Rosemary Lemon Chicken with Roasted Potatoes & Carrots

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a large baking sheet or roasting pan by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with olive oil.
2. Prepare the Marinade:
   In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk it all together to make a fragrant marinade. If you’re using honey or red pepper flakes, add them into the marinade for extra flavor.
3. Marinate the Chicken:
   Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or resealable bag and pour about half of the marinade over them. Toss the chicken to coat evenly, then let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. For more flavor, you can marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours or even overnight in the refrigerator.
4. Prepare the Vegetables:
   While the chicken marinates, prepare the vegetables. Cut the potatoes and carrots into evenly sized chunks so they cook at the same rate. In a separate bowl, toss the potatoes and carrots with the remaining marinade. Make sure they are evenly coated with the lemon-rosemary mixture.
5. Arrange on the Baking Sheet:
   Spread the marinated potatoes and carrots in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make a little space in the middle of the pan and place the marinated chicken pieces, skin side up, on the sheet. You want everything to be spread out so that the chicken crisps up while the vegetables roast perfectly.
6. Roast in the Oven:
   Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the skin is golden and crispy. The vegetables should be tender and caramelized, with some crispy edges.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Once the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender, remove the pan from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and an extra squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.

Why You’ll Love This Dish:

1. Full of Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon and fragrant rosemary infuses both the chicken and vegetables, creating a dish that is bursting with flavor. The garlic adds a savory depth that perfectly complements the sweetness of the roasted carrots and the richness of the chicken.
2. One-Pan Meal: This recipe is perfect for busy nights or when you want to minimize clean-up. Everything cooks on one sheet, so you can focus on other tasks or simply relax while your meal bakes to perfection.
3. Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with lean protein, hearty potatoes, and sweet carrots, this dish is a balanced meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying. The fresh ingredients and simple cooking method make it a healthier option compared to heavy takeout or fried foods.
4. Customizable: You can easily adjust the vegetables in this recipe based on what you have on hand. Feel free to add onions, bell peppers, or even parsnips for a twist. You can also switch up the herbs, using thyme, oregano, or parsley if you prefer.

Variations to Try:

• Add Greens: For a pop of color and extra nutrients, serve the chicken and roasted vegetables over a bed of sautéed spinach or arugula. The warm greens will soak up the flavors from the chicken and lemon-rosemary marinade.
• Spicy Option: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or drizzle the chicken with hot sauce before roasting. The spice will contrast beautifully with the citrusy lemon and savory rosemary.
• Crispier Chicken Skin: For an extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last 3-5 minutes of cooking. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn, but this will give the chicken skin a delicious, golden crunch.
• Add Other Root Vegetables: Try swapping out the carrots and potatoes for other root vegetables like sweet potatoes, parsnips, or turnips for a different flavor profile.

Final Thoughts:

Rosemary Lemon Chicken with Roasted Potatoes and Carrots is an incredibly simple yet flavorful meal that the whole family will love. With its bright citrusy notes, aromatic rosemary, and tender roasted vegetables, this dish is the perfect combination of fresh and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing a meal for guests, this recipe will be a crowd-pleaser every time. Best of all, it’s easy to prepare and clean up, making it a win-win for busy cooks. Give it a try and enjoy a wholesome, satisfying meal!