What’s better than the smell of a delicious roast chicken wafting through your house during the holiday season? This Christmas Chicken recipe is simple, festive, and packed with flavor that will have your loved ones begging for seconds.

With an easy-to-follow method and a few high-quality ingredients, you can create a heartwarming meal that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners.

Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

This Christmas Chicken is not just any ordinary chicken.

It’s infused with a buttery garlic-herb mixture that keeps it moist and flavorful.

The addition of orange zest brings a bright, festive twist that pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the herbs.

Whether you’re celebrating Christmas or just looking for a special meal to prepare for your family, this dish is perfect for any occasion.

The preparation is straightforward, and it uses minimal ingredients that yield maximum flavor.

Plus, who doesn’t love a one-pan dish? Cleanup is a breeze!

Ingredients

To make this fantastic Christmas Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

½ cup (100 g) unsalted butter, softened
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 sprig fresh rosemary, chopped
2 teaspoons orange zest
2 teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper

These simple ingredients come together to create a flavorful, succulent chicken that is sure to impress.

How To Make Christmas Chicken

Making Christmas Chicken is a straightforward process that even beginners can master.

Follow these steps for a delightful roast chicken experience.

Prepare the Butter Mixture

Start by preparing the flavorful butter mixture.

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped rosemary, orange zest, kosher salt, and ground black pepper.

Mix everything well until it becomes a smooth, homogenous mixture.

Prep the Chicken

Choose a whole chicken that weighs about 3-4 pounds.

Make sure it’s thawed if you’ve purchased it frozen.

Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.

This step is crucial as it helps to achieve a crispy skin.

Season the Chicken

Take the butter mixture and carefully loosen the skin of the chicken with your fingers.

Use your hands to spread a generous amount of the butter mixture under the skin of the chicken.

Make sure to distribute it evenly for the best flavor.

You can also rub some of the mixture on the outside of the chicken for an extra boost of flavor.

Roast the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Place the chicken in a roasting pan, breast side up.

Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

To ensure the chicken cooks evenly, consider basting it with the pan juices every 30 minutes.

Let It Rest

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven.

Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes.

This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy and flavorful chicken.

Serve and Enjoy

After resting, carve the chicken into pieces and serve it with your favorite sides.

The combination of buttery garlic and herbs, along with the brightness of the orange zest, creates an unforgettable meal that’s perfect for any holiday table.

Expert Tips

To ensure your Christmas Chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:

Make sure the butter is softened but not melted to help it spread easily under the skin.
Use a meat thermometer to accurately check the internal temperature of the chicken.
Try to avoid opening the oven door too often while the chicken is roasting to maintain even cooking.
If you have any extra butter mixture, you can use it to flavor vegetables or potatoes that you roast alongside the chicken.

Variations and Customizations

This recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

Here are some variations you might enjoy:

Swap out the rosemary for thyme or sage for a different herbal flavor profile.
Add a splash of lemon juice to the butter mixture for an extra zing.
Incorporate additional spices like paprika or cayenne for a bit of heat.
For a twist, try adding some chopped dried fruits like apricots or cranberries to the butter mixture for a sweet surprise.

How to Store Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely but possible!), storing them is easy.

Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.

You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, simply place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave it briefly to enjoy those delicious flavors again.

FAQ

Can I use skinless chicken for this recipe?

While this recipe is designed for a whole chicken, you can use skinless chicken parts.

However, be aware that it may not remain as juicy and flavorful without the skin to hold in moisture.

Can I prepare this chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the butter mixture and even apply it to the chicken the night before.

Keep the seasoned chicken covered in the refrigerator overnight.

This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

What sides pair well with Christmas Chicken?

This chicken goes well with many sides, including roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

For a festive touch, consider serving it with cranberry sauce or a citrus salad.

Is there a vegetarian option for this festive meal?

While this specific recipe focuses on chicken, you could create a similar butter-herb mixture and use it to flavor a roast vegetable dish or stuffed butternut squash for a hearty vegetarian option.

The flavors will still bring holiday cheer to your table!

Conclusion

Christmas Chicken is more than just a dish; it’s an experience that brings warmth and joy to your holiday season.

With its rich flavors and enticing aroma, it’s bound to become a new tradition in your home.

So gather your loved ones, prepare this delightful recipe, and enjoy every bite of your festive feast.

Happy cooking and Merry Christmas!