Half Chicken With One Side Recipe

Preheat and prepare

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the half chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels — dryness ensures crisp skin.

Make the seasoning

In a small bowl combine 2 tbs olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped rosemary, paprika, kosher salt and black pepper. Stir to form a paste.

Season the chicken

Rub the seasoning paste evenly over and under the skin of the chicken, getting some between skin and breast meat where possible. Brush the skin with the melted butter to aid browning.

Roast

Place the chicken on a rack in a roasting pan or on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil (rack helps air circulate). Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 35–45 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear. If skin is browning too quickly, loosely tent with foil for the last 10 minutes.

Rest

Remove chicken from oven and tent loosely with foil. Let rest 8–10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before carving or serving.

Prepare potatoes

While oven is preheating (or place potatoes in the oven with the chicken if you have space), toss the halved/quartered potatoes with 2 tbs olive oil, minced garlic, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper and optional red pepper flakes in a bowl until evenly coated.

Roast potatoes

Spread potatoes cut-side down on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25–35 minutes, turning once halfway, until golden brown and fork-tender. If roasting alongside the chicken, place potatoes on a lower rack; they will finish around the same time if chicken cooks ~35–45 minutes.

Finish and toss

Remove potatoes from oven. While hot, sprinkle Parmesan and chopped parsley over the potatoes and toss to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch more salt and pepper if needed.

Carve or serve the rested half chicken whole alongside a generous portion of roasted garlic Parmesan potatoes. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges. Squeeze lemon over the chicken just before eating for brightness.