Super Juicy Whole Roasted Chicken with Vegetables
EQUIPMENT
- large baking dish
INGREDIENTS
- 1 whole chicken or 4 leg quarters
- 1-2 tablespoons honey
Chicken marinade:
- 1 heaping tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chicken rub, chicken seasoning
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
Filling:
- 1 garlic head, halved
- 2 lemon slices
- 3 thyme sprigs
Vegetable mix:
- 3 medium-sized potatoes, diced
- 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 red onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat the oven to 390°F (200°C).
- Place the vegetable mix in a large baking dish, and place the chicken on top (if you have a baking dish with a rack, place the chicken on the rack). Stuff the chicken with lemon slices, thyme, and the halves of garlic head – if using chicken quarters, simply place them in the baking dish.
- Coat the chicken with the marinade, sprinkle some additional paprika, and drizzle honey and a bit of olive oil over it. Place in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. After that, reduce the temperature to 355°F (180°C) and bake for another 75 to 90 minutes.
MY NOTES
FAQ
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat; it should read 165°F (74°C) when done. Additionally, the juices should run clear, and the chicken should no longer be pink. This ensures both safety and optimal flavor and texture.
Can I use different vegetables for this whole roasted chicken recipe?
Absolutely. While the recipe suggests using potatoes, sweet potatoes, and red onion, you can customize it to using carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, or any preferred veggies. Just ensure they are cut to similar sizes for even cooking.
Can I prepare the marinade and vegetable mix in advance?
Yes! Mix the marinade and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Dice the vegetables and store them separately. When you’re ready to cook, simply coat the chicken with the marinade and combine it with the prepped vegetables.
Is it necessary to use mayonnaise in the marinade for this whole roasted chicken?
Using mayonnaise in the marinade adds creaminess and depth of flavor, but it’s not strictly necessary. You can omit it if you prefer or substitute it with Greek yogurt or a similar creamy ingredient.
