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Ready to simplify your week with a delicious and versatile dish? Roasting a whole chicken is your answer. This lemon herb roasted chicken is a game-changer for meal planning. Unlike our usual single servings, this roast chicken recipe offers a bounty of meals. Imagine a tender, juicy chicken, perfumed with lemon and herbs, surrounded by a medley of roasted vegetables. All cooked in one pan, it’s a hassle-free way to ensure several tasty meals. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, even if you’re not a kitchen pro!
Also check out Roasted Cornish Hen as a smaller alternative but with all the great flavors that come from roasting.
Consider pairing some of your roasted chicken with creamy mashed potatoes, crisp sautéed green beans, and rich, buttery cornbread.
Table of Contents
- Why Roast A Whole Chicken For Meal Planning
- Why You’ll Love This Roasted Chicken Recipe
- Ingredient Notes And Substitutions
- Recipe Variations
- Easy Lemon Herb Roast Chicken: A Simple Guide to Perfect Chicken and Vegetables
- Expert Tips
- Ways To Enjoy Roasted Chicken
- Frequently Asked Questions
- A Few Of Our Favorite Leftover Chicken Recipes
- Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
- How To Roast A Chicken For Meal Planning Recipe
Why Roast A Whole Chicken For Meal Planning
Roasting a whole chicken is a smart move for anyone looking to streamline their meal prep. It’s not just about cooking in bulk; it’s about having a versatile, delicious base that can be transformed into multiple dishes throughout the week. Plus, it’s economical and reduces food waste – a win-win!
Why You’ll Love This Roasted Chicken Recipe
- Efficiency: One pan does it all – the chicken and vegetables cook together.
- Flavorful: Lemon and herbs infuse the chicken with vibrant, irresistible flavors.
- Adaptable: The leftover chicken offers endless possibilities, easily incorporated into everything from salads to sandwiches. With a whole roasted chicken, you’re not just preparing one meal, but creating a base for numerous exciting dishes. Keep mealtime fresh and interesting by transforming your leftovers in creative ways. Don’t forget to use our Recipe Finder tool for a wealth of ideas on how to repurpose leftover chicken into delicious new meals
- Time-Saving: Prep it, pop it in the oven, and your work is done. The oven does the rest.
- Healthy: Packed with protein and essential nutrients, it’s a meal you can feel good about.
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Ingredient Notes And Substitutions
This section provides a quick rundown of the ingredients used in this roasted chicken recipe. For complete measurements and step-by-step instructions, please scroll to the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
- Vegetables: The blend of broccoli, carrots, onions, and garlic not only provides essential nutrients but also creates a flavor base for the chicken. If you’re in the mood to mix it up, feel free to swap in other vegetables like sweet potatoes or parsnips.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is favored for its high quality and robust flavor, which enhances the overall taste of the dish. However, for those who prefer a milder taste, light olive oil is an acceptable substitute.
- Seasonings: The classic combination of rosemary, salt, and pepper gives a Mediterranean touch to the dish. If you’re out of dried rosemary, feel free to use dried thyme or oregano instead.
- Butter: Using salted butter contributes to the golden, crispy skin of the chicken. For a healthier twist or to manage sodium intake, unsalted butter or an extra drizzle of olive oil can be used as alternatives.
Recipe Variations
Experimenting with different flavors can turn your roasted chicken into a culinary delight. Here are some variations to try:
- Spice-Infused Chicken: Add a blend of paprika, garlic powder, and cumin for a warm, spicy twist. Rub the spice mix under the skin and inside the cavity for an intense flavor.
- Citrus Chicken: Replace lemon with orange or grapefruit for a different citrus profile. The zest adds a fresh, tangy note to the chicken.
- Moroccan-Inspired Chicken: For an exotic twist, use a combination of ground cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and a hint of cayenne pepper. Rub this spice blend all over the chicken, inside and out. Stuff the cavity with lemon wedges and fresh mint. This variation brings a warm, aromatic flavor reminiscent of North African cuisine.
- BBQ Chicken: Brush the chicken with BBQ sauce during the last 30 minutes of roasting for a smoky, tangy taste. This variation adds a delightful twist to the traditional roast.
Easy Lemon Herb Roast Chicken: A Simple Guide to Perfect Chicken and Vegetables
In this recipe, we skip the roasting rack and choose a more flavorful base. Here’s what makes this method shine:
- Flavorful Foundation: By placing the chicken in the center of the pan surrounded by an array of vegetables, you create a self-basting system. As the chicken roasts, it becomes wonderfully crispy, and the vegetables tenderize, absorbing the rich juices that render from the chicken. This not only imparts incredible flavor but also simplifies cooking, bringing the entire meal to life in just one pan.
- Ease of Preparation: One pan is all you need for a meal that’s bursting with natural goodness. The chicken and vegetables cook together, meaning less hassle for you and more robust flavors for your dish. Without the fuss of extra pots and pans, this method is a game-changer for creating a fuss-free, flavorful feast.
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Expert Tips
- Temperature Check: To ensure the chicken is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer. The ideal internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Rest and Relax: Allow the chicken to rest for 10-15 minutes after roasting. This lets the juices redistribute, yielding a moist and tender meat.
- Under the Skin: For an intense flavor, gently push a mixture of butter and herbs beneath the skin before roasting.
