Easy One-Pan Lemon Herb Oven Baked Chicken and Potatoes: A Quick & Healthy Weeknight Dinner
Welcome to the perfect solution for your busy schedule: a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy one-pan chicken dinner. Our Oven Baked Chicken and Potatoes recipe brings together succulent chicken, tender roasted potatoes, and vibrant green beans, all infused with a bright citrus, olive oil, and fresh basil marinade. It’s the ideal meal for anyone craving homemade goodness without the fuss, ready in just 30 minutes!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Bertolli. The opinions and text are all mine.
As summer fades and the back-to-school season kicks into high gear, our lives often become a whirlwind of activities, commitments, and endless to-do lists. While summer might have been busy, the school year often brings an intensified level of hustle and bustle. This is precisely why easy, one-pan dinners become absolute lifesavers!
This oven baked chicken recipe is a prime example of culinary simplicity meeting gourmet flavor. Imagine a complete meal where everything cooks together on a single sheet pan, minimizing cleanup and maximizing taste. The same flavorful marinade that tenderizes and seasons your chicken also coats your potatoes and green beans, ensuring every bite is bursting with harmonious flavors. With just a handful of ingredients and a mere 30 minutes from start to finish, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without this recipe.
Why One-Pan Dinners Are a Weeknight Game Changer
In our fast-paced lives, the idea of a home-cooked meal can often feel daunting. The thought of multiple pots and pans, extensive prep work, and a mountain of dishes afterward can easily push us towards less healthy, convenient options. This is where the magic of one-pan dinners truly shines.
- Unbeatable Convenience: Everything from protein to vegetables cooks on one sheet, meaning less juggling of different cooking times and methods.
- Minimal Cleanup: This is arguably the biggest selling point. A single baking sheet to wash (often lined with parchment paper for even easier cleanup!) saves precious time and effort after a long day.
- Time-Saving: With minimal active cooking time, you can prep in minutes and let your oven do the rest, freeing you up to help with homework, unwind, or spend time with family.
- Healthy & Wholesome: You have complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to choose fresh, whole foods and healthy fats. This recipe is packed with lean protein, nutrient-rich vegetables, and heart-healthy olive oil.
- Flavor Fusion: When ingredients cook together on one pan, their flavors meld beautifully, creating a deeper, more cohesive taste profile that’s hard to achieve with separate cooking methods.
The Secret to Extraordinary Flavor: The Marinade
Chicken, while a versatile protein, can sometimes feel a bit… ordinary. But with the right marinade, it transforms into something truly special. This recipe’s simple yet potent marinade is what elevates it from everyday chicken to an exciting, flavor-packed dish. It all begins with high-quality olive oil, a cornerstone of healthy and delicious cooking.
Bertolli Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The Foundation of Flavor
At the heart of this vibrant marinade is Bertolli Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Bertolli isn’t just any olive oil; it’s the number one oil brand in the world, boasting over 150 years of expertise and a rich heritage that brings authentic Mediterranean flavors to every kitchen. The intense, full-bodied flavor of Bertolli Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil is perfect for igniting everyday culinary experimentation. It’s superb for sautéing or grilling vegetables, seasoning meats, and, as you’ll experience, creating exquisite marinades.
Using a premium extra virgin olive oil like Bertolli makes all the difference. It’s not just a cooking fat; it’s a key ingredient that contributes depth, aroma, and a silky texture to the marinade, helping the flavors cling beautifully to the chicken and vegetables. Its robust character ensures your chicken is anything but boring!
The Bright & Aromatic Elements
Complementing the olive oil are a few simple yet powerful ingredients:
- Citrus Zest and Juice: Originally suggesting kumquat or tangelo, you can easily use orange or lemon zest and juice. The zest provides aromatic oils, while the juice offers a bright acidity that not only tenderizes the chicken but also cuts through the richness, creating a wonderfully balanced flavor.
- Fresh Basil: This aromatic herb brings a fragrant, sweet, and slightly peppery note that pairs perfectly with both chicken and citrus. Its fresh flavor is a hallmark of Mediterranean cuisine, infusing the entire dish with a delightful perfume.
- Salt and Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are crucial for enhancing all the other flavors, making them pop.
This simple combination creates a marinade that infuses the chicken with incredible taste while also coating the potatoes and green beans for a cohesive, flavorful experience. It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need a pantry full of exotic ingredients to create a healthy, flavorful, and exciting dinner.
Choosing Your Ingredients for Success
While the recipe is designed for simplicity, a few considerations for your ingredients can ensure the best possible outcome.
- Chicken Tenders: Chicken tenders are ideal for this recipe because they cook quickly and evenly, ensuring moist and tender results in a short amount of time. If you prefer chicken breasts, you can slice them into thinner cutlets or pound them slightly to achieve a more uniform thickness, which helps them cook at the same rate as the vegetables. Chicken thighs can also be used, but may require a slightly longer cooking time.
