Why You Should Roast Chicken On A Bed Of Vegetables

When it comes to chicken, there is certainly no shortage of recipes and methods of preparation. But then, you would expect that from the most widely consumed meat in the world (via The Science Agriculture). Whether digging into some hot wings, a bucket of fried chicken, a plate of barbecued chicken thighs, or a chicken burrito, chicken is the star of many a meal. But when it comes to chicken dishes, roasted chicken is in a league of its own. Roasting a whole chicken can not only provide a week's worth of meals, as Today notes, but it is a satisfying feast in its own right.

The best part of roasting a chicken is the ease of preparation. You can simply season it with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs, rub some olive oil or butter over the whole bird, and then just pop it in the oven for about an hour. But what about side dishes? Luckily, there's an easy way to roast your chicken and have a super flavorful side dish to boot: Cook the chicken on a bed of vegetables.

Adding vegetables when roasting a whole chicken gives you an easy and delicious one-pan meal. When it comes to what vegetables to use, while onions, carrots, and potatoes are common, it's really up to your tastes and imagination. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, leeks, and more can be used. Regardless of the vegetables you choose, what's important, according to Southern Living, is to cut your vegetables into even shapes and sizes so they reach uniform consistency during cooking. You'll also want to coat them in some olive oil and season with salt and pepper before putting them in the pan.

When roasting, you can either place the chicken directly atop the veggies, or, as Bon Appétit recommends, use a rack to elevate the chicken slightly above the veggies. That way, air can travel around the chicken, crisping the entirety of its skin. 

Perhaps the best part of roasting vegetables with your chicken is the wonderful flavor that is achieved. As the chicken cooks, its drippings will run off and baste the vegetables, imparting them with all that delicious chicken flavor and requiring no extra effort on your part ... except to dig in!