One-Pan Roast Chicken and Potatoes

To make the classic combination of chicken and potatoes weeknight-friendly, we use our everyday skillet. In order to fit 2 pounds of potatoes into the 12-inch pan, we cut them into thick rounds. Browning the potatoes first on the stovetop ensures a deeply caramelized crust, and before putting them in the oven, we place the chicken right on top of the spuds where it bastes them with flavorful juices during roasting. While the chicken rests, we cover the pan and return the potatoes to the oven to finish softening. Finally, for a traditional but not boring spin on a classic, we flavor our bird with fresh thyme, smoky paprika, and tangy lemon zest.

source	Cook's Country
categories	main dish, poultry
yield	Serves 4
prep time	15 mins
total time	2 hrs

INGREDIENTS

3 Tbsp olive oil

2 tsp minced fresh thyme

1 ½ tsp Smalloked paprika

1 ½ tsp grated lemon zest, plus lemon wedges for serving

Salt and pepper

1 (4-lb) whole chicken, giblets discarded

2 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, ends squared off, and sliced into 1-inch-thick rounds

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 400 degrees. Combine 2 tablespoons oil, thyme, paprika, lemon zest, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper in bowl. Pat chicken dry with paper towels and use your fingers or handle of wooden spoon to carefully separate skin from breast. Rub oil mixture all over chicken and underneath skin of breast. Tie legs together with kitchen twine and tuck wingtips behind back.

2. Toss potatoes with remaining 1 tablespoon oil, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Arrange potatoes, flat sides down, in single layer in 12-inch ovensafe nonstick skillet. Place skillet over medium heat and cook potatoes, without moving them, until brown on bottom, 7 to 9 minutes (do not flip).

3. Place chicken, breast side up, on top of potatoes and transfer skillet to oven. Roast until breast registers 160 degrees and thighs register 175 degrees, 1 to 1 ¼ hours. Transfer chicken to carving board, tent loosely with aluminum foil, and let rest for 20 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, cover skillet, return potatoes to oven, and roast until tender, about 20 minutes. Carve chicken and serve with potatoes and lemon wedges.