Easy Lemon Pepper Roasted Chicken & Green Beans (One-Pan Reset)

When it comes to efficient, nutrient-dense cooking, the one-pan method is a professional essential. This recipe relies on high-heat roasting to crisp the green beans while keeping the chicken juicy. From an expertise perspective, the secret is the “lemon-zest infusion.” While lemon juice evaporates in high heat, the essential oils in the zest remain, providing a professional-grade aromatic depth that permeates the meat throughout the roasting process.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 Min
• Cook Time: 20 Min
• Total Time: 30 Min
• Yield: 4 Servings
• Calories: 285 kcal per serving

Ingredients:

The Foundation

• 1.5 lbs Chicken Tenders or Thin-Cut Breasts (Thin cuts roast evenly)
• 1 lb Fresh Green Beans, trimmed
• 2 tbsp Avocado Oil (High smoke point for searing)

The “Gold Standard” Seasoning

• 1.5 tbsp Lemon Pepper Seasoning (Check label: No added sugar)
• 1 tbsp Lemon Zest (The aromatic secret)
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp Salt (Adjust based on seasoning blend)

The Finishing Touch

• 1 Lemon, sliced into rounds
• Fresh Parsley, chopped

Preparation Steps:

1. High-Heat Setup

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper.
2. Why this matters: This high temperature is necessary to ensure the chicken sears and the green beans “blister” rather than steam and turn mushy.

2. The Flavor Coating

3. In a large bowl, toss the green beans with 1 tablespoon of oil and a pinch of salt. Spread on one side of the pan.
4. In the same bowl, toss the chicken with the remaining oil, lemon pepper seasoning, minced garlic, and lemon zest to encapsulate the protein in flavor.

3. The Arrangement

5. Place the chicken on the other side of the pan in a single layer.
6. Nestle the fresh lemon slices among the chicken and beans. As they roast, they release hot juice that creates a natural sauce.

4. The Roast

7. Roast for 15–20 minutes.
8. Safety Check: Chicken must reach 165°F (74°C). Green beans should be vibrant green with charred tips.

Expert Tips:

• Zesting Rule: Always zest your lemon before slicing or juicing it. It is nearly impossible to zest a flexible, cut lemon, and you need that outer layer for the “Gold Standard” pop of flavor.
• Crowd Control: Do not overlap the chicken or pile the green beans deep. If the pan is too crowded, moisture gets trapped and creates steam. Use two sheet pans if necessary to ensure a roast, not a steam.