Cardinal-Spiced Roasted Chicken with Root Vegetables

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Whole chicken roasted with a warming blend of cardinal spices, served alongside caramelized root vegetables for a comforting meal. This Mediterranean-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 90 minutes, pairs whole chicken, ground cinnamon, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 75 min Serves 6 Mediterranean cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Rub 3 tbsp olive oil all over a 4 lb whole chicken, then evenly coat the chicken with the spice blend, massaging it into the skin.
  3. Step 3: Place the chicken breast-side up on a roasting pan. Arrange 4 peeled and chunked carrots, 3 peeled and chunked parsnips, and 2 wedged red onions around the chicken.
  4. Step 4: Roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and vegetables are tender and caramelized.
  5. Step 5: Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving alongside the roasted root vegetables.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cardinal-Spiced Roasted Chicken with Root Vegetables take to make?

Total time is about 90 minutes (15 min prep + 75 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cardinal-Spiced Roasted Chicken with Root Vegetables?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep whole chicken from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cardinal-Spiced Roasted Chicken with Root Vegetables?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cardinal-Spiced Roasted Chicken with Root Vegetables for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cardinal-Spiced Roasted Chicken with Root Vegetables?

Mediterranean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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