Lemon Herb Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables Recipe
If you’re looking for a dinner that’s as simple as it is scrumptious, you’ve got to try my Lemon Herb Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables Recipe. Trust me, this is the kind of meal that feels fancy but comes together without any fuss—and that’s why I keep making it again and again. Tender chicken infused with bright lemon and fresh herbs roast alongside perfectly caramelized veggies all on one pan. Ready in about an hour, it’s my go-to for busy weeknights or when I need something comforting but light. Stick with me and I’ll share everything you need to make this fan-freaking-tastic dish come out just right.
Why This Recipe Works
- One-Pan Ease: Everything cooks together, which means less cleanup and more time to relax.
- Balanced Flavors: The lemon zest and juice brighten the herbs and seasonings, keeping the chicken and veggies vibrant and fresh.
- Versatile Veggies: Carrots, potatoes, and broccoli roast up perfectly, giving you a great mix of textures and nutrients.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak with whatever veggies or herbs you have on hand without losing that signature flavor.
Ingredients & Why They Work
I love how the ingredients in this Lemon Herb Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables Recipe come together to create a dish that’s both hearty and bright. Each component adds its own little magic, and shopping for fresh, quality ingredients really pays off here.
- Chicken breast: Boneless and skinless chunks cook evenly and soak up the marinade beautifully.
- Dried parsley: Adds a classic herbaceous note without overpowering the lemon.
- Italian seasoning: Brings in that wonderful medley of herbs—basil, oregano, thyme—that pairs perfectly with garlic and lemon.
- Minced garlic: Gives a nice punch and layers of aroma that roast up so well with the chicken and veggies.
- Onion powder: Subtle sweetness that deepens the flavor profile without the texture of fresh onion.
- Paprika: Adds mild smokiness and a beautiful color that makes the dish look even more appetizing.
- Seasoned salt & pepper: Balance out the taste and highlight the natural flavors.
- Fresh lemons: The zest and juice brighten everything up, balancing richness and keeping it fresh.
- Olive oil: Helps everything roast nicely and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Baby carrots, baby golden potatoes, broccoli florets: The perfect trio of vegetables that cook in harmony — tender, sweet, and slightly crisp.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of the things I love most about this Lemon Herb Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often swap out veggies or boost the herbs depending on what I’m in the mood for or what’s in season—feel free to get creative!
- Variation: Sometimes I swap broccoli with asparagus or green beans when they’re fresh—roasted asparagus adds a nice snap that pairs wonderfully with the lemon.
- Spice it up: If you like a little heat, spritz some crushed red pepper flakes into the marinade or sprinkle on top before roasting.
- Herb swap: Fresh rosemary or thyme are fantastic substitutes for dried parsley—just fine chop them and toss in with the chicken.
- Make it low-carb: Swap the baby potatoes for cauliflower florets or Brussels sprouts for a lighter twist.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Herb Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Chicken
First thing’s first: pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—that’s a trick I picked up to help the marinade stick better and make the chicken brown up nicely. Cut the chicken into 1½-inch pieces and toss them in a bowl. Mix half your spice blend with olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice, and then coat the chicken evenly. Cover it and pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This is where all those bright lemon and herb flavors start working their magic, so don’t skip the marinating!
Step 2: Roast the Carrots and Potatoes
While your chicken is soaking up flavor, preheat the oven to 425°F and line your baking sheet with parchment paper (trust me, it saves you so much scrubbing later). Slice the baby carrots in half lengthwise, and halve or quarter the potatoes depending on size. Toss them with olive oil and most of the remaining seasoning. Spread them in a single layer so they roast evenly, then slide the tray into the oven for about 20 minutes.
Step 3: Add Broccoli and Chicken, Then Roast Together
After 20 minutes, pull the pan out of the oven and stir the carrots and potatoes to give them a nice toss. Push them to one side and add the broccoli, minced garlic, and remaining seasoning on the other side. Drizzle with the last tablespoon of olive oil, toss to coat, and spread out evenly. Place the marinated chicken pieces on the pan without crowding them—this helps them cook through nicely and get a little golden on top.
Step 4: Final Roast and Broil for Extra Color
Put the whole pan back in the oven and roast for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken hits 165°F internally and the veggies are tender. If you like a bit of crispiness, I love flipping on the broiler for the last 1–2 minutes—but keep a close eye so nothing burns! Then, it’s ready to come out and serve up hot.
Pro Tips for Making Lemon Herb Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables Recipe
- Pat Dry Chicken: This prevents steaming and helps you get a lovely golden crust on the chicken pieces.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your chicken and veggies breathing room to roast evenly instead of steaming.
