Lemon Herb Chicken and Vegetables Sheet Pan Recipe
If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both effortless and bursts with fresh flavors, you have to try my Lemon Herb Chicken and Vegetables Sheet Pan Recipe. This dish is a fan-freaking-tastic way to get a full meal on the table with minimal cleanup and maximum taste. Tender chicken, crisp-tender veggies, and that bright pop of lemon herb goodness—it’s honestly one of my go-to recipes when I want something hearty but uncomplicated. Let me walk you through it, and I promise you’ll be excited to make it again and again.
Why This Recipe Works
- Balanced Flavors: The bright lemon zest and juice perfectly complement the savory herbs and spices, creating a fresh, vibrant profile that never gets old.
- One-Pan Convenience: Cooking everything on one sheet pan saves you loads of time both in prep and cleanup, making this recipe ideal for busy nights.
- Versatile Veggies: The combination of baby carrots, potatoes, and broccoli offers a satisfying variety of textures and nutrients all roasted to perfection.
- Juicy Chicken Chunks: Marinating the chicken ahead ensures the meat stays tender and flavorful, not dry or bland.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Lemon Herb Chicken and Vegetables Sheet Pan Recipe is all about simple, fresh ingredients that effortlessly combine to offer bold flavors and great texture. A few pantry staples paired with fresh lemon make it approachable, and I always recommend picking the freshest produce you can find for best results.
- Chicken breast: Boneless and skinless for even cooking; cutting into uniform chunks ensures they cook through quickly without drying out.
- Dried parsley: Adds gentle herbaceous notes that blend nicely with the Italian seasoning.
- Italian seasoning: A blend packed with oregano, basil, and thyme—classic flavors that elevate both chicken and veggies.
- Minced garlic: Fresh garlic delivers pungent zestiness that infuses the whole dish.
- Onion powder: Adds depth without overpowering, working in harmony with garlic and herbs.
- Paprika: Gives a subtle smoky flavor and beautiful color to the chicken.
- Seasoned salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning all components evenly.
- Fresh lemons: Both zest and juice bring that sunny citrus brightness which is the recipe’s signature.
- Olive oil: Helps everything roast beautifully and keeps ingredients moist.
- Baby carrots, baby Yukon gold potatoes, broccoli florets: These veggies roast perfectly together, offering a nice balance of sweetness, creaminess, and crunch.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love that this Lemon Herb Chicken and Vegetables Sheet Pan Recipe is so adaptable—you can personalize it easily according to what you love or what’s in your fridge. I usually experiment a bit depending on the season or who I’m cooking for, and you should too!
- Variation: Sometimes I swap the broccoli for asparagus or snap peas in springtime for a fresher crunch—trust me, it’s just as delicious.
- Diet-friendly: If you want lower carbs, try swapping potatoes with cauliflower florets. The lemon and herbs still shine beautifully.
- Heat factor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes in the seasoning for a subtle kick if you like things with some spice.
- Herb swap: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can also be used instead of dried parsley for a more aromatic twist.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Herb Chicken and Vegetables Sheet Pan Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken with a Flavorful Marinate
First things first, I pat my chicken breast pieces dry—this is crucial because dry chicken soaks up marinade way better and browns more nicely. Then, I toss them in a bowl with half of my seasoning blend, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Stir everything gently to coat all the chicken chunks evenly, then cover and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This little rest makes the bird juicy and flavorful inside out.
Step 2: Roast the Veggies to Perfection
While the chicken is marinating, I preheat my oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper—trust me, cleanup is a breeze that way. I cut baby carrots and baby golden potatoes in halves or quarters if large, then toss them on the sheet with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and most of the remaining seasoning mix. They roast for about 20 minutes to get beautifully caramelized and tender.
Step 3: Add Broccoli and Chicken for Final Roast
Once the initial 20 minutes are up, I pull out the pan, give the veggies a quick stir, and nudge them to one side. Then I add chopped broccoli (with a little extra garlic) to the open space, drizzle with the remaining olive oil, and sprinkle the rest of the seasoning over everything. I spread the marinated chicken chunks on the empty side of the pan, making sure not to crowd them—this helps the chicken brown instead of steam. Back into the oven they go for 15-20 minutes until the chicken’s internal temp hits 165°F and the veggies are tender-crisp.
Step 4: Optional Broil for a Touch of Char
If I’m craving a bit more color, I switch my oven to broil on high for the last 1-2 minutes. This step takes the skinless chicken chunks from good to irresistibly golden brown and adds a slight char to the veggies, but you’ve got to keep a close eye to make sure nothing burns. Then, it’s ready to plate and enjoy—simple as that!
