Roast Chicken with Root Vegetables Recipe

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

  1. Preheat your oven to 220°C.
  2. Place the GFC chicken in a roasting pan. Squeeze the lemon halves over the chicken and place them inside the cavity.
  3. In a small bowl, mix the garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Rub this mixture all over the chicken.
  4. In another bowl, toss the carrots, parsnips, onions, and potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar.
  5. Arrange the vegetables around the chicken in the roasting pan.
  6. Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.
  7. Let the chicken rest for 10–15 minutes before carving.
  8. 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