Description
A simple, classic recipe for Perfect Roast Chicken with Carrots that delivers juicy, flavorful chicken and caramelized vegetables every time. Infused with garlic, thyme, and lemon, it’s a wholesome dish ideal for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole fryer chicken (3 ½ to 4 pounds), organic or kosher preferred
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to season generously
- 1 lemon, halved or quartered
- 1 bunch fresh thyme
- 10 cloves garlic, peeled
- 8 carrots, peeled, trimmed, and halved crosswise
- 1 to 1 ½ cups chicken stock
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, more to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Season the Chicken: Rinse and thoroughly dry the chicken. Season inside and out with salt and pepper. Stuff with lemon, thyme, and half the garlic.
- Truss the Chicken: Tie the chicken securely with butcher’s string to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the Pan: Place chicken in a roasting pan. Arrange carrots and remaining garlic around it. Add 1 cup chicken stock to the pan. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Roast the Chicken: Roast for 1 ¼ to 1 ½ hours, basting every 15 minutes for the first 45 minutes. Add stock as needed.
- Rest and Serve: Transfer chicken and vegetables to a platter. Let the chicken rest for 10–15 minutes.
- Make the Sauce: Skim fat from pan juices. Stir in red wine vinegar and adjust seasoning. Drizzle sauce over the chicken and carrots before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispy skin, make sure the chicken is completely dry before seasoning.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Substitute carrots with seasonal vegetables like parsnips or Brussels sprouts for variety.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of chicken and vegetables
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 52g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: roast chicken, carrots, garlic, thyme, lemon, easy dinner