Tired of takeout and craving a delicious, healthy, and easy meal? Look no further! This roasted chicken and potato recipe is your answer. It's a classic comfort food, elevated with simple herbs and spices, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend gathering. This recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, delivering big flavor with minimal effort. Prepare for a truly satisfying and delicious experience. Get ready to add this to your list of best recipes!
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), patted dry
- 1.5 pounds small red potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1 large onion, cut into wedges
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
Get Started: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is a crucial step for achieving perfectly roasted chicken and potatoes.
Prepare the Veggies: In a large bowl, toss the potatoes, onion, and carrots with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, half the minced garlic, half the rosemary, half the thyme, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
Season the Chicken: In a separate bowl, combine the remaining olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it gets into every nook and cranny. This step is essential for creating that crispy, flavorful skin.
Assemble and Roast: Place the seasoned chicken in a roasting pan. Arrange the seasoned vegetables around the chicken.
Roast to Perfection: Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and the potatoes are tender. If the chicken starts browning too quickly, loosely tent it with foil.
Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. Serve with lemon wedges and enjoy!
Cooking Tips for Success:
- Dry the Chicken: Patting the chicken dry before seasoning is crucial for achieving crispy skin.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure there's enough space between the chicken and vegetables for even cooking.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: The most accurate way to ensure your chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking time may vary depending on the size of your chicken and your oven.
Variations:
- Herbs: Experiment with other herbs like oregano, sage, or parsley.
- Vegetables: Add other vegetables like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Citrus Zest: Add lemon or orange zest to the seasoning mixture for extra flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on the size of the chicken and the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: Approximately 30-40g
- Fat: Approximately 20-30g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-30g
This roasted chicken and potato recipe is a simple yet satisfying meal that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a more leisurely weekend gathering. It's a healthy and delicious option that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this quick dinner idea and make it your own by experimenting with different herbs and vegetables! Remember to search for more easy recipes on our site for more culinary inspiration!