One-Pan Spiced Half Chicken with Roasted Potatoes

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

A juicy half chicken seasoned with warm spices and roasted alongside golden potatoes for an easy, flavorful meal. This mediterranean-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs half chicken (about 1.5 lbs), baby potatoes, halved, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 2, 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: 10 min Cook: 45 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 550 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp olive oil with 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to form a spice rub.
  2. Step 2: Rub the spice mixture all over the half chicken (1 piece), ensuring even coverage, then place it skin-side up on a rimmed baking sheet. Toss 12 oz halved baby potatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper, then arrange around the chicken.
  3. Step 3: Roast the chicken and potatoes for 40-45 minutes until the chicken skin is crispy and an internal temperature of 165°F is reached; potatoes should be tender and golden. Remove from oven and squeeze 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Spiced Half Chicken with Roasted Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (10 min prep + 45 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 One-Pan Spiced Half Chicken with Roasted Potatoes?

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 half chicken (about 1.5 lbs) from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Spiced Half Chicken with Roasted Potatoes?

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 One-Pan Spiced Half Chicken with Roasted Potatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 One-Pan Spiced Half Chicken with Roasted Potatoes?

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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