- Small Purple Potatoes: The original recipe calls for small purple potatoes, which add a beautiful color to the dish. Any small waxy potato variety, such as new potatoes, red potatoes, or fingerlings, will work wonderfully. Halving them ensures they cook through and develop a lovely crispy exterior. Ensure they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Fresh Green Beans: Fresh green beans are preferred for their crisp-tender texture and vibrant color. Make sure to trim the ends before tossing them in the marinade. If fresh are unavailable, frozen green beans can be used, though their texture might be slightly softer. Avoid canned green beans for this recipe as they will become mushy.
- Citrus Options: While kumquats or tangelos offer a unique flavor profile, common oranges or lemons are excellent, readily available alternatives for zest and juice. Choose organic citrus if possible, especially when using the zest.
The Simple Process: From Prep to Plate in 30 Minutes
This meal’s appeal lies in its straightforward preparation:
- Preheat with Purpose: Always preheat your oven to a high temperature (450°F / 230°C) and place the sheet pan inside while it heats. This hot start is crucial for achieving perfectly roasted, slightly crispy potatoes and vegetables, and ensures the chicken cooks quickly and evenly.
- Whip Up the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the Bertolli Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, fresh basil, citrus zest, citrus juice, salt, and pepper. This is your all-in-one flavor booster.
- Marinate the Chicken: Toss your chicken tenders in a portion of the marinade. While just a few minutes of marinating will impart flavor, if you have extra time (up to 30 minutes in the fridge), it will only deepen the taste.
- Prep the Veggies: Toss the halved potatoes and trimmed green beans in the *reserved* marinade. This ensures every component gets its fair share of delicious flavor.
- Staggered Cooking for Perfection: Potatoes need a bit more time to get tender and golden. Start by roasting them on their own for about 10 minutes. Then, add the marinated chicken and green beans to the same pan. This staggered approach ensures everything finishes cooking at the same time, with optimal texture.
- Finish and Serve: Cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. Remove from the oven and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
The beauty of this recipe is that Bertolli, while simple, truly sparks spontaneity, adventure, and connection in every dish. It transforms the simple act of cooking into a fun and exciting part of life, making weeknight meals something to look forward to.
Variations and Customizations
While this recipe is fantastic as written, it’s also incredibly adaptable. Feel free to experiment with these ideas to suit your taste or what you have on hand:
- Herbs: Instead of basil, try fresh rosemary or thyme for a different aromatic profile. A mix of Italian herbs can also be delightful.
- Vegetables: Don’t limit yourself to green beans! Broccoli florets, asparagus spears, sliced bell peppers, or even cherry tomatoes would roast beautifully alongside the chicken and potatoes. Adjust cooking times slightly as needed.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a subtle kick, or a dash of paprika for a smoky flavor. Garlic powder or fresh minced garlic can also be incorporated for an extra layer of savory goodness.
- Different Citrus: If you don’t have kumquats or tangelos, lemon is an excellent substitute that offers a bright, zesty flavor. Lime could also work for a more exotic twist.
- Serving Suggestions: This meal is complete on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad, a scoop of quinoa, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt mixed with a little fresh dill.
Health Benefits of This Wholesome Meal
Beyond its incredible convenience and flavor, this oven baked chicken and potatoes dish offers significant health benefits, making it an excellent choice for a balanced diet:
- Lean Protein: Chicken tenders provide a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair, growth, and satiety.
- Nutrient-Rich Vegetables: Potatoes offer complex carbohydrates for energy, along with potassium and Vitamin C. Green beans are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber.
- Healthy Fats: Bertolli Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a monounsaturated fat, known for its heart-healthy properties, including reducing bad cholesterol levels.
- Fresh Ingredients: By using fresh herbs and citrus, you’re maximizing nutrient intake and avoiding processed additives.
This recipe embodies the principle of wholesome eating: simple, fresh ingredients coming together to create a nourishing and satisfying meal.
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Oven Baked Chicken and Potatoes
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Equipment
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Full Sheet Pan
Ingredients
- 1 – 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
- 1 pound small purple potatoes, halved
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 2 Tablespoons orange zest
- 2 Tablespoons orange juice
- 1/2 Tablespoon salt
- 1/4 Tablespoon black pepper
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230°C). Place sheet pan in oven while it preheats.
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Mix together olive oil, basil, zest, juice, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Reserve 3 Tablespoons of this mixture.
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Toss chicken in the remaining marinade. Cover and set in fridge until ready to use (or for at least 5-10 minutes).
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Toss green beans and potatoes in the reserved marinade.
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Once oven preheats, carefully remove the hot sheet pan and add potatoes to the pan, spreading them in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes.
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After 10 minutes, add chicken and green beans to the pan, ensuring everything is in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C) and vegetables are tender.
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Remove from oven and serve immediately. Enjoy your effortless, flavorful meal!
Nutrition
Calories: 339kcal |
Carbohydrates: 22g |
Protein: 5g |
Saturated Fat: 3g |
Sodium: 309mg |
Fiber: 5g |
Sugar: 3g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Bertolli. The opinions and text are all mine.