Healthy Lemon Herb Chicken With Roasted Vegetables

Name: Healthy Lemon Herb Chicken With Roasted Vegetables
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts; 1/4 cup olive oil; Juice of 2 lemons; 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 zucchini, sliced; 1 yellow squash, sliced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Wholesome Kitchen

I love preparing Healthy Lemon Herb Chicken with Roasted Vegetables because it’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavor and freshness on my plate. The combination of zesty lemon and aromatic herbs truly brings out the best in chicken, while the roasted vegetables add a lovely caramelized touch. What I especially enjoy is how easy it is to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights with friends or family. Plus, it’s a wholesome dish that leaves me feeling energized and satisfied!

Created by

Eleanor Briggs

Last updated on 2026-02-27T18:20:53.233Z

One evening, I decided to throw together a healthy dinner that wouldn’t take too long to prepare. I marinated the chicken in a mixture of fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and my favorite herbs. The result was fragrant and tender chicken that cooked beautifully in the oven alongside colorful vegetables. I’ve found that marinating the chicken not only enhances the flavor but also keeps it juicy.

While the chicken roasted, I tossed seasonal veggies in olive oil and spices, letting them caramelize for an irresistible taste. The best part? The entire meal was ready in under an hour, making it ideal for a quick yet healthy dinner option. I believe using fresh herbs truly elevates the flavors and makes all the difference.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Zesty lemon flavor combined with fresh herbs for a refreshing taste
Versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of seasonal vegetables
Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights

Choosing the Right Chicken

When selecting chicken breasts for this recipe, look for those that are plump and uniform in size for even cooking. Organic or free-range chicken will not only enhance the flavor but is often more tender. If you want a more flavorful variation, consider using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; just adjust the cooking time to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Marinating is essential for infusing the chicken with the fresh, zesty flavors of lemon and herbs. I recommend allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if time allows, marinating it for up to 2 hours can significantly deepen the flavor profile. Be cautious not to marinate too long, as the acid from the lemon can start to break down the proteins, affecting the texture.

Perfectly Roasted Vegetables

When preparing your vegetables, consider cutting them into similar sizes to ensure they roast evenly. For this dish, I prefer vibrant, seasonal vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, as they complement the lemon herb chicken beautifully. If you find that some vegetables cook faster than others, you can add them to the baking tray in stages or adjust their sizes accordingly.

The key to perfectly roasted vegetables is a high heat. Roasting at 400°F (200°C) allows the vegetables to caramelize nicely, enhancing their natural sweetness. Aim for a few golden edges and a slightly softened texture. If you want a bit of char, you can place them under the broiler for the final minute, but watch closely to avoid burning.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

4 chicken breasts
1/4 cup olive oil
Juice of 2 lemons
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Roasted Vegetables

2 cups broccoli florets
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 zucchini, sliced
1 yellow squash, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and marinate for at least 20 minutes.

Prepare the Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the broccoli, bell pepper, zucchini, and yellow squash in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Roast Everything Together

Place the marinated chicken on a baking tray and surround it with the mixed vegetables. Roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, try adding garlic or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to the roasted vegetables. Additionally, lemon zest can enhance the marinate for a more pronounced zing.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This Healthy Lemon Herb Chicken can be made ahead, making it ideal for meal prep. Store the marinated chicken in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking. For leftovers, let the chicken and vegetables cool completely before storing in an airtight container; they’ll last in the fridge for 3-4 days. For reheating, place the chicken and vegetables in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

If you want to prepare the dish entirely for future meals, you can freeze the marinated chicken and uncooked vegetables. Just ensure they're in a freezer-safe container, and they will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before roasting for best results.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a range of sides. A light quinoa salad or a bed of couscous can complement the bright flavors of the lemon herb chicken perfectly. For a fresh twist, consider a simple arugula salad drizzled with a lemon vinaigrette to enhance the citrus notes.

You can also elevate your meal by adding a sprinkling of feta cheese over the roasted vegetables right after roasting for added creaminess and saltiness. Additionally, if you love spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be sprinkled over the finished dish for an extra kick that balances the acidity of the lemon.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite seasonal vegetables such as carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts.

→ Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This dish stores well in the fridge for up to three days, making it great for meal prep.

→ How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

→ Can I substitute chicken for another protein?

Definitely! This marinade works great with tofu, fish, or pork, so feel free to experiment.