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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons - 1 lemon (zested and juiced) - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish Gather these fresh ingredients before you start. The chicken thighs provide a juicy base. The zucchini adds color and crunch. Lemon brightens the flavors with its zest and juice. Garlic gives a savory touch. Olive oil helps everything cook evenly. Using dried oregano and thyme brings depth. Don't forget salt and pepper for seasoning. These simple items combine to create a delightful dish. Fresh rosemary at the end adds a pop of flavor. Enjoy the process of cooking with these fresh ingredients! To prepare the chicken, first, make a marinade. In a large bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. This mix adds a bright flavor. Next, add the chicken thighs to the bowl. Make sure each piece is well coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes. You can also marinate it for up to 2 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor. Now, let's slice the zucchini. Cut them into half-moons, about half an inch thick. This size helps them cook evenly. In another bowl, season the zucchini with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss them gently to coat. This step enhances their taste and keeps them tender. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or foil. This makes cleanup easy. Place the marinated chicken thighs on one side of the sheet pan. Spread the seasoned zucchini on the other side. Make sure there is space between them for even cooking. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast everything for 25-30 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The zucchini will become tender and slightly caramelized. For a nice finish, broil the chicken and zucchini for an extra 2-3 minutes. This gives them a lovely golden color. After that, let everything rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your meal! To create a great marinade, adjust spices and herbs to your taste. You can add more garlic for a stronger flavor or extra lemon zest for brightness. The key is to find a balance that excites your palate. Marinating time is also key. Aim for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors soak in. For deeper flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours in the fridge. Broiling at the end gives your dish a nice golden finish. To broil, set your oven to high and watch closely. This step adds color and a bit of crunch. Always check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. Fresh herbs can elevate your dish. Use rosemary for a fragrant touch. Chopped parsley can also add color. For sides, consider serving with rice or a simple salad. These pair well and complete your meal beautifully. {{image_2}} You can add more vegetables to your sheet pan dish. Seasonal veggies work best. Here are some great choices: - Bell peppers - Cherry tomatoes - Red onion - Carrots These add color and flavor. They also boost nutrition. Just cut them into similar sizes to the zucchini. Toss them lightly with olive oil, salt, and pepper before adding to the sheet pan. If you want to switch up the protein, try these options: - Boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Salmon fillets - Tofu cubes Each protein brings its own taste. Adjust the cooking time as needed. For example, salmon cooks faster than chicken. Make sure it reaches the right temperature for safety. Feel free to play with flavors. Here are some ideas: - Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley. - Add spices like paprika or cumin. - Mix in a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy kick. Experimenting can lead to new favorites. Try different combinations to find what you love best. The joy of cooking lies in creativity! To keep your Lemon Herb Chicken and Zucchini fresh, follow these tips. First, let the dish cool completely. This prevents steam from building up in the container. Next, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, aim to keep them moist. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken and zucchini in an oven-safe dish. Add a splash of water or broth to keep things juicy. Cover it with foil to trap steam. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm. Alternatively, you can use a microwave. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. This helps avoid drying out the food. If you want to save your dish for later, freezing works great. First, let the chicken and zucchini cool. Then, portion them into freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. To thaw, place the bag in the fridge overnight. For quicker results, use the microwave on the defrost setting. Reheat as instructed above. For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes. You can also let it sit in the fridge for up to 2 hours. This allows the chicken to absorb the lemon and herb flavors fully. Shorter times work, but longer marinating gives a richer taste. Yes, you can use bone-in chicken. Bone-in chicken can add more flavor and moisture. However, it takes longer to cook. Make sure to adjust the cooking time. Thighs cook faster and stay juicier. Choose what fits your taste and time. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the chicken. Always prioritize safety when cooking poultry. Yes, you can prep this recipe ahead. Marinate the chicken and slice the zucchini a day before. Store them in the fridge until ready to cook. This saves time and makes weeknight dinners easier. Just make sure to cook it fresh for the best flavor. In this blog post, we covered a simple chicken thigh recipe with zucchini. You learned about the key ingredients, marinating tips, and cooking steps. We also shared variations for customizing your dish and storage tips for leftovers. Remember, marinating enhances flavor, and using fresh herbs makes a big difference. Whether you stick to chicken or mix in other proteins, you can create a tasty meal. Enjoy experimenting and making this recipe your own. Happy cooking!

Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken Zucchini

Elevate your dinner game with this tasty Sheet Pan Lemon Herb Chicken & Zucchini recipe! Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a zesty lemon and herb mix are roasted alongside tender zucchini for a deliciously easy meal. Perfect for busy nights, this one-pan dish is not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavor. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this healthy comfort food to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

2 medium zucchinis, sliced into half-moons

1 lemon (zested and juiced)

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.

      Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, ensuring they are well coated in the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

        While the chicken is marinating, prepare the zucchini. Toss the sliced zucchini with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper in another bowl.

          Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

            Place the marinated chicken thighs on one side of the sheet pan and spread the zucchini evenly on the other side.

              Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the zucchini is tender and slightly caramelized.

                For an extra touch, broil the chicken and zucchini for an additional 2-3 minutes for a golden finish.

                  Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4