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Balanced Plate of Roasted Chicken with Wholesome Sides

Balanced Plate of Roasted Chicken with Wholesome Sides
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A flavorful and nutritious Balanced Plate of Roasted Chicken with Wholesome Sides featuring succulent roasted chicken paired with colorful root vegetables and fresh greens. Easy enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive for guests, this recipe offers balanced nutrition, simple ingredients, and versatile sides that keep well as leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 whole chicken or chicken pieces (about 4 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3–4 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 3–4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 4 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables

  • 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 3 potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced (optional)

Greens and Garnish

  • 2 cups leafy greens (spinach, kale) or steamed broccoli
  • Lemon wedges, for garnish
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Extra olive oil, for drizzling (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels. Rub olive oil all over the skin and inside the cavity. Season generously with seasoned salt, pepper, crushed garlic, and tuck some rosemary and thyme sprigs inside the cavity for infused flavor.
  2. Prepare the vegetables: Chop the carrots, potatoes, and sweet potatoes into even pieces to ensure uniform cooking. Toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper, and optionally minced garlic to enhance roasted flavors.
  3. Roast everything together: Place the chicken in a roasting pan and arrange the vegetables around it. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 45 to 60 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the vegetables are tender and caramelized.
  4. Rest and carve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest uncovered for 10 minutes. This step helps retain juices and settles the flavors before carving.
  5. Steam or sauté greens: While the chicken rests, quickly steam or sauté your choice of leafy greens or broccoli until bright and tender to provide a fresh, healthy contrast on the plate.

Notes

  • Pat dry the chicken well to achieve crispy skin.
  • Cut vegetables uniformly for even cooking and texture.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely and moist.
  • Let the chicken rest before carving to keep it juicy.
  • Place herbs under the chicken skin for deeper flavor infusion.

Nutrition

Keywords: roasted chicken, wholesome sides, balanced meal, healthy dinner, gluten free, root vegetables, easy dinner

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/balanced-plate-of-roasted-chicken-with-wholesome-sides/