Mediterranean Lemon Herb Chicken with Roasted Carrots & Parmesan Broccoli
This dish brings together bright lemony chicken, sweet honey-butter carrots, and garlicky Parmesan broccoli in one balanced and flavorful plate. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough for guests. The Mediterranean-inspired seasonings keep it fresh and light, while roasting enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables.
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 lemon slices
For the Roasted Carrots:
1 cup baby carrots
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp butter, melted
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
For the Parmesan Broccoli:
1½ cups broccoli florets
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
Heat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Season the Chicken:
In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over both chicken thighs. Place lemon slices on top of each thigh.
Prepare the Carrots:
In another bowl, toss baby carrots with honey, melted butter, paprika, and salt until coated.
Prepare the Broccoli:
In a separate bowl, toss broccoli florets with olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place chicken on one side of the sheet, carrots in the middle, and broccoli on the other side. Keep them in separate sections for even cooking.
Roast:
Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and vegetables should be tender and slightly caramelized.
Serve:
Plate the chicken with the roasted carrots and Parmesan broccoli. Spoon any pan juices over the chicken for extra flavor.
Tips
Even Cooking: Cut carrots to similar sizes so they roast evenly. If they’re thick, slice them in half lengthwise.
Extra Crisp Broccoli: For more crunch, broil the broccoli for the last 1–2 minutes of cooking.
Juicy Chicken: Let the chicken rest for 3–4 minutes before slicing so the juices redistribute.
Lemon Boost: Add lemon zest to the chicken marinade for an extra citrus kick.
Sheet Pan Lining: Use parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Variations
Protein Swap: Use chicken breasts, turkey cutlets, or even salmon (reduce cooking time for fish to 12–15 minutes).
Different Veggies: Swap carrots for sweet potatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers. Replace broccoli with Brussels sprouts or asparagus.
Spice Change: Replace oregano with rosemary or thyme for a different herb profile.
Cheese Upgrade: Try grated Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan for a sharper flavor.
Low-Carb Option: Skip the honey in the carrots and drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of cumin instead.
Q&A
Q: Can I marinate the chicken ahead of time?
Yes. You can marinate it for up to 8 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor. Just cover it and let it come to room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking.
Q: Can I make this with frozen vegetables?
Yes, but thaw and pat them dry first to avoid excess moisture that can make them soggy while roasting.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes to maintain texture. The microwave works in a pinch, but vegetables may lose crispness.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
Yes. Use two baking sheets or roast in batches so the ingredients aren’t overcrowded, which helps them brown instead of steam.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your Parmesan is certified gluten-free if needed.
Nutrition Facts
(per serving, 1/2 of recipe)
Calories: 350
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 980mg
(Values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands and measurements.)
Final Conclusion
This Mediterranean Lemon Herb Chicken with Roasted Carrots & Parmesan Broccoli is a balanced, flavorful meal that’s as easy as it is satisfying. The chicken is juicy with a bright lemon-herb crust, the carrots are sweet and smoky, and the broccoli delivers a savory crunch with Parmesan richness. It’s a complete one-pan dinner that feels both wholesome and indulgent, perfect for busy nights or relaxed weekend meals.