Quick and Easy Lemon Garlic Chicken with Herbaceous Vegetables

Keyword: Quick and Easy Recipes

Looking for quick and easy recipes that can transform your weeknight dinners into a delightful culinary adventure without compromising on flavor? This lemon garlic chicken with herbaceous vegetables recipe is perfect for those busy days when you want to impress without breaking the bank. The dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it one of our favorite go-to meals.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 small onion, finely sliced
• 2 medium carrots, cut into sticks
• 1 cup of green beans
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the onions, carrots, and green beans into appropriate sizes to ensure even cooking time. Finely chop the parsley and thyme leaves. Juice half of a lemon and set it aside for later use.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While waiting, you can also heat up some water in a pot on low heat. This will help you make the perfect sauce later on.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Breasts

In a large baking dish, mix olive oil, lemon zest, garlic cloves, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts to this mixture, turning them so both sides are coated. Let it sit for about 10 minutes while you prepare other components.

Step 4: Sauté Vegetables

In a pan over medium heat, add a little bit of olive oil if needed. Add the onions and sauté them until they become translucent. Next, add the carrots, green beans, parsley, and thyme. Cook for approximately five minutes or until vegetables are just tender.

Step 5: Combine Everything Together

Lay down your chicken breasts on top of the sautéed vegetables in a single layer inside the preheated baking dish. Pour any leftover marinade over the entire dish to ensure everything is well coated with flavors. Place in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Make Lemon Garlic Sauce

While your chicken bakes, you can make a quick lemon garlic sauce. In the same pan used for sautéing vegetables, combine the reserved lemon juice and remaining marinade with the carrots, green beans, parsley, thyme, and onions. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently until it thickens slightly into a delicious sauce.

Step 7: Serve

Once your chicken is done, remove from the oven. Pour some of this fresh lemon garlic sauce over each serving before presenting on plates. Garnish with additional parsley for extra color and freshness.

Tips for Success

• Make sure you have all ingredients measured out beforehand to avoid any delays during preparation.

• For the perfect chicken, always check its internal temperature using a meat thermometer. This ensures that it's safe and thoroughly cooked.

• The lemon in this dish not only adds incredible flavor but also tenderizes the meat slightly as it cooks. Don't forget to save some for garnishing!

• If you prefer milder flavors, consider reducing the amount of garlic or omitting entirely for a less pungent option.

Health Benefits

This dish offers several health benefits due to its rich ingredient profile. Rich in vitamins like Vitamin C from lemons and Vitamin A from carrots, this meal provides essential nutrients necessary for maintaining overall health. Additionally, chicken being a lean protein source helps in muscle repair and growth.

Conclusion

The quick and easy lemon garlic chicken with herbaceous vegetables is more than just another dinner dish; it's an opportunity to enjoy delicious home-cooked meals while saving time without sacrificing quality or taste. Whether you're looking for a weeknight meal or want something special to impress guests, this recipe delivers every time.