Lemon Herb Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables Recipe
If you’re craving a weeknight dinner that’s as effortless as it is delicious, you’re going to love my Lemon Herb Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables Recipe. This dish is all about bright, zesty flavors and tender, juicy chicken paired with perfectly roasted veggies—all cooked on one pan for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Seriously, once you try this, it might just become your go-to for those busy nights when you want something healthy, satisfying, and fuss-free.
Why This Recipe Works
- All-in-One Convenience: You cook chicken and veggies together on one pan, saving time and effort without sacrificing flavor.
- Bright, Balanced Flavors: The lemon and herbs add freshness, while paprika and garlic give warmth and depth.
- Perfect Texture Combo: Tender chicken and crisp-tender vegetables make each bite satisfying and colorful.
- Easy to Customize: Simple seasoning allows you to switch up veggies or add spices to match your mood.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Lemon Herb Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables Recipe relies on ingredients that balance each other beautifully, creating layers of flavor with minimal fuss. Picking fresh lemons and colorful veggies really brings this dish to life, while simple pantry staples keep things accessible and easy to whip up any day.
- Chicken breast: Lean and juicy, cutting into chunks ensures quick, even cooking on the sheet pan.
- Dried parsley: Adds fresh herbaceous notes without overpowering the dish.
- Italian seasoning: A convenient blend of herbs gives robust flavor with very little effort.
- Minced garlic: Essential for that warming savory punch, both in the chicken marinade and on the broccoli.
- Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and depth without extra chopping.
- Paprika: Brings a smoky warmth and a gorgeous color to the chicken.
- Seasoned salt: Balances the dish with a touch of extra seasoning and complexity.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground, it wakes up the flavors.
- Fresh lemons: Their zest and juice brighten the whole dish with an irresistible tang.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and promotes caramelization for beautiful roasting.
- Baby carrots: Naturally sweet and tender, they roast quickly and add vibrant color.
- Baby golden potatoes: Creamy inside with a crisp edge, they soak up all those savory juices.
- Broccoli florets: Fresh and slightly crunchy, seasoning them separately helps retain their texture.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of my favorite parts about this Lemon Herb Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you want to swap in your favorite veggies or amp up the spice, it adapts perfectly to whatever you’re craving or what you have on hand.
- Veggie swaps: I’ve replaced broccoli with green beans or asparagus — each brings a slightly different texture but works equally well.
- Herb variations: If you love fresh herbs, toss in some rosemary or thyme for an earthy upgrade that pairs beautifully with lemon.
- Heat it up: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade gives the chicken a nice subtle kick that balances the citrus.
- Make it dairy-free: This recipe is naturally free from dairy, so it’s perfect if you’re avoiding it.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Herb Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry to remove excess moisture—that helps the seasoning stick better and ensures they brown nicely. Then cut them into roughly 1½-inch chunks; this size cooks evenly and stays juicy. In a small bowl, mix your dried parsley, Italian seasoning, onion powder, paprika, seasoned salt, and pepper. Toss half of this blend with the chicken, along with olive oil, minced garlic, and the zest and juice of one lemon. Stir everything so every bite soaks up that lemony herbal goodness, then cover and pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes. Trust me, this marinating step makes a world of difference!
Step 2: Roast the Carrots and Potatoes First
Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a large sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup. While the chicken marinates, halve your baby carrots lengthwise and cut the baby golden potatoes so they’re a decent size for roasting. Toss the veggies with olive oil and most of the remaining seasoning blend (save just about a teaspoon for later). Spread them out in a single layer on the sheet pan and roast for 20 minutes. This helps the potatoes and carrots get tender and caramelized without the chicken drying out.
Step 3: Add Broccoli and Chicken to the Pan
While the veggies roast, chop broccoli into bite-sized florets. When those 20 minutes are up, take the pan out and give the potatoes and carrots a quick toss, nudging them to one side. Add the broccoli to the other side, sprinkle with the rest of the seasoning and some minced garlic, then drizzle with your last tablespoon of olive oil. Finally, scatter the marinated chicken pieces on the pan—make sure they don’t overlap; cramped chicken won’t brown well. Return everything to the oven to roast for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken hits 165°F internally and the broccoli is crisp-tender.
Step 4: Broil for a Beautiful Finish
For that perfect little char and extra depth of flavor, switch your oven to broil on high for the last 1 to 2 minutes. Keep a close eye here because broiling can quickly go from perfect to burnt! This step is optional but highly recommended if you want restaurant-worthy color and texture that will impress your family or guests.
After that, remove from the oven and serve while hot. You’re about to enjoy a vibrant, fragrant meal that feels fancy but was weeksnight simple to make.
Pro Tips for Making Lemon Herb Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables Recipe
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Even a quick 30-minute marinade unlocks much brighter, juicier chicken—don’t skip it!
- Space Out the Chicken Pieces: Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than roasting, so keep pieces separated for crispy edges.
- Use Parchment Paper: It not only cuts down on cleanup but also prevents veggies from sticking and burning.
- Watch Broil Time Closely: Broiling adds fantastic color, but a few seconds too long can burn—stay close to the oven during this step.
