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Autumn Roasted Chicken Thighs with Root Vegetables plated

Autumn Roasted Chicken Thighs with Root Vegetables

Tender chicken thighs roasted with a medley of seasonal root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, seasoned with fresh thyme and garlic for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Americaneasy60 mins

Overview

This recipe features succulent chicken thighs roasted alongside a colorful selection of autumn root vegetables including carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes. The dish is infused with fresh thyme and garlic, delivering warm and comforting flavors perfect for a simple weeknight dinner or a seasonal family meal.

Why you’ll love it

  • One-pan recipe for easy cleanup and minimal effort.
  • Rich, savory flavors with fresh herbs and garlic enhance the natural sweetness of root vegetables.
  • The roasting method produces crispy skin on the chicken and caramelized veggies.
  • Perfect for autumn and cozy indoor meals.

Ingredient notes

Chicken thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are recommended for maximum flavor and moisture retention.

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Root vegetables: Carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes provide sweetness and hearty texture. You can substitute or add other root vegetables like turnips or beets.

Fresh thyme and garlic: Essential aromatics for a fragrant and savory profile.

Olive oil and seasoning: Ensure even coating for roasting to achieve golden, crisp textures.

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Serving & storage

Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh thyme if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the pan juices.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) before serving. For best texture, reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness of the chicken skin.

Chef tips

  • For extra crispy skin, pat chicken thighs dry and avoid overcrowding on the pan.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked to 74°C (165°F).
  • Cut vegetables into uniform sizes for even roasting.
  • If you prefer, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or honey during the last 10 minutes of roasting for a glaze.

Ingredients

  • 8bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 3 mediumcarrots, peeled and cut into 2.5 cm (1 inch) pieces
  • 3 mediumparsnips, peeled and cut into 2.5 cm (1 inch) pieces
  • 2 mediumsweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2.5 cm (1 inch) cubes
  • 4 clovesgarlic, minced
  • 2 tbspfresh thyme leaves (or 2 tsp dried thyme)
  • 3 tbspolive oil
  • 1 tspsalt
  • ½ tspblack pepper

Equipment

  • oven
  • baking sheet or roasting pan
  • mixing bowl
  • measuring spoons
  • knife
  • cutting board

Nutrition per serving

  • Calories470
  • Protein35 g
  • Carbs35 g
  • Fat22 g

Step-by-step

  1. Step 1

    Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a large baking sheet or roasting pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

  2. Step 2

    In a large bowl, combine the carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, half of the minced garlic, half of the thyme leaves, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat the vegetables evenly.

  3. Step 3

    Spread the seasoned vegetables in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet.

  4. Step 4

    Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub the remaining olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper over the skin and under the skin if possible.

  5. Step 5

    Place the chicken thighs on top of the vegetables skin side up, leaving space between pieces for air circulation.

  6. Step 6

    Roast in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken skin is golden and crisp and the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) when checked with a meat thermometer.

  7. Step 7

    If desired, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to further crisp the skin, watching carefully to prevent burning.

  8. Step 8

    Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve warm, garnished with any remaining fresh thyme.

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