Crispy Oven-Roasted Salt & Pepper Chicken + Veggies

I promised a series of lighter recipes all intended to help in the efforts of getting back into all of the clothes hanging in my closet. Then I had the idea to teach myself how to make bread.

oven roasted chicken perfection

Well, it’s been a slower process thanks to becoming a better bread maker – but I am still focused on the goal. With that in mind, I thought I’d share one of our family favorites for dinnertime – oven roasted crispy chicken & veggies.

I kept this recipe SUPER simple by seasoning with just salt & pepper. Something about “keeping it simple” really highlights the “comfort food” aspect of this home-cooked meal. Thanks to a secret ingredient and a drizzle of canola oil, this chicken becomes juicy and crisp in the oven with very little added fat & calories.

the secret ingredient

The secret ingredient is a few tablespoons of cornstarch. This helps to draw moisture out of the skin, creating a light & crispy skin.

A mix of rainbow carrots, golden potatoes, white onions and celery sticks – sprinkled with some s & p and a drizzle of canola makes a perfect bed for the chicken legs.

simple baking technique

Simply toss the chicken legs in s & p and cornstarch then place them atop the veggies — all spread out on a couple of parchment-lined baking sheets.

the bottom line

So yummy and full of flavor – but friendly on the waistline.  The chicken is crisp, moist and perfectly (and simply seasoned). But my favorite part is the surprise of just how yummy the oven roasted celery is. Slightly sweet and a bit salty as it absorbed the roasting juices of the chicken and magnified the celery flavor in the best way. 

Everyone needs a meal that is simple, fast, tasty, inexpensive (this meal fed 6 for under $10 TOTAL!!)) AND easy on the waistline, right?! Well, here you go, hope you enjoy!

Looking for another simple chicken sheet pan meal idea? Try these fajitas!