Herb Roasted Chicken – Best Spring Sheet Pan Dinner

Tender, juicy, and bursting with seasonal freshness, this Herb Roasted Chicken With Spring Veggies recipe is your new go-to for a no-fuss, flavor-packed meal. Whether you’re prepping a hearty Sunday lunch or a quick weeknight dinner, this sheet pan dish offers a satisfying blend of roasted chicken, vibrant vegetables, and herby lemon pan juices. It’s an ideal balance of healthy, comforting, and absolutely delicious — and it comes together with minimal effort.

Why This Herb Roasted Chicken Deserves a Spot on Your Table

This dish stands out for being incredibly easy to prepare while delivering gourmet-level flavor. By roasting bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with aromatic herbs and citrus, the pan juices become a rich, lemony base that ties the entire dish together. Add in vibrant spring vegetables and a finish of feta and mint, and you’ve got a light yet deeply satisfying dinner. Perfect for spring and summer dining, Herb Roasted Chicken With Spring Veggies is also ideal for meal prepping or entertaining.

What You’ll Need for This Fresh Spring Dish

Chicken Thighs (bone-in, skin-on): Adds deep flavor and releases just the right amount of fat to enrich the pan juices.
Shallots: Mildly sweet and aromatic, they infuse the chicken with subtle depth.
Olive Oil: Helps crisp the skin and forms the flavorful base of the pan sauce.
Lemon Zest & Slices: Brighten and balance the savory richness with citrusy notes.
Fresh Rosemary & Thyme: Classic herbs that create an earthy, aromatic profile.


Zucchini: Adds a light, tender texture that absorbs the herby juices beautifully.
Asparagus: Brings crunch and freshness, perfect for a spring vegetable mix.
Peas: Sweet and vibrant, they round out the dish with color and balance.
Fresh Mint: Offers a cooling, fragrant finish that lifts every bite.
Crumbled Feta: Adds a creamy, salty tang that contrasts beautifully with the lemon.
Lemon Juice (for finishing): Ties all elements together with acidity and zing.

Ingredient Swaps & Creative Variations

Chicken Breasts or Legs: Swap thighs for boneless breasts or whole legs; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Red or Yellow Onion: Use instead of shallots for a stronger onion profile.
Lime Instead of Lemon: For a slightly more tropical twist.
Fresh Oregano or Basil: In place of rosemary and thyme, or to mix things up.
Green Beans or Broccoli: Substitute or add to the veggie mix for variety.
Goat Cheese: A milder alternative to feta with a creamy texture.
Chili Flakes or Garlic Powder: Add a kick of spice or extra savory depth.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Herb Roasted Chicken With Spring Veggies

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Prep the Chicken: Place chicken thighs in a large shallow roasting pan. Add coarsely chopped shallots and lemon slices or wedges. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, lemon zest, rosemary, and thyme. Toss to coat evenly.
  3. Roast: Arrange the chicken skin-side up and roast for 40–50 minutes until golden and fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F).
  4. Blanch the Vegetables: While the chicken roasts, boil a large pot of water. Blanch the asparagus for 2–3 minutes, then add zucchini and peas for the final minute. Drain well.
  5. Combine Everything: Toss the cooked vegetables into the pan with the roasted chicken. Add lemon juice, torn mint, and gently mix everything in the pan juices.
  6. Finish & Serve: Crumble feta over the top and drizzle with extra olive oil if desired. Serve hot.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Herb Roasted Chicken With Spring Veggies

Go for skin-on, bone-in thighs to maximize flavor and juicy texture.
Don’t skip the blanching — it keeps the veggies vibrant and crisp-tender.
Roast veggies separately if you prefer more caramelization.
Finish with fresh herbs and lemon juice just before serving for brightness.
Check chicken doneness with a thermometer to avoid overcooking.
Add garlic cloves to the roasting pan for extra depth and aroma.

Delicious Pairings & Custom Variations

Serve this dish with:

Lemony Orzo or Buttered Rice: Soaks up those flavorful pan juices perfectly.
Spring Greens Salad or Arugula: Adds a crisp, peppery bite to contrast the rich chicken.
Crusty Bread: Ideal for sopping up the lemon-herb sauce.
Roasted Baby Potatoes: For a heartier meal.

Variations to try:

Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or cayenne to the herb mix.
Gluten-Free Option: Naturally gluten-free—just choose sides accordingly.
Vegan Side Pairings: Add roasted chickpeas or grilled vegetables on the side.
Dairy-Free Version: Omit the feta or sub in a plant-based alternative.

