Lemon Chicken & Veggies Meal Prep Recipe

Zesty Lemon Chicken & Veggies Meal Prep Recipe for the Week

Crisp summer days call for this zesty lemon chicken & veggies meal prep that packs serious flavor into every bite.

Mediterranean vibes dance across each carefully arranged container.

Our simple recipe transforms weeknight dinners into something special.

Lean protein meets colorful vegetables for a balanced, nutritious approach to eating smart.

Quick marinating techniques ensure maximum taste with minimal effort.

Meal planning becomes effortless when such delicious combinations come together so smoothly.

Expect a lunch that makes colleagues peek over with curiosity and envy.

Lemon Chicken And Veggies Meal Prep That’s Balanced And Fresh

  • Speedy Meal Prep Magic: Whip up delicious, nutritious meals in just over an hour with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Quick Flavor Explosion: Zesty lemon marinade and perfectly roasted vegetables create a taste adventure that keeps your taste buds dancing.
  • Nutritional Powerhouse: Pack your diet with lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and vibrant vegetables for a balanced, energy-boosting meal.
  • Budget-Friendly Cooking: Affordable ingredients combined with smart batch cooking save money and reduce midweek meal stress.

Meal Prep for Lemon Chicken & Veggies

Protein Base:
  • Chicken Chunks: Lean protein source for a satisfying meal, choose boneless and skinless for easier preparation.
  • Chicken Stock: Adds depth of flavor and moisture to the marinade, low-sodium version recommended.
Vegetables:
  • Sweet Potatoes, Broccoli: Nutritious and colorful vegetables that roast well with minimal seasoning, select fresh and firm produce.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh element providing brightness and color to the dish, select ripe and vibrant tomatoes.
Marinade and Seasonings:
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that enhances overall flavor profile, fresh ingredients preferred.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds tangy brightness and helps tenderize chicken.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste, kosher salt recommended.
  • Olive Oil: Helps with cooking and adds richness, extra virgin preferred.
  • Paprika, Garlic Powder: Provides additional depth and warmth to roasted vegetables.
Herbs:
  • Dill: Fresh herb that adds a light, aromatic touch to the dish, optional but recommended for extra flavor.

Instructions for Lemon Chicken & Veggies Meal Prep

Step 1: Whip Up Zesty Chicken Marinade

Grab your blender and toss in these flavor-packed ingredients:
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Chicken stock
  • Lemon juice
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Blend everything until silky smooth.

Pour this tangy mixture over chicken chunks in a container.

Let it chill and soak up those flavors in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

Step 2: Roast Colorful Veggie Magic

Crank your oven to a toasty 425°F.

Create a spice blend by mixing:
  • Olive oil
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder

Coat sweet potato chunks in this zesty mixture.

Spread them on a baking sheet and send them into the oven.

After 10 minutes, welcome broccoli to the party.

Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with black pepper.

Roast everything for a total of 35 minutes until veggies are golden and crispy.

Step 3: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Slide in the marinated chicken chunks.

Cook while stirring frequently, transforming them into gorgeous golden-brown pieces.

This should take about 13-15 minutes until they’re perfectly cooked through.

Step 4: Create Gorgeous Meal Prep Bowls

Chop cherry tomatoes and toss with fresh dill.

Divide your cooked treasures into meal prep containers:
  • Juicy chicken
  • Roasted sweet potatoes
  • Tender broccoli
  • Fresh tomato-dill mixture

Step 5: Store and Enjoy

Pop these delicious containers in the refrigerator.

They’ll stay fresh and fabulous for up to 3 days.

Warm them up before diving in for a scrumptious meal.

Chicken Veggie Prep Tips With Lemon Zest

  • Let chicken soak in the marinade for at least 2 hours or overnight to maximize flavor penetration and tenderize the meat effectively.
  • Stir sweet potatoes halfway through roasting to ensure even browning and prevent sticking or burning on the baking sheet.
  • Add broccoli later in the cooking process to maintain its vibrant green color and prevent overcooking, keeping it slightly crisp and nutritious.
  • Use a light hand with salt and pepper during cooking, as chicken stock and marinade already contribute significant flavor to the dish.
  • Keep dressing or additional herbs separate until serving to maintain the vegetables' crispness and prevent soggy meal prep containers.

Lemon Chicken Meal Prep That Lasts All Week

  • Store sealed meal prep containers in the refrigerator for maximum freshness, keeping them cold for up to 3-4 days.
  • Warm each container on medium-high power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating and prevent cold spots.
  • Use glass or microwave-safe plastic containers with tight-fitting lids to maintain food quality and prevent moisture loss during storage.
  • Always verify internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F when reheating to guarantee food safety and eliminate potential bacteria.

