1 Chicken, 10 Easy Meals

The idea of roasting a whole chicken can seem far more challenging than cooking pieces of the bird separately. But the truth is that it's one of the easiest and most comforting dinners you can pull together -- even on a weeknight. This foolproof recipe is all you need to do just that. And after it, you'll find 10 inspired ideas to keep dinner exciting: five vegetable sides that cook in the roasting pan for easy one-pot dinners and five family-friendly recipes for using leftovers. It's time to get over your fear and get dinner on the table.

With the addition of some simple ingredients your chicken can take on a new identity. This variation dresses it in Dijon mustard and Brussels sprouts that are tender and browned on the edges. If you like the sprouts crisper, let them keep cooking while the chicken rests.

Sprigs of tarragon placed under the skin and inside of the bird make it brim with flavor. Fennel is added to the pan mid-recipe and roasted until tender.

Change up the chicken with the classic combination of garlic and rosemary. It'll be your family's new favorite comfort food.

Choose your favorite citrus fruit -- lemon, orange, or a combination of the two -- and place slices of it under the bird's skin and in its cavity before putting it in the oven. Add carrots and parsnips to the pan for extra flavor.

Season the chicken with lime and cilantro (its citrus undertones are brightened when combined with fruit), and then add cauliflower tossed in curry powder. The result is a delightfully zesty dish.

Leftover chicken is amazingly versatile. Pick the carcass clean and use the remaining meat to create delicious dinners like this one. Tortilla shells filled with shredded chicken, avocado and grated cheese, are put in a skillet to brown -- 15 minutes total, and dinner is served.

Chicken, spinach and chickpeas get an Indian-inspired makeover in this amazing dish that's certain to spice up the family dinner.

Nothing's more kid-friendly than a good sandwich. Try this 20-minute meal: shredded chicken, mozzarella, tomato and basil, on a delicious ciabatta roll.

Bring a bit of Asian flare to the table with this quick-fix stir-fry. Egg noodles make it a filling feast.

Feed your family's appetite with this savory pasta, chalk full of chicken, mushrooms and walnuts. Serve garnished with Parmesan cheese.