One 3 1/2 to 4 pound chicken, quartered, rinsed and patted dry
2 1/2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
salt and pepper
5 yellow-fleshed potatoes, such as yukon gold, each cut into 4 wedges
4 thin carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch lengths
4 thin parsnips, peeled and cut into 2-inch lengths
10 thyme sprigs
Position a rack in the upper third of the oven and preheat to 425 degrees. Place the chicken in a large roasting pan, rub with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, toss the potatoes, carrots and parsnips with the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Place the vegetables around the chicken and scatter 8 thyme sprigs on top. Roast until the vegetables are tender and the chicken juices run clear when a leg is pricked, about 40 minutes. Pick the leaves from the remaining 2 thyme sprigs and sprinkle on top.