Make-Ahead & Storage Notes

Make Ahead: Blanch vegetables a day in advance and store in an airtight container with a damp paper towel.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the microwave or gently in the oven at 300°F.
Freezing: Chicken freezes well for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the vegetables, as their texture won’t hold up.
Storage: Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 2–4 days in an airtight container.

Seasonal Highlight: Why Spring Veggies Shine in This Dish

Spring vegetables like asparagus, peas, and zucchini are naturally sweet, quick to cook, and full of vibrant color — making them perfect companions for roasted herb chicken. Their delicate flavor soaks up the lemony pan juices, while their textures add a lovely contrast to crispy chicken skin. Embracing these seasonal ingredients not only boosts flavor but also maximizes nutrition and freshness.

Herb Roasted Chicken With Spring Veggies is the kind of recipe that makes seasonal eating both easy and irresistible — a vibrant, herby, lemon-splashed celebration of spring on a plate.

Wrapping Up: A Simple, Flavor-Packed Celebration of Spring

With its effortless preparation, wholesome ingredients, and show-stopping flavors, Herb Roasted Chicken With Spring Veggies proves that you don’t need complicated techniques to make an unforgettable meal. The combination of roasted, herb-marinated chicken and vibrant blanched vegetables creates a delicious harmony of textures and tastes, while the finishing touches — fresh mint, lemon juice, and creamy feta — elevate every bite. This is a recipe you’ll return to again and again, especially as the seasons change and fresh produce takes center stage.

Whether you’re planning a weekend feast or looking for a healthy, balanced midweek dinner, this dish checks every box: nourishing, flavorful, family-friendly, and adaptable to your pantry. Let it become your go-to for effortless elegance on a plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! While bone-in, skin-on thighs provide extra flavor and juiciness, you can substitute boneless, skinless thighs or chicken breasts. Just be mindful of cooking times — boneless pieces will cook faster. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F for safe doneness.

What other vegetables can I use besides zucchini, asparagus, and peas?

This dish is incredibly versatile. You can roast or blanch vegetables like green beans, broccoli florets, or sugar snap peas. For heartier vegetables (e.g., carrots or baby potatoes), roast them alongside the chicken from the beginning to ensure even cooking.

How can I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 300°F to maintain texture. While the chicken freezes well for up to 2 months, we recommend avoiding freezing the veggies as they may lose their vibrant texture when thawed.

More Relevant Recipes

  • Healthy Sticky Chicken Bowls: These flavorful bowls feature tender chicken glazed in a sweet and savory sauce, paired with vibrant veggies — an excellent alternative to the herb roasted chicken and spring vegetables with a more Asian-inspired twist.
  • Creamy Garlic Pasta: Creamy, comforting, and easy to whip up, this pasta dish complements herb-roasted proteins beautifully and can be paired as a side or base for your spring veggies and chicken recipe.
  • Lemon Herb Roasted Potatoes: A perfect side dish to enhance your roasted chicken, these potatoes carry similar herby lemon notes and offer a hearty, crispy texture to round out your meal.
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Herb Roasted Chicken With Spring Veggies

Herb Roasted Chicken


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  • Author: Elina
  • Total Time: 65 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings
  • Diet: Low Lactose

Description

Herb Roasted Chicken With Spring Veggies is a vibrant and flavorful sheet pan dinner that combines juicy, herby chicken thighs with seasonal vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, and peas. Finished with lemon juice, fresh mint, and crumbled feta, this easy and nutritious dish is perfect for weeknight meals or elegant weekend dinners.


Ingredients

  • 8 chicken thighs (skin on, bone in)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lemon, zested and sliced into wedges
  • 4 shallots, peeled and coarsely chopped
  • 4 sprigs rosemary, stem removed and chopped
  • 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 lb asparagus spears, trimmed and chopped
  • 2 zucchini, sliced in half lengthwise then chopped
  • 1 1/4 cups peas (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint, torn
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon (or more to taste)
  • Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Place chicken thighs in a large shallow roasting pan.
  3. Add shallots and lemon slices to the pan.
  4. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with lemon zest, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine.
  5. Arrange chicken skin-side up and roast for 40–50 minutes, or until golden and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F).
  6. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Blanch asparagus for 2–3 minutes, adding zucchini and peas for the final minute.
  7. Drain vegetables and set aside.
  8. When chicken is cooked, toss in the blanched vegetables with the pan juices.
  9. Add lemon juice and torn mint. Gently mix to combine.
  10. Top with crumbled feta cheese and an optional drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Notes

  • You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts—adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • Blanching vegetables helps retain color and crispness, but you can also roast or pan-fry them.
  • Swap mint for parsley or basil if preferred.
  • For a dairy-free version, omit the feta or replace with plant-based cheese.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen (chicken only) for up to 2 months.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1.5 thighs + veggies)
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

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