How to Make a Delicious Lemon Garlic Chicken with Vegetables

In this article, we will guide you through the steps for creating a hearty and flavorful Lemon Garlic Chicken with Vegetables. This recipe is perfect for those looking for something simple yet satisfying. The tangy lemon and garlicky flavors complement the vegetables beautifully, making it an ideal dish to serve as a main course or side dish.

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 4-6 people

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs of chicken thighs
3 lemons (one for juice, one for zest, and one for slicing)
6 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 zucchini, halved lengthwise
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon of fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While the oven is heating, take the chicken thighs out and place them in a large bowl. Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the bowl and add the minced garlic. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the lemon-garlic mixture. Let this sit for about 10 minutes.

After 10 minutes, transfer the marinated chicken to a baking dish. In another small bowl, zest one more lemon and mix it into the marinade left in the bowl. This will add that extra burst of lemon flavor right before cooking. Drizzle this mixture over the chicken thighs in the baking dish.

Next, chop up your vegetables. Slice the onion finely, cut the red bell pepper into strips, and halve the zucchini lengthwise. Arrange these sliced vegetables around the chicken in the baking dish. Sprinkle some salt and pepper on top of both the chicken and veggies for extra flavor.

Place the prepared dish into the preheated oven and bake it for about 35 minutes. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 165°F to ensure it's fully cooked through. While the chicken is baking, prepare a quick check on your vegetables; they should be tender but still retain their crunch.

Once done, take out the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in more juicy and flavorful chicken. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Why this Recipe Works:

The combination of lemon and garlic brings out a lot of flavor that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of vegetables such as zucchini and bell peppers. The acidity of lemons helps in breaking down the connective tissues in the chicken, making it tender and delicious.

Health Benefits:

The dish is rich in vitamins C, B6, and A, which are essential for boosting your immune system, improving skin health, and supporting brain function respectively.
Zucchini contributes to better digestion due to its high fiber content.
Red bell peppers help enhance the body's ability to absorb iron from other plant-based foods you might eat with this dish.

Cooking Tips:

For extra flavor, you can add some capers or olives along with your vegetables.
If you're looking to add a bit of heat to the dish, consider adding red pepper flakes towards the end of cooking.
To make the chicken even more flavorful, try marinating it in olive oil and herbs like thyme or rosemary overnight before baking.

Enjoy your meal! This Lemon Garlic Chicken with Vegetables is not only delicious but also nutritious, ensuring that you get a balanced intake of essential nutrients. It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet while enjoying a tasty and satisfying main dish.

Feel free to experiment with this basic recipe by adding different types of chicken or varying the vegetables according to what's in season and available at your local market. Happy cooking!