When it comes to comforting, hearty meals that don’t require much fuss, it’s hard to beat Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken with Vegetables. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a special family dinner. The chicken is marinated in a zesty lemon herb mixture, then roasted to perfection alongside seasonal vegetables that soak up all those delicious juices.
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is. You only need a few ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry, and everything comes together in a single pan. The result is a flavorful, juicy chicken with crispy skin and vegetables that are caramelized and tender. It’s a simple, nutritious, and satisfying meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Why Roasted Chicken?
Roasted chicken is a classic for a reason. Not only is it incredibly versatile, but it also offers a great balance of protein and flavor. By roasting it with fresh herbs and lemon, you create a dish that’s light, aromatic, and incredibly satisfying. The combination of zesty citrus and earthy herbs makes this a bright and comforting meal, perfect for any season.
Additionally, roasting everything in one pan means less cleanup, which is always a bonus!
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs)
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 medium potatoes, cut into wedges
- 1 onion, quartered
- 1 lemon, cut in half
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s go through the steps to create this delicious Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken with Vegetables:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Marinade
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Start by preparing the chicken. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, both inside and out. This helps the skin get crispy during roasting.
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, and pepper. Squeeze the juice of one lemon half into the mixture and stir to combine. Rub this herb mixture all over the chicken, ensuring that it gets under the skin for maximum flavor. Stuff the chicken cavity with the smashed garlic cloves and the remaining lemon half.
Step 2: Prep the Vegetables
In a large roasting pan or baking dish, arrange the carrots, potatoes, and onion quarters. Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.
Place the seasoned chicken on top of the vegetables. The juices from the chicken will flavor the vegetables as they roast, creating a delicious one-pan meal.
Step 3: Roast the Chicken
Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven. Roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. If the chicken skin starts to get too dark, cover the bird loosely with aluminum foil during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking.
As the chicken roasts, baste it with the pan juices every 20-30 minutes to keep the meat moist and add extra flavor.
Step 4: Let the Chicken Rest
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken remains tender and juicy.
While the chicken rests, you can leave the vegetables in the oven for a few extra minutes if they need to brown a bit more.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Carve the chicken and serve it alongside the roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, zesty finish.
Enjoy your Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken with Vegetables hot, with the crispy skin and tender, juicy meat paired with caramelized veggies.
Tips for Success
Here are some tips to ensure your roasted chicken turns out perfectly:
- Pat the Chicken Dry: Drying the chicken before seasoning it helps the skin crisp up during roasting, giving you that delicious, golden-brown finish.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid undercooking or overcooking the chicken, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Don’t Skip the Basting: Basting the chicken with pan juices during roasting adds extra moisture and helps keep the meat juicy. It also infuses the vegetables with even more flavor.
- Rest the Chicken: Letting the chicken rest after roasting is essential. It allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender.
Variations to Try
If you want to switch things up, here are a few variations you can try:
1. Add Different Vegetables
Feel free to swap or add other vegetables based on what you have available. Sweet potatoes, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, or butternut squash all work well in this dish.
2. Spicy Roasted Chicken
For a spicier version, add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the herb mixture before rubbing it on the chicken.
3. Citrus Twist
Try using oranges or limes instead of lemons for a different citrus flavor. Or mix different types of citrus for a unique twist.
4. Garlic Butter Roasted Chicken
For a richer flavor, you can substitute half of the olive oil with melted butter. This will give the chicken an even more golden-brown color and a rich, buttery taste.
What to Serve with Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken
While this recipe is already a complete meal with protein and vegetables, you can add a few sides to complement the dish:
- Green Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the rich, roasted chicken.
- Crusty Bread: A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful pan juices.
- Mashed Potatoes: For an extra dose of comfort, serve the chicken with creamy mashed potatoes on the side.
- Roasted Asparagus: Lightly roasted asparagus pairs wonderfully with the lemony flavor of the chicken.
Conclusion
This Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken with Vegetables is an easy, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. The combination of zesty lemon, fresh herbs, and tender chicken creates a meal that’s satisfying without being too heavy. Plus, the one-pan preparation means less cleanup, which is always a win!
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can have a delicious, hearty meal on the table. Whether you’re new to roasting chicken or a seasoned pro, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites.
Enjoy this cozy meal!