Introduction to Perfect Roast Chicken
This Perfect Roast Chicken recipe has eight ingredients total and is an absolute breeze to make. All you need is a whole chicken, garlic, onion, thyme, lemon, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
The Simplicity of Chicken Recipes
I often make this easy chicken recipe on Mondays at the start of a busy week because it’s so simple. You can assemble all of the ingredients in the morning (or night before), then pop the bird into the oven to cook right before dinner.
Utilizing Leftovers
After we finish dinner, I pull out my Insta Pot and turn the carcass into Bone Broth, and use the leftover meat to make tacos or Chicken Salad the next night for dinner. My favorite part of this whole roast chicken is the leftovers it provides. Roast chicken is the gift that keeps on giving.
Variations of Roast Chicken
A couple of nights ago, one of the boys made roast chicken in the oven. He followed the recipe below but instead of onion used scallions and he replaced the garlic and thyme with ginger. It was one of the best whole roasted chickens I’ve ever had! If whole chicken isn’t your thing and you are looking for a roast chicken thighs recipe, check out my fan favorite Spicy Chicken Grilled with Lime. For a roast chicken breast in oven recipe check out my Baked Chicken in Oven with Mustard and Lime.
Cooking Time for Roast Chicken
This roasted chicken recipe takes ninety minutes to cook, the perfect amount of time for the inside to become tender and the skin to get nice and crispy. Back in the day this was just enough time to get the kitchen cleaned up, do a couple other chores and get the boys started on their homework.
The Importance of Lemon in Roast Chicken
My version of Perfect Roast Chicken is based upon one from Ina Garten. My favorite thing about it is the lemon which gives it a wonderful tang.
A Healthy and Low-Carb Dinner Option
While Ina’s recipe for Perfect Roast Chicken calls for wheat flour, chicken stock, and butter, mine is a tad simpler and a great low-carb dinner that’s healthy! My boys adore this roasted chicken recipe and I think you will too!
Serving Suggestions: Broccoli with Chicken
One of our favorite dinners of all time is broccoli with chicken. Use this Perfect Roast Chicken recipe, and serve alongside my recipe for Grilled Broccoli. Or, try my broccoli that’s oven roasted if you don’t have a grill, or it’s too cold to grill outside.
Making Bone Broth with Leftovers
Every time I make this healthy chicken recipe I save the carcass and make a big batch of my homemade Bone Broth Insta Pot recipe. I keep some of the bone broth in the refrigerator, and the rest in the freezer. I love using the bone broth for snacks and in other dinner recipes throughout the week.
The Benefits of a Low-Carb Chicken Recipe
Since I’m on a Keto Diet, it’s wonderful to have a chicken recipe that’s low carb. And the herbs and veggies in this recipe are wonderfully healing which makes this a perfect functional food recipe.
What are Functional Foods?
According to the Mayo Clinic, a functional food is something that has a potentially positive effect on health beyond caloric nutrition. Every ingredient in my low-carb chicken recipe is a functional food:
- Chicken – rich in protein, bones full of collagen
- Pepper – antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
- Salt – necessary electrolyte for cellular metabolism
- Thyme – rich in vitamins A and C; fiber, iron, and copper
- Lemon – full of vitamin C, fiber, and beneficial plant compounds
- Garlic – contains antioxidants and antibiotic compounds
- Onion – protective against cancer; lowers blood sugar, LDL cholesterol
- Olive Oil – rich in good fats and full of antioxidants
The Healing Properties of Food
Some of the ingredients above have extra special properties. The collagen in chicken bones supports healthy hair, skin, and more, while the compounds found in thyme provide great respiratory support. Good food is healing!
The Best Roast Chicken Vegetable Sides
Now that we’ve got the chicken we need to figure out what to serve it with! Here are the best vegetable sides for roast chicken.
Okra: A Love or Hate Vegetable
I learned how to cook okra three decades ago during my Yoga & Ayurveda Teacher’s Training. It seems that okra is a love or hate vegetable, meaning people either love it or hate it. I love it! If you’re looking for okra on the grill or a recipe for roasted okra, go to my How to Cook Okra post – many readers have left fantastic comments with their okra hacks, along with my wonderful recipe.
Carrot Fries: A Healthier Alternative
Carrot Fries are incredible, far healthier than traditional french fries, and they add a fun pop of color to your plate. When they were little, my boys loved helping prep the carrots into sticks with their junior knives!
Roasted Zucchini in Oven with Cauliflower and Carrots
If you haven’t figured it out by now, we love recipes with Roasted Vegetables. My Roasted Zucchini with Cauliflower and Carrots is no exception. It’s another pop of fun color with a variety of flavors that will keep your family asking for more.
Tahini Roasted Carrots Oven
These Tahini Roasted Carrots are based on a recipe by the incredible Adeena Sussman. The salty lemon of the tahini with the lightly sweet carrots makes for a massive wow factor. Better yet? It’s beautiful served right on the baking sheet saving you an extra platter to clean!
Asparagus Salad with Tomatoes and Basil
Asparagus Salad with Tomatoes and Basil is one of those perfect keto side dish recipes. Anytime I see a rainbow of vegetables on our plates at dinner I’m a truly happy mom.
Conclusion: Chicken Recipes in Oven
I hope you enjoyed my chicken and roast vegetable recipes. I love making roasted chicken in the oven because it’s a healthy fast food that everyone loves. What’s your favorite chicken dish? Leave a comment and let me know!
