Are you looking for a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy weeknight dinner? Then look no further! This one-pan roasted chicken and vegetable recipe, inspired by the Hairy Bikers' love of hearty, flavorful food, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a simple, healthy meal that's perfect for busy weeknights and requires minimal cleanup – a win-win! Get ready to impress your family and friends with this fantastic homemade cooking masterpiece.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs), cut into 8 pieces or use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 2 lbs baby potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 lb carrots, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 red onion, cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your chicken and vegetables roast perfectly. Preheating is key for even cooking!
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Prepare the vegetables: Wash and chop all your vegetables according to the ingredient list. Make sure the pieces are relatively uniform in size so they cook evenly.
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Season the chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is well coated. This step adds amazing flavor!
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Assemble the one-pan wonder: Spread the potatoes, carrots, and red onion in a large roasting pan or baking dish. Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the vegetables. Tuck lemon slices between the chicken and vegetables.
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Roast to perfection: Roast for 60-75 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork, and the vegetables are tender. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Rest and serve: Once cooked, remove the pan from the oven and let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Tips for Hairy Bikers-Style Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Ensure there's enough space between the chicken and vegetables for even browning and cooking.
- Use bone-in chicken: Bone-in chicken pieces will stay juicier and more flavorful during roasting.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste: Feel free to add more or less herbs and spices based on your preference. A dash of paprika adds a lovely smoky note.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the chicken seasoning for a spicy kick.
- Mediterranean Twist: Substitute oregano and thyme with Italian herbs and add some Kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Herby Chicken: Experiment with different fresh herbs like parsley, sage, or chives.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your chicken and the specific vegetables used. However, a general estimate per serving is:
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 35-40g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
This simple, delicious, and healthy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy this easy, flavorful, and satisfying meal! It’s a testament to the Hairy Bikers' philosophy of good food made easy and enjoyable. Let us know how your version turned out in the comments below!