Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggies: Your New Go-To Healthy Meal

This vibrant Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggies recipe is a deliciously simple one-pan wonder, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy meal prep. It significantly reduces fat/oil compared to traditional methods by roasting, letting the natural sweetness of the vegetables and the bright notes of lemon and herbs shine through. This recipe replaces fatty fried options with a healthy alternative, offering a perfectly balanced meal in under an hour.

Zesty Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggies

This vibrant Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggies recipe is a delicious one-pan wonder, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy meal prep.

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

30 mins

Total Time

45 mins

Servings: 4Course: Main DishCuisine: Healthy

Ingredients

1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs
1 large Head of Broccoli
2 Bell Peppers (any color)
1 Zucchini
1 Lemon
2 tbsp Olive Oil
1 tbsp Dried Oregano
1 tbsp Dried Thyme
1 tsp Garlic Powder
Salt and Black Pepper to taste

Method

Prep Oven & Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Chop Veggies: Cut broccoli into florets, bell peppers into strips, and zucchini into half-moons; aim for similar sizes for even cooking.
Season Chicken: Pat chicken dry, then cut into 1-inch pieces.
Combine & Season: In a large bowl, combine the chicken and all the chopped vegetables. Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then toss until everything is evenly coated.
Arrange on Pan: Spread the chicken and vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan for optimal roasting.
Roast: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C) and the vegetables are tender-crisp and slightly caramelized.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or extra lemon wedges if desired, and serve immediately.

A beautifully plated Lemon Herb Chicken and Veggies dish, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges, on a white ceramic plate. The background is a soft, blurred kitchen counter with natural window light, shot at a 45-degree angle, professional food photography style.

Why You'll Love Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggies

✓ Effortless One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup makes this a weeknight favorite.
✓ Bursting with Flavor: Fresh lemon and aromatic herbs create an irresistible taste.
✓ Nutrient-Packed: Lean protein and a rainbow of vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals.
✓ Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy schedules.
✓ Highly Customizable: Easily adapt vegetables and herbs to your preference.

Ingredients for Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggies

Gather these fresh ingredients to create a truly spectacular and healthy meal!

1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Provides lean protein, the base of our meal.
1 large Head of Broccoli: Adds essential vitamins, fiber, and a lovely texture.
2 Bell Peppers (any color): Offers natural sweetness, vibrant color, and antioxidants.
1 Zucchini: Contributes lightness and moisture, with a mild flavor.
1 Lemon: Essential for bright, zesty flavor and a hint of acidity.
2 tbsp Olive Oil: Helps roast the ingredients to perfection and carries the herb flavors.
1 tbsp Dried Oregano: Provides a classic Mediterranean, earthy aroma.
1 tbsp Dried Thyme: Adds a subtle, savory, and slightly minty note.
1 tsp Garlic Powder: Enhances savory depth without the sharpness of fresh garlic.
Salt and Black Pepper to taste: Crucial for seasoning and bringing out all flavors.

How to Make Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggies

Follow these simple steps for a flavorful and nutritious meal that comes together effortlessly.

1. Prep Oven & Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Chop Veggies: Cut broccoli into florets, bell peppers into strips, and zucchini into half-moons; aim for similar sizes for even cooking.
3. Season Chicken: Pat chicken dry, then cut into 1-inch pieces.

A dynamic image showing hands tossing chopped chicken and vegetables with olive oil and spices in a large mixing bowl, preparing them for roasting. The bowl is on a rustic wooden counter with warm, inviting kitchen lighting.

4. Combine & Season: In a large bowl, combine the chicken and all the chopped vegetables. Drizzle with olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then toss until everything is evenly coated.
5. Arrange on Pan: Spread the chicken and vegetables in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan for optimal roasting.

A four-panel collage showing the preparation of Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggies: 1) Chicken being cut into cubes on a cutting board, 2) Vegetables and chicken mixed in a bowl, 3) Ingredients spread on a baking sheet, 4) The baking sheet just coming out of the oven, steam rising. Natural lighting, overhead view.

6. Roast: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C) and the vegetables are tender-crisp and slightly caramelized.
7. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or extra lemon wedges if desired, and serve immediately.

Expert Tips for Success

Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Use two baking sheets if necessary to ensure vegetables roast instead of steam, leading to better caramelization.
Uniform Cuts: Cut your chicken and vegetables into similar-sized pieces for even cooking and consistent texture.
Zest the Lemon First: Before juicing your lemon, zest a portion into your herb mixture for an extra burst of bright citrus flavor.
Meal Prep Magic: This dish is fantastic for meal prepping! Store cooled portions in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Avoid Soggy Veggies: Ensure your vegetables are dry before tossing with oil and seasonings; excess moisture can lead to a steamed rather than roasted result.

Recipe Variations

Experiment with different vegetables or protein sources to keep this dish exciting and new!

Vegetable Swap: Try using asparagus, green beans, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes. Adjust cooking times as needed for different densities.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, or smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor.
Herb Alternatives: Fresh rosemary, dill, or a blend of Italian herbs can be used instead of oregano and thyme for a different aromatic profile.
Protein Change: This recipe works well with salmon fillets or firm tofu for a delicious alternative.

How to Serve Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggies

This versatile dish is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it simply as it is for a light and satisfying dinner, or elevate your meal with complementary additions.

It's excellent alongside quinoa, brown rice, or a light farro salad for added healthy carbohydrates. For an extra touch of freshness, a simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing would be perfect. Consider topping with a sprinkle of feta cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess and tang.

A beautifully arranged serving of Lemon Herb Chicken and Veggies on a rustic wooden board, accompanied by a small bowl of fluffy quinoa and a fresh green side salad. The ensemble is set on a light table with warm, soft natural lighting, creating an inviting and complete meal presentation.

How Long to Cook Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggies

Roasting this dish at 400°F (200°C) typically takes 25-30 minutes. The exact time depends on the thickness of your chicken pieces and the size of your vegetable cuts.

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and be opaque throughout. Vegetables should be tender-crisp with visible browning and slight caramelization around the edges.

Is Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggies Healthy?

Absolutely! This Lemon Herb Chicken & Veggies recipe embodies the mission of Healthy Dish Daily by offering a balanced, nutrient-dense meal. It’s packed with lean protein from the chicken, essential vitamins and fiber from the diverse vegetables, and healthy fats from the olive oil.

This dish is naturally low in saturated fat and offers a fantastic way to enjoy a complete meal without compromising on taste or your wellness goals.