Beverage Zone
Sheet-pan dinners, anyone? If you’re anything like me, the easier the recipe, the better. Especially on those crazy weeknights when you’re juggling work, errands, and trying to squeeze in a little “me time.” Well, Lisa Lillien – you might know her as Hungry Girl – has got your back! She’s a whiz at whipping up guilt-free goodies that don’t taste like cardboard. Recently, she revealed three of her go-to sheet-pan recipes. Trust me; these are total game-changers. Get ready for some seriously tasty AND healthy meals!
Sheet-Pan Lemon-Herb Chicken and Veggies
This recipe is all about fresh flavors and minimal cleanup. Honestly, what’s not to love? I mean, who wants to spend hours scrubbing pots and pans after a long day? Not me!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb assorted veggies (broccoli florets, bell peppers, zucchini, etc.), chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp dried herbs (Italian blend, or a mix of your favorites)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken and veggies with olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything’s nicely coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly on a large sheet pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender. Keep an eye on it, ovens can be quirky!
Tips and Variations
Don’t be afraid to mix it up! Swap out the veggies for your seasonal favorites. Asparagus in the spring? Sweet potatoes in the fall? Go wild! You can also add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of baking for a little extra flavor. I sometimes throw in some cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness. Just sayin’!
Sheet-Pan Shrimp Fajitas
Fajitas without all the fuss? Sign me up! This is a super fun and flavorful way to get your Mexican food fix without ordering takeout. Plus, it’s way healthier, you know?
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet fajita seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss the shrimp, bell pepper, and onion with olive oil and fajita seasoning. Make sure everything is evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly on a large sheet pan.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the shrimp is pink and cooked through, and the veggies are tender-crisp. Don’t overcook the shrimp, or they’ll get rubbery!
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sizzling shrimp fajitas with warm tortillas, salsa, guacamole, and a dollop of Greek yogurt (it’s a healthier alternative to sour cream!). You could even throw in some rice and beans for a complete fiesta! I like to squeeze a little lime juice over everything for an extra zing. Oh, and don’t forget the cilantro!
Sheet-Pan Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal
Okay, who says sheet-pan meals are only for dinner? Lisa Lillien’s got a sweet tooth covered too. This baked oatmeal is perfect for a lazy weekend brunch or a healthy make-ahead breakfast. It’s like dessert for breakfast, but without the guilt!
Ingredients
- 3 cups rolled oats
- 3 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (or any nut butter)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well.
- Pour the mixture onto a greased sheet pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the oatmeal is set and golden brown. Let it cool slightly before cutting into squares.
Why This Recipe Works
The sheet-pan method ensures that the oatmeal bakes evenly and develops a slightly crispy edge, which is just delightful. The banana and peanut butter add natural sweetness and creaminess, while the cinnamon gives it a warm, comforting flavor. Seriously, this is my new go-to breakfast. And the best part? It’s so easy to customize! You can add chocolate chips, berries, nuts… whatever your heart desires!
So there you have it – three simple, healthy, and totally delicious sheet-pan recipes from the queen of guilt-free eating, Lisa Lillien. Honestly, these recipes are proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or boring. So, grab a sheet pan and get cooking! And hey, if you try any of these, let me know what you think! I’m always looking for new culinary adventures!
