Nothing says comfort quite like a classic roast — and this Lemon & Herb Roast Chicken with Root Vegetables takes it to the next level. Infused with bright lemon zest and fresh herbs, it’s a beautiful balance of tangy, savoury, and earthy flavours. As the chicken roasts, the root vegetables soak up all the rich pan juices, creating a dish that feels like a warm hug on a Sunday afternoon. Whether you’re hosting family or simply craving something hearty, this roast will have everyone going back for seconds.
🍗 Ingredients
- 1 x Fresh whole chicken
- 2 lemons, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 carrots, peeled and chopped into chunks
- 4 parsnips, peeled and chopped into chunks
- 2 onions, quartered
- 4 potatoes, peeled and chopped into chunks
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
👩🍳 Method
- Preheat your oven to 220°C.
- Place the GFC chicken in a roasting pan. Squeeze the lemon halves over the chicken and place them inside the cavity.
- In a small bowl, mix the garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Rub this mixture all over the chicken.
- In another bowl, toss the carrots, parsnips, onions, and potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar.
- Arrange the vegetables around the chicken in the roasting pan.
- Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Let the chicken rest for 10–15 minutes before carving.
- Serve with roasted root vegetables and drizzle with the pan juices.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered green beans for a full meal.
- Add a drizzle of homemade gravy or lemon-butter sauce for extra richness.
- Serve with a fresh garden salad to balance the hearty roast.
- For a twist, sprinkle crushed almonds or toasted pine nuts over the vegetables before serving.
⏱ Cooking Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
🔥 Nutritional Info (per serving)
- Serves: 4
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 45 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g