Whole Roasted Chicken with Potatoes, Lemon, Herbs, and Feta
This whole roasted chicken with potatoes, lemon, fresh herbs, and feta is the kind of comforting, no-fuss meal every home cook needs. Everything goes onto one pan, into the oven, and an hour later, dinner is ready — golden, fragrant, and deeply satisfying.
Featured on Allrecipes’ January must-cook list, this dish has become a winter favorite for families who want bold flavor without complicated prep. It’s rustic, nourishing, and perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.
Why This One-Pan Roasted Chicken Works So Well
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity. A whole chicken is seasoned generously with olive oil, lemon, and herbs, then roasted alongside potatoes that soak up all the savory juices. Crumbled feta adds a tangy finish that balances the richness of the chicken.
Because everything cooks together on a single sheet pan, cleanup is minimal — making this a practical option for both everyday cooking and casual entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs)
- 1 ½ lbs baby potatoes, halved
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or oregano)
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
- ½ cup feta cheese, finely crumbled
How to Make Whole Roasted Chicken with Potatoes
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it on a large baking sheet. Rub generously with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then stuff the cavity with lemon slices, garlic, and fresh herbs.
Step 2: Add Potatoes and Lemon
Arrange the potatoes around the chicken. Drizzle them with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and scatter extra lemon slices and herbs over the pan.
Step 3: Roast Until Golden
Roast uncovered for about 60 minutes, or until the chicken skin is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Halfway through, gently toss the potatoes to ensure even browning.
Step 4: Finish with Feta
Once the chicken is done, remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle feta over the hot potatoes. Finely crumbled feta melts slightly and adds a bright, salty contrast.
Using a rotary cheese grater makes it easy to crumble feta into light, even pieces that distribute well without overpowering the dish.
Tips for the Best Roasted Chicken
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving to keep it juicy.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible for deeper aroma.
- Finely crumbled feta blends better than large chunks.
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Choose a heavy sheet pan to promote even roasting.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Busy Families
This dish checks all the boxes: protein, vegetables, and bold flavor — all made in one pan. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests, and leftovers reheat beautifully.
Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, this whole roasted chicken recipe delivers comfort and reliability every time.
