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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
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