Mr. Food's Recipe for Today: A Delicious and Easy Dinner Idea!

Looking for a quick, easy, and delicious dinner recipe? Mr. Food is known for his simple, family-friendly meals, and today's recipe is no exception! While I can't provide the exact recipe Mr. Food is featuring today (that changes daily!), I can give you a fantastically similar recipe that embodies his style of cooking: One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, requiring minimal prep and cleanup. It’s packed with flavor and delivers a healthy and satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into 8 pieces - You can also use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks for a similar result.
• 1 pound baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large - Red potatoes, Yukon golds, or even sweet potatoes work well here!
• 1 pound carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces - Other root vegetables like parsnips or turnips could be substituted.
• 1 large onion, cut into wedges
• 2 lemons, one thinly sliced, one juiced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, thyme, rosemary)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your chicken and vegetables roast perfectly.
2. Prepare the chicken and vegetables: Wash and chop all the vegetables as instructed above. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up beautifully.
3. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the potatoes, carrots, and onion with olive oil, Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the vegetables are evenly coated.
4. Arrange in a roasting pan: Spread the vegetables in a single layer in a large roasting pan or baking dish. Arrange the chicken pieces on top of the vegetables.
5. Add lemon: Tuck the lemon slices between the chicken pieces and vegetables. This adds a burst of fresh citrus flavor.
6. Roast: Roast for 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the vegetables are tender. Basting the chicken halfway through cooking will ensure even browning and moisture.
7. Rest and Serve: Remove the roasting pan from the oven and let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful meat. Squeeze the juice of the remaining lemon over the chicken and vegetables before serving.

Tips and Variations:

• Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli florets, bell peppers, or zucchini.
• Use fresh herbs: If you have fresh herbs on hand, use about twice the amount as the dried herbs.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Make it a sheet pan meal: For even easier cleanup, roast everything on a large baking sheet instead of a roasting pan.

This delicious and simple recipe captures the essence of Mr. Food's cooking style: easy, flavorful, and family-friendly. Enjoy! Remember to adjust cooking times depending on your oven and the size of your chicken. Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it's fully cooked. Happy cooking!