Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinner: Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken with Roasted Vegetables
Introduction: Busy weeknights call for simple yet delicious meals that can be prepared without spending too much time in the kitchen. This Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken with Roasted Vegetables recipe is a perfect solution. It's a wholesome and flavorful dish that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum satisfaction. Let's dive into the step-by-step guide to create this quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Roasted Vegetables:

• 2 cups of mixed vegetables (such as bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:

• In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
• Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
• Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated.
• Seal the bag or cover the dish, and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).

2. Preheat the Grill:

• Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.

3. Prepare the Vegetables:

• While the chicken is marinating, wash and chop the mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
• Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

4. Grill the Chicken:

• Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess marinade drip off.
• Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill.
• Grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is no longer pink in the center.

5. Roast the Vegetables:

• While the chicken is grilling, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Spread the prepared vegetables on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until they are tender and slightly caramelized.

6. Serve:

• Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
• Serve the grilled chicken alongside the roasted vegetables.

7. Optional Garnish:

• Garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil, and drizzle with a little extra lemon juice if desired.

Conclusion: This Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken with Roasted Vegetables recipe is a fantastic option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. With just a few simple steps, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. Whether you're a busy parent or simply looking for a fuss-free dinner idea, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your weeknight meal rotation.

Here are some kid-friendly treats and snacks for the end-of-summer party:

**Treats:**

1. Ice Cream Cones: Offer a variety of ice cream flavors and let the kids choose their toppings like sprinkles, chocolate chips, whipped cream, and cherries.

2. Popsicles: You can either buy colorful popsicles or make your own using fruit juices or yogurt.

3. Cupcakes: Decorate cupcakes with colorful frosting and edible decorations like gummy bears or candy eyes.

4. Fruit Skewers: Thread chunks of watermelon, pineapple, grapes, and berries onto skewers for a refreshing and healthy treat.

5. Rice Krispie Treats: These classic treats are always a hit with kids, and you can even shape them into fun summer-themed molds.

6. Mini Donuts: Serve up mini-sized donuts with different glazes and toppings.

**Snacks:**

1. Popcorn: Pop some plain popcorn and offer different seasonings like cheese, caramel, or cinnamon-sugar for kids to add themselves.

2. Veggie Sticks with Dip: Provide carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips with a side of ranch or hummus for dipping.

3. Cheese and Crackers: Set out a platter with a variety of cheese cubes and crackers for kids to nibble on.

4. Pretzels: Mini pretzels or pretzel sticks make a crunchy and savory snack option.

5. Trail Mix: Create a custom trail mix with nuts, dried fruits, chocolate chips, and pretzels.

6. Fruit Cups: Serve individual fruit cups with a mix of fresh fruits like grapes, oranges, and strawberries.

7. Cheese Puffs: These airy snacks are a favorite among kids and come in various flavors.

8. Fruit Pops: Freeze blended fruit or fruit juices in popsicle molds for a healthy and tasty frozen treat.

Remember to consider any dietary restrictions or allergies among the party guests when selecting the treats and snacks. You can mix and match these ideas to create a delicious and diverse spread that will keep the kids satisfied and energized throughout the party!