cooking.
- Roast Chicken and Vegetables: Return the pan to the oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and vegetables are tender.
- Broil for Extra Color: For extra browning and slight char, switch oven to broil on high for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve the hot lemon herb chicken and vegetables immediately. Enjoy!
Notes
- Marinate chicken for the full 30 minutes to maximize flavor and tenderness.
- If baby potatoes are large, quarter them to ensure even roasting.
- Broccoli can be swapped with other quick-cooking vegetables like green beans or asparagus if preferred.
- Use parchment paper or aluminum foil on the baking sheet for easier cleanup.
- Check chicken internal temperature with a meat thermometer for food safety.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
