Seasonal & Festive Holiday Roast Chicken
Highlighted under: Celebration Plates
I absolutely love preparing this Seasonal & Festive Holiday Roast Chicken for gatherings with family and friends. The comforting aroma that fills the kitchen as it roasts is simply enchanting. Each bite brings together the rich flavors of fresh herbs and spices, perfectly complementing the tender chicken. What makes this recipe special for us is the way it brings everyone together, creating a beautiful centerpiece for our holiday table. It’s easy to make yet impressively delicious, making it the star of any festive celebration.
As I was prepping for a holiday gathering, I wanted to create a roast chicken that felt truly festive. I experimented by marinating the chicken overnight with garlic, rosemary, and lemon, which elevated the flavors remarkably. This method ensures that the meat remains juicy and packed with flavor.
One of my favorite tips is to use a dairy-free herb butter spread underneath the skin. It not only adds moisture but also infuses the chicken with a delightful taste. The result is a beautifully golden-brown chicken that’s sure to impress friends and family alike!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly juicy chicken with a crispy, golden skin
- Infused with fresh herbs for an aromatic experience
- A stunning centerpiece that delights any holiday table
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to prepare your memorable roast chicken:
For the Chicken
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 lemon, zested and quartered
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 stick dairy-free butter, softened
For the Marinade
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon thyme
For Serving
- Fresh herbs for garnish
- Roasted vegetables (optional)
Ensure your ingredients are fresh for the best results!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to prepare your Seasonal & Festive Holiday Roast Chicken:
Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season the inside and outside generously with salt and pepper.
Make the Herb Butter
In a bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and lemon zest. Carefully loosen the skin of the chicken and spread the herb butter underneath.
Marinate the Chicken
Combine the chicken broth, Dijon mustard, honey, and thyme in a small bowl. Pour this mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
Roast the Chicken
Place the chicken in a roasting pan and stuff the cavity with the quartered lemon. Drizzle olive oil over the top and roast in the oven for approximately 90 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Serve
Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for about 15 minutes before carving. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with roasted vegetables if desired.
Enjoy the wonderful flavors of your holiday roast chicken!
Pro Tips
- For extra crispy skin, ensure the chicken skin is dry before applying the herb butter. Additionally, resting the chicken after removing it from the oven helps retain moisture.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It's best to use a thawed chicken for even cooking. If using frozen, ensure it’s completely thawed in the refrigerator before preparation.
→ What other herbs can I use?
Feel free to experiment with herbs like thyme, sage, or parsley for different flavor profiles!
→ How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (75°C).
→ Can I make this chicken in advance?
You can marinate the chicken a day before and roast it fresh on the day of serving for the best flavor.
Seasonal & Festive Holiday Roast Chicken
I absolutely love preparing this Seasonal & Festive Holiday Roast Chicken for gatherings with family and friends. The comforting aroma that fills the kitchen as it roasts is simply enchanting. Each bite brings together the rich flavors of fresh herbs and spices, perfectly complementing the tender chicken. What makes this recipe special for us is the way it brings everyone together, creating a beautiful centerpiece for our holiday table. It’s easy to make yet impressively delicious, making it the star of any festive celebration.
Created by: Callista Green
Recipe Type: Celebration Plates
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 lemon, zested and quartered
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 stick dairy-free butter, softened
For the Marinade
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon thyme
For Serving
- Fresh herbs for garnish
- Roasted vegetables (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Season the inside and outside generously with salt and pepper.
In a bowl, mix the softened butter with minced garlic, chopped rosemary, and lemon zest. Carefully loosen the skin of the chicken and spread the herb butter underneath.
Combine the chicken broth, Dijon mustard, honey, and thyme in a small bowl. Pour this mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
Place the chicken in a roasting pan and stuff the cavity with the quartered lemon. Drizzle olive oil over the top and roast in the oven for approximately 90 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for about 15 minutes before carving. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with roasted vegetables if desired.
Extra Tips
- For extra crispy skin, ensure the chicken skin is dry before applying the herb butter. Additionally, resting the chicken after removing it from the oven helps retain moisture.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 8g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 42g