Recipe: One-Pan Roasted Chicken with Root Vegetables

This easy, all-in-one recipe is a fantastic way to get a delicious and hassle-free dinner on the table. The chicken roasts to golden perfection while the classic Australian root vegetables caramelize in the pan drippings, creating a delightful meal that's sure to please.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (around 2.5 kilograms)

• 3-4 medium potatoes, scrubbed and cut into chunks

• 3-4 large carrots, peeled and cut into thick pieces

• 2-3 parsnips, peeled and cut into thick pieces

• 1 red onion, peeled and cut into wedges

• 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)

• 1 lemon, halved (optional)

• Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).

2. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season the cavity generously with salt and pepper.

3. In a large bowl, toss together the potatoes, carrots, parsnips, red onion, and garlic cloves with olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary (if using).

4. Spread the vegetables evenly in a large baking dish. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables, breast side up. Tuck the lemon halves (if using) around the chicken in the pan.

5. Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the chicken juices run clear when the thickest part of the thigh is pierced with a knife, and the vegetables are tender. Baste the chicken with pan drippings occasionally during roasting for extra flavour.

6. If the chicken skin isn't golden brown and crispy after 1 hour and 15 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 230°C (450°F) and roast for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until desired crispness is achieved.

7. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. Garnish with fresh herbs (optional) and serve with the roasted vegetables.

Tips:

• Feel free to substitute your favourite vegetables! Sweet potato, beetroot, or swede would all work well in this dish.

• If your chicken weighs more than 2.5 kilograms, you may need to adjust the roasting time slightly.

• For additional flavour, stuff the cavity of the chicken with lemon wedges, fresh herbs, or chopped onion before roasting.

Enjoy this delicious and healthy one-pan meal!