There’s something truly special about a baked whole chicken with vegetables. It’s the perfect comfort meal that fills your home with inviting aromas and brings the whole family together around the table.
Whether it’s a weekend dinner or a special occasion, this dish offers a beautiful balance of juicy, tender chicken and perfectly roasted veggies infused with herbs and spices. Not only is it a wholesome, one-pan meal, but it also requires minimal prep work, making it ideal for busy cooks who want delicious results without the fuss.
In this recipe, you’ll learn how to roast a whole chicken that’s crispy on the outside and succulent inside, nestled on a bed of colorful vegetables that soak up all the flavorful juices. Plus, I’ll share tips on seasoning, cooking times, and easy variations so you can tailor it to your taste.
Ready to impress your loved ones with this classic yet versatile dish? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This baked whole chicken recipe stands out because it combines simplicity with incredible flavor. You only need one roasting pan, making cleanup a breeze, and the vegetables cook alongside the chicken, absorbing its savory juices for an unbeatable taste.
The recipe is highly customizable—you can swap out vegetables based on the season or your preferences. It’s also a great way to feed a crowd or meal prep for the week ahead.
Plus, roasting a whole chicken is often more budget-friendly and satisfying compared to buying individual cuts.
And if you’re looking for more hearty meals, be sure to check out our Baked Chicken Thigh with Vegetable Recipes for Easy Dinner to keep the inspiration flowing!
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Whole chicken (preferably 4-5 lbs) | 1 |
Carrots (peeled and cut into chunks) | 4 medium |
Red potatoes (halved or quartered) | 6 medium |
Yellow onion (cut into wedges) | 1 large |
Garlic cloves (smashed) | 6 cloves |
Fresh rosemary sprigs | 3-4 sprigs |
Fresh thyme sprigs | 3-4 sprigs |
Olive oil | 3 tablespoons |
Salt | 2 teaspoons |
Black pepper (freshly ground) | 1 teaspoon |
Lemon (halved) | 1 |
Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
Equipment
- Roasting pan or large oven-safe baking dish
- Meat thermometer (for perfect doneness)
- Kitchen twine (optional, for trussing the chicken)
- Mixing bowl (for tossing vegetables)
- Basting brush (optional)
- Aluminum foil (optional, for resting the chicken)
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help crisp up the skin while keeping the chicken juicy.
- Prepare the chicken: Remove the giblets from inside the cavity if present. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
- Season the chicken: Rub the entire bird with olive oil. Season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, and dried oregano, both outside and inside the cavity.
- Stuff the cavity: Place the lemon halves, smashed garlic cloves, and a couple of rosemary and thyme sprigs inside the chicken cavity for aromatic flavor.
- Truss the chicken: Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wing tips under the body to promote even cooking.
- Prepare the vegetables: In a mixing bowl, toss carrots, potatoes, and onions with olive oil, salt, pepper, and remaining herbs. Spread evenly in the bottom of your roasting pan.
- Place the chicken on top of the vegetables breast side up.
- Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your chicken.
- Check for doneness: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the chicken: Remove the pan from the oven, tent the chicken loosely with aluminum foil, and let it rest for 15 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute for moist meat.
- Serve: Carve the chicken and serve with the roasted vegetables. Spoon some of the flavorful pan juices over the top for extra deliciousness.
Tips & Variations
Pro tip: For extra crispy skin, try patting the chicken dry again after seasoning and before roasting. Also, basting the chicken with pan juices halfway through cooking adds great flavor and moisture.
You can easily customize this dish by swapping out vegetables based on the season. Sweet potatoes, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, or butternut squash make fantastic alternatives or additions.
For a Mediterranean twist, add olives and sun-dried tomatoes to the vegetable mix, or sprinkle feta cheese over the roasted veggies just before serving.
If you want to try a different flavor profile, experiment with spices like cumin, smoked paprika, or even curry powder. For inspiration on plant-based side dishes to complement this meal, check out our Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals or Veg Maharashtrian Recipes: Easy & Delicious Meals.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
---|---|
Calories | 450 kcal |
Protein | 45 g |
Fat | 20 g |
Saturated Fat | 5 g |
Carbohydrates | 25 g |
Fiber | 5 g |
Sodium | 750 mg |
Note: Nutrition information is approximate and varies based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Serving Suggestions
This baked whole chicken with vegetables pairs wonderfully with simple sides to round out the meal. Consider a fresh green salad or steamed green beans for added crunch and color.
For a more indulgent spread, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery dinner rolls are always crowd-pleasers. If you want to keep things lighter, a quinoa or couscous salad provides a nice, nutritious contrast.
To explore more vegetable-forward recipes that would complement this dish, try our Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious or the flavorful Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor.
Conclusion
Baking a whole chicken with vegetables is one of those timeless recipes that brings warmth and satisfaction to any dining table. It’s a beautifully simple dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor and comfort.
The combination of juicy roasted chicken and caramelized vegetables is a classic that never goes out of style.
Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Plus, you can easily tailor the herbs, spices, and vegetables to suit your preferences or what’s in season.
So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to enjoy a delicious home-cooked feast that’s as nourishing as it is inviting.
For more wholesome recipes and cooking inspiration, don’t forget to explore our vast collection of meals like the Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade or the comforting Baked Spaghetti Vegetarian Recipe for Easy Family Dinner.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Baked Whole Chicken with Vegetables
Description: A flavorful baked whole chicken roasted with a medley of fresh vegetables. This easy recipe yields juicy meat and tender, caramelized veggies.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT1H20M
Total Time: PT1H40M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs)
- 3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- 3 potatoes, cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, quartered
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 lemon, halved
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Rinse and pat dry the chicken; season inside and out with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
- Stuff the chicken cavity with lemon halves and half the garlic.
- Toss carrots, potatoes, onion, and remaining garlic with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place vegetables in a roasting pan and set the chicken on top.
- Roast for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with roasted vegetables.
Nutrition: Calories: 450 kcal | Protein: 45 g | Fat: 20 g | Carbs: 20 g
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