Pro Tips for Making Lemon Herb Chicken and Vegetables Sheet Pan Recipe
- Even Chicken Pieces: Cutting your chicken into similar sized chunks means everything cooks evenly and finishes together—no overcooked or underdone bites.
- Don’t Skip the Marinate: I’ve learned that 30 minutes minimum seriously boosts flavor and juiciness; anything less tends to be blah.
- Space Things Out: Crowding the pan can cause soggy veggies or steamed chicken, so give each piece room to roast.
- Broil Wisely: Broil only for the last minute or two and keep the oven door slightly ajar to avoid burnt edges while you get that gorgeous color.
How to Serve Lemon Herb Chicken and Vegetables Sheet Pan Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for that fresh herbaceous finish and a few thin lemon slices for visual appeal and extra zing. Sometimes a few red pepper flakes are thrown in for a tiny spicy kick that wakes up the palate perfectly.
Side Dishes
This recipe is pretty much a meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, a simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette, or a side of crusty bread, pairs wonderfully. For something lighter, steamed quinoa or couscous works well too.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner guests, I sometimes serve this on a large wooden board layered with the roasted veggies and chicken scattered beautifully with lemon wedges and fresh herbs—makes a rustic yet elegant presentation that’s both casual and impressive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge where they last about 3-4 days. The meat and veggies keep their flavor well, making for easy next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dish before by portioning cooked chicken and veggies into freezer-safe bags. When you thaw and reheat, it’s still really tasty—just avoid freezing lemon juice separately because it can get bitter.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to keep the veggies crisp and chicken juicy—microwaving tends to make things a bit mushy, so I skip that whenever possible.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast in this Lemon Herb Chicken and Vegetables Sheet Pan Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few extra minutes to reach the proper internal temperature of 165°F.
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Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for an even deeper flavor. You can also chop the veggies and store them separately in the fridge to save time right before cooking.
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What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No worries! You can mix your own blend with dried oregano, basil, thyme, and a touch of rosemary. This combo will give a similar flavor profile perfect for this recipe.
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How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
The safest way is using an instant-read thermometer: the internal temp should reach 165°F. The chicken should be opaque and juices run clear when pierced.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely love this Lemon Herb Chicken and Vegetables Sheet Pan Recipe because it’s so simple yet packed with bright, fresh flavors you can taste in every bite. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a little celebration of good ingredients without any fuss. Try it on a busy weeknight and watch your family or guests marvel at how something so effortless can taste so amazing. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you!
Print
Lemon Herb Chicken and Vegetables Sheet Pan 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
A vibrant and healthy Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Vegetables recipe featuring tender chicken breasts marinated in lemon and herbs, paired with roasted baby carrots, golden potatoes, and broccoli for a flavorful one-pan meal perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
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
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for marinade)
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
Vegetables
- 1 cup baby carrots, halved
- 1 1/2 cups baby golden potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic (for broccoli and veggies)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided: 2 tbsp for carrots and potatoes, 1 tbsp for broccoli and chicken)
- Remaining herb seasoning mix (about 1 teaspoon)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces, and place in a large mixing bowl. In a smaller bowl, combine parsley, Italian seasoning, onion powder, paprika, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Add half of this seasoning mix, 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the chicken. Stir well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to marinate.
- Preheat oven and prepare vegetables: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Halve the baby carrots and baby golden potatoes (quarter the potatoes if large). Place the carrots and potatoes on the baking sheet.
- Season and roast carrots and potatoes: Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over the carrots and potatoes along with most of the remaining seasoning mix (reserve about 1 teaspoon). Toss to evenly coat. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes.
- Prepare broccoli: While the carrots and potatoes roast, chop broccoli into bite-sized florets.
- Add broccoli and garlic: Remove baking sheet after 20 minutes. Stir the carrots and potatoes, move them to one side of the pan. Add the broccoli florets on the other side along with 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic. Drizzle with the last tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle the remaining seasoning over the vegetables. Toss gently to combine if desired.
- Add the chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Discard any excess marinade. Spread chicken pieces evenly on the baking sheet without overlapping, alongside the vegetables.
- Roast chicken and vegetables: Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and vegetables are tender.
- Optional broiling: For extra color and a slight char, switch the oven to broil on high for the last 1-2 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot. Enjoy your healthy and flavorful sheet pan lemon herb chicken and vegetables!
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- If baby potatoes are large, quarter them for even cooking.
- You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like green beans or snap peas.
- Use parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Make sure to space out chicken pieces on the pan to ensure even cooking.
- Keep an eye on the broiler to avoid burning during the last step.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg