Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies with Quinoa Pilaf

Recipe Introduction

Hey everyone! You know those days when you crave something seriously delicious but also want to keep it healthy? Honestly, me too! This Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies with Quinoa Pilaf is a lifesaver.

I think it´s the perfect fit for those looking for healthy weekend dinners .

Quick Hook

Ever wonder what to make that's both yummy and good for you? This lemon herb chicken recipe is your answer! The bright, zesty flavors are seriously addictive.

Brief Overview

This recipe is inspired by the kind of rustic, hearty dishes you'd find in the Mediterranean. It's an easy healthy dinner recipe and it's all about simple ingredients and big flavors.

The difficulty level is super easy. We're talking 20 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cooking. It makes 4 generous servings. Think: leftover lunches!

Main Benefits

One of the best things about this recipe? It's packed with protein and fiber. It's also bursting with vitamins from all those colourful veggies.

Serve it for a relaxed Sunday dinner. It's a perfect clean eating dinner recipe . What makes it special? It's all made in one pan, easy clean up and a delicious nutritious chicken dinner !

Ingredient Line Up

Alright, let's talk ingredients. For the chicken and veggies, you'll need around 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs.

And don't forget a rainbow of veggies: bell peppers, red onion, baby potatoes, and broccoli. For the quinoa pilaf, you'll need quinoa, chicken broth, fresh parsley, and red onion.

Simple, right? Before you start, make sure you have olive oil, lemons, garlic, and some fresh herbs. Thyme and rosemary are amazing.

I swear, once you try this, it'll become one of your go-to quick healthy family meals .

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Lemon Herb Feast

Planning some easy healthy dinner recipes ? This Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies with Quinoa Pilaf recipe makes for fantastic healthy weekend dinners .

Let's dive into what you'll need. I reckon you probably have half of this already! Honestly, this recipe is one of my go-to quick healthy family meals .

Main Ingredients

Chicken & Veggies

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Quality check: fresh chicken should be pink, not grey.
• 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
• 1 large lemon, for zest and juice. Go for a lemon with a fragrant, smooth skin.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp (15ml) fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tbsp (15ml) fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tsp (5ml) dried oregano
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red onion, quartered
• 1 lb (450g) baby potatoes, halved
• 1 cup (128g) broccoli florets
• Salt and pepper to taste

Quinoa Pilaf

• 1 cup (185g) quinoa, rinsed. Rinsing gets rid of the bitter taste, you know?
• 2 cups (473ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup (30g) chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
• 1/4 cup (45g) chopped red onion

Seasoning Notes

This recipe uses simple, fresh flavours. It’s designed to create a nutritious chicken dinner .

• Essential spices: Thyme, rosemary, and oregano. Perfect for that classic lemon herb chicken recipe taste.
• Flavour enhancers: Lemon zest brightens it all up. Garlic adds a needed kick.
• Substitutions: If you haven't got fresh herbs, dried will work in a pinch! Use about 1 tsp dried for every 1 tbsp fresh.

Equipment Needed

Don't worry, you don't need fancy stuff!

• A large roasting pan is essential. I have used a baking sheet once or twice.
• A big bowl for mixing.
• A chopping board and knife. No dramas there.
• A saucepan with a lid to cook the quinoa.

I love a good one-pan chicken and veggies kind of night. It's dead easy and minimal washing up! It's perfect after a long week of healthy weeknight meals .

So go on, give it a go! You might just find that this roasted vegetable dinner becomes a regular on your weekend dinner ideas healthy rotation, and helps you to achieve some clean eating dinner recipes .

Cooking Method: Roasting to Perfection!

Roasting is, hands down, one of my favorite ways to cook. Honestly, it's so simple, yet it delivers such amazing flavors.

Plus, it's perfect for preparing easy healthy dinner recipes , especially for a healthy weekend dinners

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

Getting everything ready is key. I'm talking about essential mise en place , people! Chop your veggies, measure your spices.

It may be the first steps in the Lemon herb chicken recipe, don't skip them! I like to prep everything before my oven heats up.

Seriously, it saves time and stress. For safety, always use a stable cutting board. Clean as you go, it's the chefs kiss!

step-by-step: Roasting Magic

Follow these steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) .
2. Toss your veggies with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange the vegetables in a single layer.
4. Place chicken on top of the veggies.
5. Roast for 30- 35 minutes . Internal temperature must reach 165° F ( 74° C) .
6. Let the chicken rest for 5- 10 minutes before serving.

You know it's done when the chicken is golden brown and the juices run clear. Avoid overcooking, we don't need the dish to be dry, this is one of the common mistakes.

Pro Tips: Roasting Rockstar

Want to elevate your roasting game? Try these:

• Don't overcrowd the pan! It's like a party too many people, and things get steamy (literally).
• Dry the Chicken : Use paper towels to dry the chicken. This ensures a nice crispy skin.
• If you want to prepare something in advance, try marinating the chicken in the morning. It intensifies the flavour!

This lemon herb chicken recipe is perfect for healthy weeknight meals or a more relaxed roasted vegetable dinner on the weekend.

It is a clean eating dinner recipes. Plus, you can easily throw in some Quinoa pilaf recipe on the side for a complete and nutritious chicken dinner .

It's a fantastic way to get those quick healthy family meals on the table without much fuss. It's so simple to make a one-pan chicken and veggies ! It´s a must for your weekend dinner ideas healthy .

Recipe Notes

Okay, so you've got the rundown for this Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies with Quinoa Pilaf . But, honestly, the magic is in the details, right? Let's dive into some extra bits and bobs to make this truly your own.

This is one of my go to easy healthy dinner recipes ! I hope you like it.

Serving Suggestions: Make it Look Good!

We eat with our eyes first! Plating this is a doddle. Pile the quinoa pilaf recipe on a plate. Then, arrange the chicken and veggies on top.

A sprinkle of extra fresh herbs just screams "fancy". For sides, think light. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette would be spot on! As for drinks, a crisp white wine or even some sparkling water with lemon and mint is perfect.

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

Got leftovers? Winner! This is a great meal prep option. For refrigeration, pop everything into airtight containers. It'll keep for up to three days .

Want to freeze it? The chicken and veggies freeze pretty well, although the texture of the roasted veggies might change a tad.

The quinoa can get a bit mushy though, honestly. Reheating is easy oven or microwave works. Just make sure the chicken is piping hot, around 165° F ( 74° C) .

Variations: Make it Yours

Fancy a twist? Let's mix it up. For a gluten-free version, make sure your chicken broth is gluten-free. Easy peasy.

For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for some firm tofu. Make sure to press out the excess water first.

You could also try swapping in seasonal veggies. Roasted butternut squash in the fall? Yes, please! These healthy weeknight meals are easy to adapt to your taste.

Nutrition Basics: Feel Good Food

This dish is packed with goodness! Chicken is great for protein. The veggies are full of vitamins. The quinoa gives you fiber to keep you full.

We are talking about approximately 450-500 calories per serving, 40g of protein, and a good chunk of fiber. This is clean eating dinner recipes at its finest.

One-pan chicken and veggies is also so easy to scale up for quick healthy family meals . Don't forget the amazing health benefits of lemon and herbs, like their antioxidant properties.

So there you have it. A yummy, nutritious chicken dinner that’s also good for you and can easily turn into one of your favorite healthy weekend dinners .

Don't be afraid to experiment, and have fun in the kitchen! You are going to love this lemon herb chicken recipe or roasted vegetable dinner .

Also, if you have ideas for weekend dinner ideas healthy , don't hesitate to share!