Cook a main dish in the oven
Prepare and safely bake a simple oven roasted chicken and vegetables, following steps for measuring, timing, and using oven mitts under adult supervision.
Step-by-step guide to cook oven-roasted chicken and vegetables
4 Cooking Skills Every Kid Should Know - Basic Cooking Skills for Kids
Step 1
Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds to stay safe and clean.
Step 2
Ask an adult to preheat the oven to 425°F 220°C.
Step 3
Measure 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 teaspoon dried herbs and 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper into the mixing bowl.
Step 4
Stir the oil and herb mixture in the bowl with the spoon.
Step 5
Pat the chicken pieces dry on the cutting board using paper towels.
Step 6
Rub the oil and herb mixture all over each chicken piece until they are coated.
Step 7
With an adult helping cut the vegetables into 1 inch pieces on the cutting board.
Step 8
Put the chopped vegetables into the mixing bowl.
Step 9
Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt and a pinch of pepper to the vegetables.
Step 10
Toss the vegetables in the bowl so they are evenly coated with oil and seasoning.
Step 11
Arrange the chicken skin side up on the baking sheet and spread the vegetables around the chicken without crowding.
Step 12
Ask an adult to place the baking sheet in the oven and set a timer for 40 minutes.
Step 13
When the timer rings ask an adult to use oven mitts to remove the hot baking sheet and carefully check the thickest part of a chicken piece with the kitchen thermometer to make sure it reads 165°F or 74°C and if it is below 165°F ask the adult to return the tray to the oven and set the timer for 5 more minutes then repeat this step.
Step 14
Share your finished oven roasted chicken and vegetables on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have olive oil, dried herbs, or a kitchen thermometer?
Substitute equal parts vegetable or canola oil for the 2 tablespoons olive oil, use about 3 times the volume of fresh chopped herbs in place of the 1 teaspoon dried herbs, and if you don't have a kitchen thermometer ask an adult to cut the thickest chicken piece after the 40-minute bake to confirm the meat is no longer pink and the juices run clear.
Why did my chicken come out soggy or not browned, and how can we fix it?
Make sure you pat the chicken pieces dry on the cutting board with paper towels before rubbing on the oil and herb mixture, arrange the chicken skin side up without crowding on the baking sheet after preheating the oven to 425°F, and ask an adult to broil for 1–3 minutes at the end if you want extra browning.
How can we change the steps for younger or older kids?
For younger children have them wash hands for 20 seconds, stir the oil and herb mixture in the mixing bowl, and toss the vegetables while an adult preheats the oven and does the cutting on the cutting board, and for older kids let them measure the 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 teaspoon dried herbs, pat and rub the chicken, help cut the 1-inch vegetables with supervision, and learn to check the chicken temperature with the kitchen thermometer under adult guidance.
How can we make this dish more fun or personalize it?
Try adding lemon slices or garlic to the mixing bowl with the 2 tablespoons olive oil and herbs, swap or add different 1-inch vegetables like sweet potatoes or Brussels sprouts before tossing them with 1 tablespoon olive oil, or change the 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper to a favorite spice blend and then photograph your finished oven roasted chicken and vegetables to share on DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to cook oven-roasted chicken and vegetables
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Facts about cooking and kitchen safety for kids
⏱️ A rule of thumb: roast a medium chicken about 20 minutes per pound at 375°F (190°C), but always check the internal temperature.
🍗 A whole roast chicken is safe to eat when its thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C) — use a meat thermometer to check!
🥄 Measuring matters: 1 tablespoon equals 3 teaspoons — using the right tools helps recipes turn out the same every time.
🧤 Oven mitts and potholders block heat — never use wet mitts and always let hot pans cool before storing.
🥕 Roasting vegetables caramelizes their natural sugars, making them taste sweeter and richer.
How do I teach my child to roast chicken and vegetables in the oven safely?
What materials and ingredients do I need to roast chicken and vegetables with my child?
What ages is oven-roasted chicken and vegetable cooking suitable for?
What safety tips should I follow when kids help with roasting chicken and vegetables?
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