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A Delightful Italian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

When it comes to weeknight meals, simplicity often reigns supreme. Enter the Italian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner — a delicious, no-fuss recipe that combines succulent chicken with vibrant vegetables, all roasted to perfection on a single tray. This dish captures the essence of Italian cuisine with its fragrant herbs, zesty flavours, and hearty ingredients, making it not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight.

Ingredients

To create your own Italian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 chicken thighs or breasts, skin-on for extra flavour
• 2 medium courgettes, sliced into half-moons
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 200g cherry tomatoes, halved
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (such as oregano, basil, and thyme)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Method

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (180 degrees Celsius for fan ovens) or gas mark 6.

2. Prepare the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken with olive oil, minced garlic, Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Ensure the chicken is well-coated with the mixture. For the best flavour, let it marinate for at least 15 minutes if time allows.

3. Chop the Vegetables: While the chicken is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Place the sliced courgettes, bell peppers, onion, and cherry tomatoes into a large bowl. Drizzle with a little olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and mix well to combine.

4. Assemble the Sheet Pan: Arrange the marinated chicken in the centre of a large sheet pan. Surround the chicken with the seasoned vegetables, spreading them out evenly for even cooking.

5. Roast: Place the tray in the oven and roast for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 75 degrees Celsius. The vegetables should be tender and slightly caramelised.

6. Serve: Once out of the oven, let the tray sit for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh basil leaves and serving with lemon wedges. The lemon adds a refreshing zing that complements the dish beautifully.

Variations

The beauty of a sheet pan dinner lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables according to the season or your fridge’s contents. Carrots, potatoes, or green beans are all lovely additions. For a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken with chickpeas or hearty mushrooms.

Why You’ll Love It

The Italian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner is the epitome of comfort food. Not only is it easy to prepare and clean up, but it also brings robust Italian flavours to your dining table. The combination of tender chicken and roasted vegetables results in a satisfying, hearty meal that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Plus, it’s a fantastic option for meal prep; the leftovers can be repurposed for salads or wraps throughout the week.

Conclusion

Incorporating an Italian Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner into your regular meal rotation is a brilliant way to enjoy flavoursome, wholesome food without spending hours in the kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and prepare to indulge in this delectable dish that showcases the warmth and richness of Italian cooking. Buon Appetito!