Lemon Herb Chicken with Roasted Carrots & Parmesan Broccoli

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This meal offers a delightful harmony of fresh citrus, aromatic herbs, and savory Parmesan cheese alongside nutrient-packed vegetables. The chicken is juicy and flavorful, while the roasted carrots and Parmesan broccoli provide a delicious contrast in texture and taste. Simple yet elegant, this dish can be on your table in under an hour.

Ingredients

For the Lemon Herb Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Juice and zest of 1 lemon

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Roasted Carrots:

• 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into sticks

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Parmesan Broccoli:

• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and black pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare and Marinate Chicken:

   • In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.

   • Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour marinade over them.

   • Let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge).

2. Roast the Carrots:

   • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

   • Toss carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

   • Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, turning once, until tender and slightly caramelized.

3. Cook the Chicken:

   • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

   • Remove chicken from marinade, reserving marinade.

   • Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

   • Pour reserved marinade into the pan during the last few minutes and let it reduce to a glaze.

4. Prepare Parmesan Broccoli:

   • Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

   • Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes.

   • Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over broccoli and roast for another 5 minutes until cheese is melted and broccoli is tender-crisp.

5. Serve:

   • Plate the chicken alongside roasted carrots and Parmesan broccoli.

   • Garnish with extra lemon wedges and fresh herbs if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 15 minutes (plus marinating)

• Cook time: 30-35 minutes

• Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Herb Mix: Use a combination of basil, oregano, or parsley for different herb flavors.

• Vegetable Swap: Substitute carrots with roasted sweet potatoes or asparagus.

• Add Grain: Serve over rice, quinoa, or couscous for a complete meal.

• Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade.

• Dairy-Free: Omit Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat chicken and vegetables gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.

Can I prepare the vegetables ahead of time?

Yes, chop and season vegetables ahead and roast when ready to serve.

How do I know when chicken is cooked?

Use a meat thermometer; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Fresh broccoli is preferred, but frozen can be roasted after thawing and drying excess moisture.

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes, marinating longer enhances flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I use lemon juice concentrate instead of fresh lemon?

Fresh lemon is best, but concentrate can be used in a pinch.

How can I add more flavor to the chicken?

Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the pan for a flavorful sauce.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, thighs are flavorful and may require slightly longer cooking.

How do I keep roasted vegetables crispy?

Roast at a high temperature and avoid overcrowding the pan.

Conclusion

Lemon Herb Chicken with Roasted Carrots & Parmesan Broccoli is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make meal bursting with fresh flavors and vibrant colors. With juicy, citrus-kissed chicken and perfectly roasted vegetables topped with savory Parmesan, this dish is perfect for satisfying dinners any night of the week.

Lemon Herb Chicken with Roasted Carrots & Parmesan Broccoli

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• Author: Alice
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Lemon Herb Chicken with Roasted Carrots & Parmesan Broccoli is a bright, flavorful, and wholesome meal featuring juicy chicken breasts marinated in fresh lemon and herbs, served alongside tender roasted carrots and crispy Parmesan-coated broccoli. This easy-to-make dish offers a balanced combination of citrusy, savory, and cheesy flavors perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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Ingredients

For the Lemon Herb Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Juice and zest of 1 lemon

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Roasted Carrots:

• 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into sticks

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Parmesan Broccoli:

• 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

• Prepare and Marinate Chicken:
  Whisk olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Marinate chicken breasts in this mixture for at least 15 minutes (up to 2 hours in the fridge).

• Roast the Carrots:
  Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss carrots with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, turning once until tender and caramelized.

• Cook the Chicken:
  Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Pour reserved marinade in the last few minutes to reduce into a glaze.

• Prepare Parmesan Broccoli:
  Toss broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 15 minutes. Sprinkle Parmesan over broccoli and roast an additional 5 minutes until cheese melts and broccoli is tender-crisp.

• Serve:
  Plate chicken with roasted carrots and Parmesan broccoli. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs if desired.

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Notes

Swap herbs for basil, oregano, or parsley for varied flavor.Substitute carrots with sweet potatoes or asparagus.Serve over grains like rice, quinoa, or couscous for a complete meal.Add red pepper flakes to the marinade for spice.Use dairy-free cheese or omit Parmesan for a dairy-free option.