An All-Clad roasting pan is well suited to a classic roast chicken dinner: the bird browns above a bed of potatoes, carrots, and onion while the vegetables catch its savory juices. This straightforward version uses a rack when available, but the vegetables can also lift the chicken off the pan, making the meal practical with either setup.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, 4 to 4½ lb (1.8 to 2 kg), giblets removed
- 1½ lb Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into 1½-inch (4 cm) chunks
- 4 medium carrots, cut into 2-inch (5 cm) pieces
- 1 large yellow onion, cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp olive oil (30 ml)
- 1½ tsp kosher salt (about 8 g; use less if using fine table salt)
- ¾ tsp freshly ground black pepper (about 2 g)
- 1 lemon, halved
- 4 garlic cloves, lightly crushed
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme (about 4 g), or 1 tsp dried thyme (1 g)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (240 ml), plus more as needed for gravy
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (8 g), optional, for gravy
Instructions
- Prepare the pan and oven. Set a rack in the lower third of the oven and heat to 425°F (220°C). Use a roasting pan large enough to hold the chicken without crowding; a sturdy All-Clad roasting pan with a rack is ideal. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Remove any pinfeathers and check the cavity for giblets. Do not rinse raw chicken, which can spread splashes around the sink.
- Season the vegetables. Toss the potatoes, carrots, and onion with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil, ½ teaspoon kosher salt (about 3 g), and ¼ teaspoon pepper (about 0.5 g). Spread them in the pan. If using a roasting rack, set it over the vegetables; if the rack does not fit, arrange the vegetables around the chicken so they do not block airflow.
- Season and fill the chicken. Rub the chicken all over with the remaining tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil. Season the skin and cavity with the remaining salt and pepper. Put the lemon halves, garlic, and thyme loosely in the cavity; do not pack it tightly, since that slows cooking. Tuck the wing tips underneath the body. Tie the legs together loosely with kitchen twine if desired.
- Roast. Place the chicken breast-side up on the rack or vegetables. Pour 1 cup broth (240 ml) into the bottom of the pan, taking care not to pour it over the chicken skin. Roast for about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on the bird’s size and your oven. Begin checking at 1 hour. If the pan becomes dry or drippings begin to scorch, add a little more broth or water. If the skin is browning too quickly, loosely tent the breast with foil.
- Check for doneness and rest. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of a thigh without touching bone, and check the breast as well. USDA FSIS safe minimum temperature for poultry is 165°F (74°C); both areas must reach that temperature. If needed, return the chicken to the oven and check again every 5 to 10 minutes. Transfer it to a carving board and rest for 15 minutes before carving. Check that the vegetables are fork-tender; if they need longer, roast them while the chicken rests.
- Make optional pan gravy. Set the roasting pan over a burner on medium heat, if it is compatible with your stovetop; otherwise transfer the drippings to a saucepan. Spoon off excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, scraping up browned bits. Gradually whisk in about 1 cup (240 ml) broth or water and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, until smooth and lightly thickened. Season to taste. Carve the chicken and serve with the vegetables and gravy.
Tips
- Use the thermometer, not color, as your guide. A browned exterior or clear-looking juices do not establish safe doneness. Check the thickest breast and thigh, avoiding bone.
- Dry skin browns better. Pat the chicken thoroughly dry before oiling. For even crisper skin, refrigerate it uncovered for several hours or overnight, then season just before roasting; keep raw poultry on a tray on the refrigerator’s bottom shelf.
- Make the vegetables fit your pan. Cut dense vegetables into similarly sized pieces so they cook evenly. Sweet potato or parsnip can replace some carrots or potatoes, though softer vegetables may need to be added partway through roasting.
- Mind the pan material and burner. All-Clad offers different roasting pan constructions. Check your model’s care instructions before placing it over a burner; if it is not stovetop-safe, make gravy in a saucepan instead. Avoid sudden temperature changes to hot cookware.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the carved chicken with the roasted vegetables and pan gravy, plus a simple green salad or steamed green beans to balance the rich, browned flavors. Crusty bread is useful for soaking up juices. For a larger dinner, add a second vegetable such as roasted Brussels sprouts, cooking it on a separate sheet pan if the roasting pan is already full.
Variations
- Lemon-herb: Add a few rosemary leaves or extra thyme to the oil rub. Rosemary is more assertive, so use a small amount.
- Garlic and paprika: Mix 1 teaspoon (2 g) sweet paprika into the oil and salt. Smoked paprika gives the skin a smoky note but does not replace the flavor of roasting over wood.
- Different vegetables: Swap in chunks of fennel, celery root, or parsnip. Keep pieces large enough to withstand the roasting time, and add quick-cooking vegetables later if necessary.
- Gluten-free gravy: Skip the flour and thicken the strained drippings with a cornstarch slurry: whisk 1 teaspoon cornstarch (3 g) with 1 tablespoon cold water (15 ml), then stir it into simmering gravy a little at a time.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerate leftover chicken and vegetables within 2 hours of cooking, in shallow airtight containers. They keep for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight freezer-safe containers; use within about 3 months for best quality, and thaw in the refrigerator.
Reheat chicken and vegetables covered in a 325°F (165°C) oven with a spoonful of broth or water until heated through. Leftovers must reach 165°F (74°C), measured with a food thermometer. Individual portions can be microwaved in a covered, microwave-safe dish, stirring or turning food as needed for even heating. Reheat only the portion you plan to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I roast chicken in an All-Clad pan without its rack?
Yes. Spread the vegetables in an even layer and place the chicken on top. They keep the bird slightly elevated while roasting, though the underside may brown less than it would on a rack.
Do I need to preheat the roasting pan?
No. Start with the chicken and vegetables in a room-temperature pan, then place it in the hot oven. Preheating an empty pan is unnecessary and can make it harder to arrange the ingredients safely.
How long does a 4-pound chicken take to roast?
Plan on roughly 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes at 425°F (220°C), but bird shape, starting temperature, and oven accuracy affect timing. Use the thermometer’s 165°F (74°C) reading in both the thickest breast and thigh to determine when it is done.
Why are the vegetables still firm?
Large pieces, crowded vegetables, and a pan that blocks airflow can slow them down. Cut them into similar-sized chunks and, after removing the chicken, continue roasting until tender. Add a splash of liquid if the drippings are getting too dark.
Can I prepare the chicken ahead?
You can season the chicken and leave it uncovered on a tray in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight for drier skin. Keep it refrigerated, and do not leave raw poultry at room temperature to take the chill off. Roast it directly from the refrigerator, allowing for a possible change in cooking time and checking temperature rather than relying on the clock.
Can I use the roasting pan on the stovetop?
That depends on the specific All-Clad model and its construction. Check the manufacturer’s instructions before setting it over a burner; when unsure, transfer the drippings to a saucepan to make gravy.
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Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes
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