Ingredients

• 1 boneless, skinless chicken breast (approx. 5-6 oz)
• 2 medium carrots
• 1.5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 1/2 lemon, juiced and zested
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Pat the chicken breast dry with paper towels. Season lightly on both sides with a pinch of salt and pepper.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the juice and zest of half a lemon, minced garlic, dried oregano, and the remaining salt and pepper.
4. Place the chicken breast in a shallow dish or a small zip-top bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is thoroughly coated. Let it marinate at room temperature for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the carrots, or up to 30 minutes.
5. While the chicken marinates, peel the carrots and cut them into 1-inch thick diagonal slices or uniform sticks.
6. In a separate small bowl, toss the chopped carrots with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper.
7. Arrange the marinated chicken breast on one side of the prepared baking sheet and the seasoned carrots on the other side, ensuring they are in a single layer without overcrowding.
8. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your chicken.
9. Midway through cooking (around 10-12 minutes), you can carefully flip the chicken and toss the carrots for even cooking and browning.
10. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. The carrots should be tender-crisp and slightly caramelized.
11. Once cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
12. Serve the sliced chicken alongside the roasted carrots. For an extra touch of freshness, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.