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Christmas Chicken

This Christmas Chicken recipe is simple, festive, and packed with flavor, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Main
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Roasting Pan
  • Meat Thermometer

Ingredients
  

Butter Mixture

  • ½ cup 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

Whole Chicken

  • 1 whole chicken about 3-4 pounds

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped rosemary, orange zest, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Mix until smooth.
  • Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
  • Loosen the skin of the chicken and spread a generous amount of the butter mixture under the skin. Rub some on the outside as well.
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken in a roasting pan, breast side up.
  • Roast for approximately 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), basting every 30 minutes.
  • Once cooked, remove from the oven and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
  • Carve the chicken into pieces and serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for easy spreading. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature accurately.
Keyword Easy