Satisfy Your Cravings: Try This Chicken & Roots Recipe
Are you looking for a delicious and easy meal that will impress your guests? Look no further than my Chicken & Roots Recipe – a flavor-packed, one-pan wonder that is sure to steal the show at your next dinner party.
This recipe takes classic French-style chicken and pairs it with a bed of roasted root vegetables, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. Not only is it simple to prepare, but it is also packed with wholesome ingredients that will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied.
Whether you are a seasoned chef or an at-home cook, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to elevate their home-cooking game. So grab your apron and let’s get started on this delicious culinary journey together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Calling all foodies and home chefs, I have a recipe that will make your taste buds dance with delight. You’ll love this recipe for Chicken & Roots – a one-pan meal that is sure to be a new favorite in your household.
First off, let’s talk about the ingredients. This dish combines succulent roast chicken with hearty root vegetables like carrots, onions, and potatoes, making it both delicious and nutritious. And who doesn’t love a good one-pan meal? It saves time on prep and clean-up without sacrificing flavor or quality.
But it’s not just the convenience of this recipe that makes it stand out – it’s also the flavors. The chicken is roasted to perfection, resulting in juicy meat with crispy skin that will have your family asking for seconds. Plus, the herbs and garlic butter infuse each bite with a burst of unmistakable flavor that is simply irresistible.
Not only that, but this dish is versatile and can be tailored to fit any dietary preferences or needs. Whether you’re paleo or vegetarian, there are plenty of substitutions and variations available to ensure that everyone at your dinner table is satisfied. Serve it alongside some baked chickpeas or Thomas Keller’s famous roasted vegetables for an extra touch of flavor.
So why will you love this recipe? With its simple preparation, mouthwatering flavors, combination of wholesome ingredients, and versatility, what’s not to love? This dish is perfect for those intimate family dinners or larger gatherings – you can even impress your guests by serving up a classic French-style chicken root recipe.
Revamp your weekly meal routine and try out this sheet pan roasted chicken root veggies recipe from Levi Roots today!
Ingredient List
Before diving into the recipe, let’s make sure we have all the ingredients necessary. This recipe, chicken and roots, relies on a handful of staple vegetables, herbs, and spices to create a hearty and flavorful dish that will satisfy all your cravings.
Here’s a list of ingredients:
- 1 (3½ – 4 lb/1.5 – 2 kg) whole roasting chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 2 lbs (900 g) potatoes, cut into halves or quarters depending on size
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons minced fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary or sage
We’ll also need to make some herb butter for this recipe. Here is what you’ll need:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon minced fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary, sage)
Finally, let’s talk about the cooking oil for this dish. You can use any oil you prefer; however, I would recommend olive oil. It has a fruity flavor and can withstand higher temperatures without burning.
The Recipe How-To
Before starting, preheat your oven to 450F. Then, get your pan out – I used a sheet pan for this which worked perfectly.
Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Vegetables
Make sure to wash the whole chicken and pat it dry with paper towels. Set it aside on a cutting board, and then move on to prepping the root vegetables. Peel and slice 4 large carrots, 2 onions, and 4 large potatoes into small cubes or pieces.
Step 2: Herb Butter
In a small bowl, mix together a good amount of soft butter, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme, 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary and some salt and pepper to taste. This will be used to coat the chicken.
Step 3: Seasoning
Next, season both sides of the chicken with kosher salt and 2 teaspoons black pepper, making sure you get all sides. When done, place it in the center of the sheet pan.
Step 4: Bed of Vegetables
Create a bed of vegetables around the chicken on the sheet pan. Spread them evenly; this will help cook everything evenly. Drizzle some of your best extra-virgin olive oil over everything- we want them to roast properly.
Step 5: Butter Up!
Once both chicken and vegetables are adequately placed on the sheet pan, start coating the chicken with that herb butter you made! Spread it all over until it’s completely covered.
Step 6: Roasting
Pop those bad boys into your preheated oven at 450F for about an hour or until the chickens internal temperature reaches 165F (75C). Rotate the pan halfway through cooking so that everything cooks evenly.
There you have it! A deliciously simple recipe that will become a staple in your home kitchen!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to switch things up a bit with this recipe? No worries, I’ve got you covered. Here are some substitutions and variations to consider:
– Vegetarian twist: If you’re vegetarian or simply want to cut back on meat, swap the roasting chicken for baked chickpeas or tofu. This will give your dish a delightful texture while still ensuring that it’s filling.
– Change up the protein: Feel free to switch up the protein entirely by using baked chicken thighs or chicken breasts instead of whole roast chicken.
– Different herbs: Mix things up and try using different herbs in the herb butter. If rosemary isn’t your thing, consider using other herbs such as thyme or oregano —or even mix them all together!
– Spice it up: If you like things on the spicy side, add some heat to your dish by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes into the herb butter mix.
– Root vegetable variations: Sweet potatoes, parsnips and beets can be use in place of carrots and potatoes in this recipe. They will bring unique flavors and nutrition profiles.
– Additions: For some extra flavor, try adding sliced bell peppers, zucchini or mushrooms into the mix. These vegetables go so well with roasted chicken and just spices things up.
Remember that cooking is all about experimenting and finding what works best for you. So don’t hesitate to get creative in your kitchen and make this delicious recipe truly your own!
Serving and Pairing
This roasted chicken and root vegetables recipe is a one-pan wonder that is perfect for serving at dinner parties or family meals. The combination of juicy chicken, fragrant garlic-roasted vegetables and classic French-style seasoning creates a rich and hearty meal that is sure to delight your taste buds.