Ways To Enjoy Roasted Chicken
Roasted chicken is incredibly versatile. Here are some fantastic ways to enjoy it:
- Shred and Add to Salads: For a light lunch, shred some chicken and toss it into a Pasta Salad, Greek Salad, Caesar Salad or a Cobb Salad.
- Create a Hearty Sandwich: Slice the chicken and build a sandwich with fresh veggies and your choice of bread.
- Stir into Soups: Elevate vegetable soup or tomato soup by adding chunks of roasted chicken.
- Make a Wrap: Combine with veggies and fill a homemade tortilla for a quick, delicious meal.
- Whip up a Quick Chicken Pasta: Toss with buttered noodles, some olive oil, and parmesan for a simple dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cooked chicken will last for 3-4 days if kept covered in the refrigerator.
Refrigerate in an airtight container. You can slice it for sandwiches, shred it for salads, or simply reheat it for a quick meal.
No, to achieve crispy skin, roast the chicken uncovered.
Absolutely! Try oranges or just herbs for a different twist.
A Few Of Our Favorite Leftover Chicken Recipes
Transform your leftover roasted chicken into an array of delicious dishes with these easy recipes. Having roasted a whole chicken is like having a mealtime treasure chest; you can enjoy a variety of delicious meals throughout the week. Each of these recipes capitalizes on the rich, lemon-infused flavor of your chicken, ensuring that none of that savory goodness goes to waste.
- Chicken Spaghetti: Shred some of your chicken and toss it into a creamy spaghetti dish for a comforting dinner.
- Chicken Fried Rice: Stir-fry your chicken with rice, veggies, and a bit of soy sauce for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Chicken Enchilada Verde: Layer your chicken between corn tortillas and smother them with a tangy green sauce for a flavorful twist on enchiladas.
- Chicken and Golden Rice: Combine chicken with turmeric-seasoned rice and a mix of herbs for a dish that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
- Chicken Chili: Simmer your chicken with vegetables, tomatoes, and chili spices for a hearty bowl that warms the soul.
- Chicken Tacos: Stuff tortillas with chicken and your favorite toppings for a taco night that’s extra special with homemade roasted chicken.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this roast chicken recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
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How To Roast A Chicken For Meal Planning
Equipment
- Large roasting pan
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 4 medium carrots , thickly sliced
- 1 medium onion , thickly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic , divided
- 1 ½ teaspoon olive oil , divided
- 1 (5-6 pound) whole chicken , rinsed and patted dry with giblets removed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt , divided
- ¾ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper , divided
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 lemon , sliced in half
- 4 tablespoons salted butter , softened
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Vegetable Prep: In a roasting pan, toss broccoli, carrots, onion, and two cloves of garlic with ¼ teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
- Chicken Preparation: Remove the giblets from the chicken. Thoroughly clean the chicken, both inside and out, and then pat the outside dry.
- Seasoning the Inside: Sprinkle the inside of the chicken with ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, and dried rosemary.
- Stuffing the Chicken: Fill the cavity of the chicken with lemon quarters, the remaining garlic, and two tablespoons of butter.
- Arranging in Pan: Place the chicken in the roasting pan, ensuring it's surrounded by the seasoned vegetables.
- Seasoning the Outside: Gently rub the outside of the chicken with the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and ½ teaspoon of olive oil.
- Final Skin Seasoning: Season the chicken's skin with an extra ¼ teaspoon each of salt and pepper.
- Roasting: Roast the chicken for approximately 1 ½ hours, or until it's fully cooked, indicated by clear juices when slicing between the thigh and leg.
- Resting: Once done, transfer the chicken and vegetables to a serving platter. Cover them with foil and let them rest for 20 minutes.
- Serving: Carve the chicken and arrange it on the platter alongside the roasted vegetables, ready to be served.
Notes
-
- Temperature Check: To ensure the chicken is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer. The ideal internal temperature should reach 165°F.
-
- Rest and Relax: Allow the chicken to rest for 10-15 minutes after roasting. This lets the juices redistribute, yielding a moist and tender meat.
-
- Under the Skin: For an intense flavor, gently push a mixture of butter and herbs beneath the skin before roasting.
- Shred and Add to Salads: For a light lunch, shred some chicken and toss it into a Pasta Salad, Greek Salad, Caesar Salad or a Cobb Salad.
- Create a Hearty Sandwich: Slice the chicken and build a sandwich with fresh veggies and your choice of bread.
- Stir into Soups: Elevate vegetable soup or tomato soup by adding chunks of roasted chicken.
- Make a Wrap: Combine with veggies and fill a homemade tortilla for a quick, delicious meal.
- Whip up a Quick Chicken Pasta: Toss with buttered noodles, some olive oil, and parmesan for a simple dinner.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
I never buy enough chicken to have “leftovers”.
How do I reduce this recipe for one or two drumsticks or thighs?
If you’re working with just one or two drumsticks or thighs, this particular whole chicken recipe isn’t the best fit. It’s designed specifically for a whole chicken. However, I have a great selection of recipes tailored to smaller cuts like drumsticks and thighs. Simply head to the search bar on my website and type in “chicken thigh” or “chicken drumstick” to find a recipe that will be just the right size for your needs.