- Reserve Some Seasoning: Holding back a little spice mix until the end lets you layer the flavors just right.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: It’s the best way to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked through and juicy every time.
How to Serve Lemon Herb Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or a few torn basil leaves on top before serving—it adds a fresh burst of color and flavor that plays so nicely with the lemony chicken. Sometimes, a little extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice right on the plate makes the whole dish pop even more. Don’t forget a crack of black pepper to finish it off!
Side Dishes
This recipe shines on its own, but I love pairing it with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or some crusty bread to soak up the juices. Sometimes, I’ll make a quick quinoa or couscous salad on the side if I want a little extra to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, I’ve arranged the chicken and vegetables on a large platter with lemon slices for garnish and fresh herbs scattered on top. It always impresses guests and invites everyone to dig right in. You can also roast some colorful bell peppers or cherry tomatoes on the side for an even more vibrant presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to transfer leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to three days. I’ve found that the veggies can soak up some of the chicken juices and flavor, so reheated bites are just as satisfying as fresh.
Freezing
Freezing cooked leftovers works fine if you want to stash some for later, but I recommend separating the chicken from the vegetables so the textures keep better. Pack them in freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until warmed through, which helps keep the chicken juicy and the veggies from getting mushy. I usually skip the microwave if possible because the textures hold up better this way.
FAQs
-
Can I use bone-in chicken for this Lemon Herb Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables Recipe?
You sure can! Just keep in mind bone-in pieces usually require a longer cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked through. I recommend increasing the roasting time by 10-15 minutes and checking with a meat thermometer to hit 165°F internally.
-
What if I don’t have baby potatoes? Can I substitute something else?
Definitely! You can use regular potatoes cut into evenly sized chunks, or swap for sweet potatoes or even parsnips for a slightly different flavor. Just adjust roasting time slightly depending on the density of the veggie.
-
Can I prepare this Lemon Herb Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance in the fridge for even more flavor. You can also prep and chop the veggies ahead of time; just keep them refrigerated and roast everything together when you’re ready.
-
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. It reheats well and stays tasty for a few days, making it a fantastic option for healthy, convenient lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Lemon Herb Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it checks all the boxes: easy, flavorful, and comforting without any heavy lifting. I love sharing it with friends because it feels like a home-cooked hug on a plate but takes way less time and stress than you’d expect. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for it week after week like I do!
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: Halal
Description
A flavorful and easy Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Vegetables recipe featuring juicy marinated chicken breast pieces roasted alongside tender baby carrots, golden potatoes, and broccoli florets. Perfect for a wholesome and fuss-free dinner with bright lemon and herb seasonings.
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 lemons (zested and juiced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for marinade)
Vegetables and Roasting
- 1 cup baby carrots, halved lengthwise
- 1 1/2 cups baby golden potatoes, halved (or quartered if large)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic (for broccoli)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided, 2 for vegetables, 1 for broccoli)
- Remaining seasoning mix from above (about 1 teaspoon)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, cut into 1 ½-inch chunks, and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Make the Seasoning Mix: In a small bowl, combine dried parsley, Italian seasoning, onion powder, paprika, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Divide the mix in half.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add half of the seasoning mix, 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the chicken. Stir well to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Veggies: Preheat oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Halve the baby carrots and potatoes (cut potatoes into quarters if large). Place them on the baking sheet.
- Season and Roast Root Vegetables: Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over carrots and potatoes, add most of the remaining seasoning (saving about 1 teaspoon), and toss until coated. Roast for 20 minutes.
- Prepare Broccoli: While root veggies roast, chop broccoli into bite-sized florets.
- Add Broccoli and Garlic: Remove the baking sheet from the oven after 20 minutes. Stir the carrots and potatoes and push them to one side. Place broccoli and minced garlic on the other side. Drizzle remaining olive oil and sprinkle remaining seasoning. Toss or mix broccoli with the other veggies if desired.
- Add Chicken and Roast Together: Remove chicken from the fridge and drain excess marinade. Spread chicken pieces on the pan without overlapping. Return to oven and roast for 15-20 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature and vegetables are tender.
- Optional Broil: For extra color, broil on high for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot for a delicious, balanced sheet pan meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor and tenderness.
- If you don’t have parchment paper, lightly grease the baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Use baby Yukon gold potatoes for even cooking; larger potatoes should be quartered.
- Broccoli can be swapped with other quick-roasting vegetables like green beans or asparagus.
- For a gluten-free meal, ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
- Watch closely during broiling, as food can burn quickly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
