Mediterranean Diet Classic Roast Chicken Dinner

Elevate dinner to a new level of simplicity and flavor with this Mediterranean Diet Classic Roast Chicken Dinner—a wholesome, one-pan meal bursting with vibrant, heart-healthy ingredients! This recipe combines crispy, golden-roasted chicken with a medley of colorful vegetables like carrots, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onion, all infused with the fresh, aromatic flavors of rosemary, thyme, oregano, garlic, and zesty lemon. Coated in antioxidant-rich extra virgin olive oil and roasted to perfection, this dish is as nutritious as it is delicious. Perfectly suited for a family meal or a cozy dinner for entertaining, this Mediterranean-inspired recipe is easy to prepare, requiring simple prep and oven-only cooking. Serve it alongside your favorite whole-grain bread or a fresh side salad for a complete meal that champions the essence of the Mediterranean diet—healthy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:90 mins

Total Time:120 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 4 pounds whole chicken
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 whole lemon
• 6 whole garlic cloves
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 whole carrots
• 1 large red onion
• 2 medium zucchini
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 2

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, removing any excess moisture, then place it in a large roasting pan.

Step 3

In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, juice from 1 lemon, minced garlic from 3 cloves, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the chicken, and ensure it's well-coated, both inside and out.

Step 4

Stuff the chicken cavity with the remaining lemon, garlic cloves, rosemary, and thyme sprigs.

Step 5

Tie the chicken legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the body. This will help ensure even cooking and a moist interior.

Step 6

Prepare the vegetables by slicing the carrots and zucchini into thick rounds, and the onion into wedges. Toss them with the remaining olive oil, a pinch of salt, and fresh oregano.

Step 7

Arrange the vegetables around the chicken in the roasting pan, and scatter the cherry tomatoes on top.

Step 8

Roast in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden, crispy, and a meat thermometer reads 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh.

Step 9

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.

Step 10

Serve the chicken alongside the roasted vegetables for a complete Mediterranean meal. Optionally, garnish with additional fresh herbs before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3112.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1165.6

Total Fat 73.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 12.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.6g
Cholesterol 136.1mg	0%
Sodium 8797.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 98.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.5g	0%
Total Sugars 55.9g
Protein 47.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 335.0mg	0%
Iron 7.2mg	0%
Potassium 3255.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.2%

Protein: 15.3%

Carbs: 31.5%