Flavor Ideas For Chicken Meal Prep

  • Pair Zesty Citrus White Wine: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the lemon chicken's bright, tangy flavors and cuts through the richness of roasted vegetables.
  • Enhance Herbal Green Salad: Prepare a fresh dill and cucumber salad with light vinaigrette to echo the dish's herbal notes and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the roasted sweet potatoes.
  • Boost Mediterranean Yogurt Sauce: Create a quick tzatziki with Greek yogurt, diced cucumber, fresh dill, and lemon zest to add creamy, cooling texture that balances the chicken's bold marinade.
  • Match Hearty Grain Side: Serve with quinoa pilaf seasoned with lemon and parsley to complement the meal's Mediterranean-inspired profile and add protein-rich complexity.

Lemon Chicken Meal Prep Options

  • Keto-Friendly Swap: Replace sweet potatoes with cauliflower florets and use chicken thighs for higher fat content. Season with additional herbs to boost flavor profile.
  • Vegan Alternative: Substitute chicken with extra-firm tofu or tempeh. Marinate plant-based protein in same lemon-garlic mixture for similar taste experience.
  • Mediterranean Remix: Add kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle za'atar spice blend over vegetables for a Greek-inspired transformation. Use chicken breast marinated in oregano and lemon.
  • Spicy Edition: Incorporate sriracha or chili flakes into marinade. Roast jalapeños alongside broccoli and add cayenne pepper to vegetable seasoning for heat lovers.

FAQs

  • How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy and flavorful?

Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours in the blended mixture of onion, garlic, chicken stock, and lemon juice. This helps tenderize the meat and infuse deep flavor throughout the chicken chunks.

  • Can I use different vegetables in this meal prep?

Yes, you can swap sweet potatoes and broccoli with other roasting-friendly vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or bell peppers. Just ensure they are cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

  • What's the best way to cook chicken to prevent drying out?

Cook the chicken over medium heat and stir frequently. Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F, which ensures it’s fully cooked without becoming tough or dry.

  • Is it necessary to preheat the oven for roasting vegetables?

Absolutely. Preheating to 425°F creates immediate high heat, which helps vegetables caramelize and develop a crispy exterior while maintaining a tender inside.

Print
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Lemon Chicken & Veggies Meal Prep Recipe

Lemon Chicken & Veggies Meal Prep Recipe


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4.5 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mediterranean-inspired Lemon Chicken & Veggies meal prep brings zesty flavors and nutritious ingredients to your weekly dining plan. Packed with fresh herbs, tender chicken, and roasted vegetables, this dish offers a delightful balance of protein and colorful produce you can enjoy throughout the week.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 lb (454 grams) chicken breast, cut into 1-inch chunks

Vegetables:

  • 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 white onion, chopped
  • 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3 garlic cloves

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1/4 cup chicken stock
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Craft a vibrant marinade by blending onion, garlic, chicken stock, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper into a silky smooth liquid.
  2. Submerge chicken chunks in the marinade within a container or sealed bag, allowing flavors to meld in the refrigerator for a minimum of two hours.
  3. Ignite the oven to 425°F and prepare a zesty seasoning blend combining olive oil, paprika, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
  4. Coat sweet potato cubes thoroughly with the spice mixture, arranging them across a baking sheet for roasting.
  5. After initial 10 minutes of sweet potato roasting, introduce broccoli florets, drizzling with olive oil and sprinkling with black pepper.
  6. Continue baking for an additional 25 minutes until vegetables achieve a golden, caramelized exterior.
  7. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then introduce marinated chicken pieces.
  8. Sauté chicken, stirring consistently, until exterior develops a rich golden hue and interior reaches complete doneness.
  9. Chop cherry tomatoes and delicately toss with fresh dill for a bright garnish.
  10. Distribute roasted chicken and vegetables across meal prep containers, topping with herbed tomatoes.
  11. Seal and refrigerate, maintaining freshness for up to three days. Thoroughly reheat before consuming.

Notes

  • Marinate Strategically: Let the chicken soak up the zesty lemon marinade for at least 2 hours, or overnight for deeper flavor infusion.
  • Customize Veggie Choices: Swap sweet potatoes and broccoli with seasonal vegetables like zucchini, cauliflower, or bell peppers for variety.
  • Boost Protein Options: Replace chicken with tofu, tempeh, or lean turkey for alternative protein sources that work perfectly with the marinade.
  • Meal Prep Mastery: Prepare ingredients in advance to streamline cooking process and ensure quick, delicious weekday meals with minimal effort.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 386
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 491 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 73 mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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