Intimidated by a whole chicken? Don’t be! It’s surprisingly easy to make, and there’s nothing better than roast chicken leftovers. Great on salads, in sandwiches, and in these killer Cheesy Baked Tacos.

Classic Roast Chicken

YIELDS: 6 SERVINGS

PREP TIME: 0 HOURS 20 MINS

TOTAL TIME: 1 HOUR 30 MINS

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (3 1/2-lb.) chicken
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 yellow onion, cut into large pieces
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and cut into large pieces
• 2 stalks celery, cut into large pieces
• 1/2 lb. baby potatoes, quartered
• 1 head garlic, halved
• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp. melted butter
• 1 lemon
• 1 bunch fresh thyme

DIRECTIONS

1. Pat chicken dry and season all over with salt and pepper. Tie legs together and tuck wing tips under the body of the chicken. (If you have time, let rest in fridge for 1 hour, or up to overnight.)
2. Preheat oven to 425°. Fill a 9″-x-13″ baking dish with onion, carrots, celery, potatoes, and garlic and toss together with oil and 1 teaspoon salt. Place chicken on top. Brush chicken all over with melted butter and stuff cavity with lemon and most of the thyme, reserving a couple sprigs for garnish.
3. Roast until juices run clear and a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the thigh reads 165°, 50 minutes to 1 hour. Tent chicken with foil and let rest 15 to 20 minutes, then transfer to a cutting board and carve.
4. Serve chicken with roasted vegetables.

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