Varies by Vegetable

• How long vegetables need to roast around a chicken depends mostly on the type of vegetable you use. Hard root vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes and turnips, roast in about 1 to 1 1/2 hours -- about the same time that it takes to roast the chicken. You can add these vegetables to the pot before you put the chicken in the oven. Softer vegetables, such as onions, peppers and summer squash, roast in as little as 20 to 40 minutes. Add these vegetables to the pot when the chicken is almost done. Cut the vegetables in large chunks -- at least 2 inches -- for a rustic appearance. Large pieces also tend to shrink less and are less likely to become overcooked.

Cooking Vessel

• The pot or pan you use to roast your chicken can also make a difference in how long the vegetables take. Vegetables roast much more quickly when roasted in a single layer -- say, in a large roasting pan -- than they do when mounded in a smaller casserole dish. They also roast more evenly in a single layer, developing a golden-brown crust and slightly smoky flavor.

Time's Up

• Your oven temperature plays a role in how quickly vegetables roast. If you crank the heat up to 400 or 450 degrees Fahrenheit at the beginning of the roasting time, you'll get a chicken with a golden-brown skin, as well as vegetables that cook more quickly. Watch them closely. They're done when they're golden-brown and tender. Don't overcook them, though. Onions and peppers, in particular, become bitter if they get too dark. Be sure to cook the chicken until a meat thermometer inserted in the breast registers 165 F. At this temperature, both the chicken and the vegetables will have reached a safe temperature.

Spice Things Up

• Toss the vegetables in a bit of olive oil before you add them to the chicken. The olive oil keeps them moist and helps them to brown well. Season them with salt, pepper and seasonings that complement the chicken. For example, use rosemary if you're making rosemary-garlic roasted chicken. Sprinkle the vegetables with a little chipotle chili powder if you're making a Southwestern-flavored roasted chicken. Add a few lemon wedges for a kick of color and flavor.