Skip to main content

Roasted Chicken and Pears

WHY IT’S LIGHT Sometimes roast chicken recipes call for softened butter to be spread over—or even under—the skin before putting the bird in the oven. Here, a mixture of parsley and thyme (and not butter) is spread under and on top of the skin of chicken thighs for added flavor, while honey and a small amount of olive oil brushed on top help keep the chicken moist.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4

Ingredients

1 large parsnip (about 8 ounces), peeled, halved lengthwise, and cut into 2-inch lengths
1 large white turnip (about 1 pound), peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
2 small red onions, cut into 1-inch-wide wedges
2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Coarse salt and ground pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
4 each bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks and thighs (about 2 pounds total)
1 tablespoon honey
3 firm, ripe Bosc pears (about 1 1/2 pounds total), halved, cored, and cut into 1/2-inch-thick wedges

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 375°F. On a large rimmed baking sheet (or two small ones), toss parsnip, turnip, and onions with vinegar, 1 tablespoon oil, and 1/2 teaspoon thyme; season with salt and pepper.

    Step 2

    In a small bowl, combine parsley and remaining 1/2 teaspoon thyme; season with salt and pepper. Carefully slide fingers under chicken skin to loosen; spread parsley mixture under and on top of skin. Push vegetables to edges of baking sheet; place chicken pieces in center, and roast 30 minutes.

    Step 3

    In a small bowl, combine honey and remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Remove baking sheet from oven; add pears and toss with vegetables to combine. Brush top of chicken pieces with honey mixture; roast 30 minutes more, or until thigh juices run clear when meat is pierced. Serve immediately.

  2. Nutrition Information

    Step 4

    (Per Serving)

    Step 5

    Calories: 421

    Step 6

    Fat: 15.8g (3.3g Saturated Fat)

    Step 7

    Protein: 30g

    Step 8

    Carbohydrates: 41.9g

    Step 9

    Fiber: 8.7g

Everyday Food: Light
Read More
Grab your Easter basket and hop in—you’ll want to collect each and every one of these fun and easy Easter recipes.
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
Like airy lemon chiffon cake and a Cadbury egg–inspired tart.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Like lemony risotto and tandoori-style cauliflower.
Think a Hugo spritz, a gin basil smash, and plenty more patio-ready pours.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.