How to Serve Lemon Herb Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables Recipe
Garnishes
I often finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or some chopped fresh basil when available. It adds a pop of color and an extra fresh herbal note that brightens everything. Sometimes, I’ll add lemon wedges on the side for anyone wanting a little more tang right at the table—it never hurts to let those citrus juices shine!
Side Dishes
Since this sheet pan meal already covers your protein and veggies, I usually keep sides simple—maybe a crusty piece of garlic bread or a light mixed green salad. On occasion, I’ll whip up a fluffy couscous or quinoa salad to add some grains, especially when feeding more hungry mouths.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special weekend dinner, I’ve arranged the chicken and veggies over a bed of soft mashed potatoes or creamy polenta, drizzled with a little extra olive oil and fresh herbs. It makes the dish look elegant but still feels homey and comforting. You could also serve everything family-style in large rustic bowls for an inviting, shareable vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, separating any extra lemon wedges if possible. The chicken and veggies keep really well for up to 3 days, making this recipe perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Freezing
While it’s best fresh, I’ve frozen portions wrapped tightly in freezer-safe containers with good results. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. I’d avoid freezing the potatoes if you can because they tend to get a bit mealy after defrosting, but the chicken and broccoli freeze just fine.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer popping leftovers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to revive the crisp edges and warmed-through texture. Microwaving works too but can make veggies softer than I like. A quick broil at the end helps freshen it up beautifully.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs work wonderfully with this recipe. They’re a bit more forgiving and stay juicy even if slightly overcooked. Just keep in mind that bone-in thighs may need an extra 5-10 minutes of roasting to cook through.
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Can I use frozen vegetables for this dish?
Fresh vegetables give the best texture and flavor here, especially since roasting focuses on caramelization. However, if you’re in a pinch, thaw frozen veggies first and pat them dry—some may cook a bit softer but it can still be tasty!
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How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your Italian seasoning and seasoned salt don’t contain any hidden gluten. Always double-check labels if you have gluten sensitivities.
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Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Yes! You can mix the marinade ahead of time and even marinate the chicken overnight for an even deeper flavor. Just keep it covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to cook.
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What should I do if the chicken dries out?
Make sure to not overcrowd the pan and use a meat thermometer to check doneness—165°F internally is perfect. Also, the lemon juice in the marinade helps keep it moist, but don’t let the chicken cook for too long, and broil only at the very end for a short time.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Herb Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it combines the best of simple cooking with bright, fresh flavors that everyone loves. It feels like a special meal but comes together quickly enough to fit into any weeknight routine. I hope you find as much joy making and eating this dish as I do—it’s truly a little burst of sunshine on a plate that’s healthy, hearty, and downright delicious. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become your new family favorite too!
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: Low Fat
Description
A vibrant and healthy Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken and Vegetables recipe featuring juicy marinated chicken breast pieces roasted alongside baby carrots, golden potatoes, and broccoli florets, all infused with fresh lemon zest and a flavorful blend of Italian herbs and 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 pepper
- 2 lemons (zest and juice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables
- 1 cup baby carrots, halved lengthwise
- 1 1/2 cups baby golden potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 cup broccoli florets, bite-sized
- 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic (for broccoli)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided for vegetables and finishing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, then cut into 1 ½-inch chunks and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine dried parsley, Italian seasoning, onion powder, paprika, seasoned salt, and black pepper.
- Marinate Chicken: Add half of the seasoning blend to the chicken along with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir well to coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat Oven and Prep Vegetables: Preheat oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice baby carrots in half lengthwise and halve or quarter golden potatoes. Place carrots and potatoes on the baking sheet.
- Season and Roast Vegetables: Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil over carrots and potatoes, sprinkle with most of the remaining seasoning mix (reserve 1 teaspoon), and toss to coat. Roast in oven for 20 minutes.
- Prepare Broccoli: Meanwhile, chop broccoli into bite-sized florets and mince additional garlic for the broccoli.
- Add Broccoli and Garlic: After 20 minutes, remove the baking sheet. Stir the carrots and potatoes, pushing them to one side. Add broccoli and minced garlic on the other side. Drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and sprinkle with the reserved seasoning. Toss to combine if desired.
- Arrange Chicken on Sheet Pan: Remove chicken from the fridge and discard excess marinade. Spread chicken pieces evenly across the baking sheet without overlapping.
- Roast Chicken and Vegetables: Return the pan to the oven and roast for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and vegetables are tender.
- Broil for Extra Color: Optionally broil on high for 1-2 minutes at the end for extra color and slight charring. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot. Enjoy your flavorful sheet pan meal!
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes ensures better flavor and tenderness.
- Parchment paper makes cleanup easier but can be substituted with a lightly greased baking sheet.
- Adjust seasoning blend according to your taste preferences or use fresh herbs if available.
- You can substitute baby potatoes with red or fingerling potatoes if preferred.
- Make sure chicken pieces are evenly spaced to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Broiling is optional but adds nice texture and color to the chicken and vegetables.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or a microwave.
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