To create a visually stunning presentation, place the chicken in the center of a large platter and surround it with the roasted root vegetables. Drizzle some of the herb butter and pan juices over the top for an extra burst of flavor.
For the best pairing options, I suggest serving this dish with a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, or Grenache. These wines have just enough complexity to complement the chicken’s flavors without overpowering them.
Alternatively, you could serve this dish with a crisp green salad on the side for a lighter meal option. A simple vinaigrette made with lemon juice, olive oil, salt and honey would be perfect for adding some tangy freshness to your plate.
When it comes to serving this roasted chicken and root vegetable recipe, there’s no wrong way to do it. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just having a casual meal at home, this dish is bound to impress anyone who tries it!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Once you’ve prepared this delicious one-pan meal, you may be wondering if it can be made ahead of time, stored or reheated. Fortunately, this chicken and root recipe is perfect for all three!
If you want to get a head start on preparing dinner, you can chop the vegetables ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can also rub the herb butter under the chicken’s skin and store it in the refrigerator overnight.
After roasting the chicken and vegetables, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you have leftover shredded chicken, it can easily be incorporated into salads or sandwiches. The roasted vegetables also make a great side dish for any meal.
When reheating leftovers, be sure to do so in the oven rather than the microwave. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken and vegetables on a baking sheet. Cover with foil and heat until warmed through. This will help to retain their moisture and flavor.
With these storage and reheating tips, this dish is perfect for those looking for a quick and easy meal during busy weeknights or even as leftovers for lunch throughout the week. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking a whole chicken with root vegetables may seem intimidating, especially if you’re doing this for the first time. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some helpful tips to achieve tender, juicy chicken with perfectly roasted roots.
1. Preheat Your Oven
Ensure that your oven is preheated before you start roasting. A well-preheated oven helps the chicken cook evenly without drying it.
2. Make Room for the Chicken
The chicken should be placed in the center of the pan with enough space around it for proper air circulation. This will guarantee even browning and crispiness all over.
3. Dry Your Bird
Before seasoning your bird with herb butter or marinade, make sure you pat it dry with paper towels. Excess moisture will prevent crispy skin from forming.
4. Stuff It Right
For added flavor, stuff the chicken cavity with garlic cloves and onion wedges. This guarantees that the flavor goes right to the heart of the bird.
5. Don’t Skip on Seasoning
Season your chicken generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Sprinkle part of it inside the cavity and rub some underneath the skin as well as on top of it.
6. Use a Meat Thermometer
Unlike beef that can still be cooked if it’s tough, chicken has to be fully cooked for safety reasons. A meat thermometer measures the internal temperature of your roast to ensure it’s properly cooked to 165°F as recommended by USDA guidelines.
With these tips, you’re sure to get a beautiful brown roasted bird and aromatic veggies that’ll be perfect for any occasion!
FAQ
As with any recipe, there may be some lingering questions or concerns that come to mind. To help address any potential issues, let’s dive into the frequently asked questions about this chicken and roots recipe.
Why do you put a lemon in a chicken?
When preparing chicken, the tartness of lemon juice can be both beneficial and flavorful. It can help balance the more pungent taste of dark meat found in thighs and legs, as well as the greasiness of the chicken’s skin. However, if you’re not a fan of skin on your chicken, you can opt for chicken breasts instead. Keep in mind that the cooking time may be different depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
How does Anthony Bourdain roast chicken?
To get started, grab a flame-proof roasting pan and place your chicken in it. Allow it to cook for around 30-40 minutes in the oven, rotating the pan from time to time to ensure that it gets evenly cooked. Keep in mind that some spots in your oven may be hotter than others, so moving the pan around will help avoid undercooked or overcooked areas. Using a bulb-top baster or a long-handled metal spoon, baste the chicken two or three times while it cooks to keep it nice and moist. By the end, you’ll have a perfectly cooked chicken that is ready to impress your guests.
What is it called when you split a chicken to cook it?
If you want to achieve crispy skin and faster, more evenly cooked chicken, try spatchcocking— a technique that involves removing the backbone and flattening the bird. This method is gaining popularity among home cooks and chefs alike.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this chicken and roots recipe is the perfect dish for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, it provides a delicious and hearty meal that can feed a crowd. Not only does it make use of root vegetables, but it also allows for variations and substitutions so you can tailor the dish to your liking. And with its one-pan preparation, clean-up is a breeze, so you can spend more time entertaining your guests and enjoying their company. So why not give this recipe a try at your next gathering? I guarantee it will become a staple in your recipe collection.
Chicken & Roots Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 whole cut up roasting chicken
- 2 lbs potatoes, quartered
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- 5 medium carrots, cut in 1 in pieces
- 6 peeled garlic cloves, whole
- olive oil, to coat
- salt & pepper
- 1 tablespoon herbes de provence
Instructions
- Pre heat oven to 375 degrees.
- Rinse chicken and pat dry.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper & 1/2 of herbs.
- Place chicken in a large roasting pan & drizzle with olive oil.
- Place in oven and cook for 25 minutes.
- Meanwhile place remaining ingredients in a mixing bowl coat with olive oil season and add remaining herbs.
- After the chicken has cooked the first 20 min add the vegetables to the roasting pan return to oven and cook 30 minute.
- Remove when chicken is fully cooked and potatoes and garlic are caramelized.
- Fantastic with a bottle of wine and a crusty loaf of bread!
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!