Name: Roasted Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 head garlic; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ¼ cup cold water; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon pepper; 1 tablespoon paprika; 1 tablespoon basil; ½ garlic sauce from above; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 whole chicken (4 to 5 pounds); 8 potatoes, cleaned and cut into cubes or wedges

This classic Roasted Chicken and Potatoes recipe delivers the perfect Sunday dinner experience any day of the week. With crispy-skinned chicken that’s juicy and tender inside, paired with golden, flavorful potatoes that soak up all the delicious pan juices – this dish strikes the perfect balance between impressive and effortless. The aromatic garlic sauce brings everything together for a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Impressive yet Simple: Don’t let the spectacular results fool you – this recipe is surprisingly straightforward, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
One-Pan Wonder: Everything roasts together, meaning less cleanup and more flavors mingling together beautifully.
Customizable: The basic technique stays the same, but you can adjust seasonings to suit your taste preferences or what you have in your pantry.
Budget-Friendly: A whole chicken stretches further than individual pieces, and potatoes are an affordable side that makes the meal substantial.
Leftovers are Fantastic: The chicken and potatoes are just as delicious the next day, perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Whole Chicken: The star of the show that provides tender, juicy meat and crispy skin. Using a whole bird allows the flavors to develop throughout and keeps the meat moist.
Potatoes: They soak up the chicken juices and garlic sauce, becoming irresistibly flavorful. Choose starchy varieties like Yukon Golds or russets for the best texture.
Garlic: The backbone of the flavor profile. Using a whole head creates a mellow, sweet flavor that permeates the entire dish.
Butter: Adds richness to the potatoes and helps them brown beautifully.
Olive Oil: Helps conduct heat and creates a crispy exterior on both chicken and potatoes.
Herbs and Spices: The combination of paprika, basil, garlic powder, and onion powder creates a perfectly seasoned crust on the chicken.
Salt and Pepper: Basic but essential for bringing out all the other flavors.
Parsley: Adds a fresh note to the garlic sauce and provides a pop of color to the finished dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Different Herb Profiles

Try rosemary and thyme instead of basil for a more traditional herb roast chicken.

Add Vegetables

Toss in carrots, onions, or brussels sprouts to roast alongside the potatoes for a complete meal.

Spice It Up

Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the dry rub for a hint of heat.

Citrus Infusion

Place lemon or orange slices under the chicken skin or inside the cavity for a bright, zesty flavor.

Wine Addition

Add a splash of white wine to the roasting pan in the last 30 minutes for extra depth of flavor.

How to Make Roasted Chicken and Potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Sauce

Crush a full head of garlic with salt in a mortar and pestle until it forms a smooth paste. Mix in fresh parsley, olive oil, and cold water until well combined. This aromatic sauce will be divided between the chicken and potatoes.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Mix together garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and basil to create a flavorful dry rub. Pat the chicken dry thoroughly (this is crucial for crispy skin!), then massage the rub all over the chicken, including under the skin where possible.

Step 3: Begin Roasting the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken in a roasting pan, cover with foil, and roast at 375°F. The foil traps moisture during the first hour, ensuring juicy meat.

Step 4: Prepare the Potatoes

While the chicken begins roasting, clean and cut your potatoes into even-sized cubes or wedges. Take half of your prepared garlic sauce and mix it with melted butter and olive oil. Toss the potatoes in this mixture until thoroughly coated.

Step 5: Add Potatoes to the Roast

After the chicken has been roasting for 30 minutes, arrange the potatoes around it in the roasting pan. If space is tight, use a separate pan for the potatoes. Cover with foil.

Step 6: Finish Roasting

Continue roasting everything for another hour and a half, removing the foil after the first hour to allow for browning. The chicken is done when the thigh meat reaches 165°F and the potatoes are golden and tender.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute. Serve with the roasted potatoes and remaining garlic sauce for dipping or drizzling.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Dry the Chicken: Pat the chicken completely dry before applying the rub for the crispiest skin possible.
Room Temperature: Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting for more even cooking.
Season Liberally: Don’t be shy with the seasonings, especially salt – a whole chicken needs proper seasoning to taste its best.
Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh to ensure the chicken is properly cooked to 165°F.
Potato Placement: If possible, place potatoes in a single layer for maximum crispiness.
Basting: Spoon some of the pan juices over the chicken halfway through cooking for extra flavor and moisture.
Rest Before Carving: This 10-minute rest is non-negotiable! It ensures juicy meat instead of dry slices.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve this comforting dish with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

Sauce Options

The reserved garlic sauce makes an excellent accompaniment, but a simple gravy made from the drippings is also wonderful.

Family Style

Present the whole roasted chicken on a platter surrounded by the golden potatoes for a dramatic presentation that invites everyone to dig in.

Wine Pairing

A crisp Chardonnay or light Pinot Noir complements the savory flavors of this dish beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled chicken and potatoes separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to develop overnight!

Freezing

The chicken meat can be removed from the bone and frozen for up to 3 months. Potatoes don’t freeze well as they tend to become mealy when thawed.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat chicken in a 300°F oven covered with foil and a splash of broth until warmed through (about 15-20 minutes). Potatoes can be crisped up in a skillet or in the oven alongside the chicken.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the garlic sauce and dry rub up to 2 days ahead. You can also season the chicken the night before and keep it covered in the refrigerator for even more flavor penetration.

FAQs

Can I use chicken pieces instead of a whole chicken?
Yes, chicken pieces work well too! Adjust the cooking time accordingly – bone-in pieces typically take about 45-55 minutes at the same temperature. The skin won’t be quite as impressive, but the flavor will still be wonderful.

My potatoes aren’t getting crispy. What am I doing wrong?
Overcrowding is usually the culprit. Make sure your potatoes aren’t piled on top of each other. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated and consider using a separate baking sheet for the potatoes to give them more space.

Can I make this recipe with sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! Sweet potatoes cook faster than regular potatoes, so add them to the pan about 45 minutes before the chicken is done. The combination of sweet potatoes with the garlic sauce creates a delicious sweet-savory contrast.

Is there a way to make this recipe faster?
If you’re short on time, spatchcock the chicken (remove the backbone and flatten it) to reduce cooking time to about 45-60 minutes. The potatoes can go in right from the start in this case. You’ll still get the wonderful flavor but in about half the time.

This Roasted Chicken and Potatoes recipe is one of those treasured dishes that manages to be both comforting and elegant at the same time. The combination of succulent chicken, creamy garlic, and crispy potatoes creates a meal that feels like home, no matter where you’re from. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your new go-to recipe when you want to create something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Take the plunge, fill your home with the mouthwatering aroma of roasting chicken and garlic, and watch as everyone gathers around the table with anticipation!