Introduction

Christmas dinner is a time for family, celebration, and indulgence, and no festive spread is complete without a beautifully roasted chicken as the star of the table. This Christmas Dinner Roasted Chicken recipe captures the essence of the season with its tender, juicy meat infused with aromatic herbs, spices, and zesty citrus. The golden, crispy skin adds the perfect finishing touch, making it not just a meal but a memorable experience for everyone at your holiday feast.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its ability to evoke the warmth and togetherness of Christmas while offering a dish that’s both delicious and visually stunning. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or an intimate dinner, this roasted chicken is sure to be the highlight of your menu, creating an unforgettable festive moment for your loved ones. 

What is Christmas Dinner Roasted Chicken?

Christmas Dinner Roasted Chicken is a traditional dish that symbolizes comfort, warmth, and festivity. It features a whole chicken, carefully marinated with a harmonious blend of herbs, spices, and citrus flavors that elevate its natural taste. Slowly roasted to perfection, the chicken boasts a crispy, golden-brown exterior and succulent, flavorful meat.

This dish isn’t just about the chicken itself—it’s about the process of bringing people together. The tantalizing aroma that fills your home as the chicken roasts and the joy of carving it at the table make it an integral part of Christmas celebrations.

Main Ingredient of Christmas Dinner Roasted Chicken

The star of this dish is, of course, the whole chicken. Its versatile and tender nature allows it to absorb the marinade's rich flavors beautifully, ensuring every bite is bursting with taste.

• Herbs: Fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley add earthy and aromatic notes, enhancing the chicken's natural flavors.
• Spices: Paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper lend warmth and depth, giving the dish a festive character.
• Citrus: Lemon and orange slices not only add a zesty brightness but also keep the chicken moist and tender during roasting.
• Butter or Olive Oil: Helps in achieving that perfectly crisp and golden skin, sealing in the juices for maximum succulence.

These ingredients work together to create a flavorful and aromatic dish that embodies the spirit of Christmas.

What Is So Special About This Recipe?

This roasted chicken recipe stands out for its balance of simplicity and sophistication, making it accessible for cooks of all levels while delivering gourmet results.

1. Flavorful Marinade: The combination of citrus, herbs, and spices creates layers of flavor that enhance the chicken without overpowering its natural taste.
2. Crispy, Golden Skin: The use of butter or olive oil ensures the chicken develops a gorgeous, crispy exterior while remaining tender and juicy on the inside.
3. Holiday Touch: The addition of festive herbs and citrus makes it a unique centerpiece that embodies the flavors and aromas of Christmas.
4. Versatility: This recipe can be customized to suit your taste preferences by adjusting the herbs and spices.

Whether paired with roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a tangy cranberry sauce, this chicken completes the festive spread.

Quick and Easy Christmas Roasted Chicken

Despite its impressive presentation and complex flavors, this recipe is incredibly straightforward. With minimal preparation and simple ingredients, you can achieve a restaurant-quality dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

1. Simple Preparation: Marinating the chicken is quick and easy, and the recipe requires no elaborate techniques.
2. Hands-Off Cooking: Once the chicken is in the oven, you can focus on other dishes or spend quality time with family while it roasts to perfection.
3. Effortless Elegance: The finished dish looks and tastes like it took hours of effort, but it’s accessible for both novice and experienced cooks.

This recipe ensures you get the best of both worlds—a stunning and delicious centerpiece with plenty of time left to enjoy the festivities!

How to Make Christmas Dinner Roasted Chicken

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, butter, rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Season the Chicken:
   Rub the marinade all over the chicken, including under the skin. Stuff the cavity with lemon slices and any remaining herbs.
3. Prepare the Roasting Pan:
   Place chopped vegetables in the pan and drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables.
4. Roast the Chicken:
   Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roast for 1 hour 30 minutes, basting every 30 minutes with the juices in the pan.
5. Check for Doneness:
   Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken (not touching the bone). It should read 165°F (75°C).
6. Rest and Serve:
   Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Serve alongside roasted vegetables.

Expert Tips

1. Brining Boosts Flavor: Soak the chicken in a brine of salt, water, and herbs overnight for extra juiciness.
2. Even Roasting: Tie the chicken legs together and tuck the wings under to ensure even cooking.
3. Thermometer Check: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
4. Rest Before Serving: Let the roasted chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to retain juices.

More Delicious Recipes

1. Jalapeno Soup

2. Tomato Soup

2. Veg Biryani

Recipe Card

Christmas Dinner Roasted Chicken Recipe

Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users

• Share on Twitter
• Share on Facebook
• Share on Pinterest

Category

Main Course

Servings

6

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

1.30 minutes

Calories

450

Make your Christmas feast unforgettable with this classic roasted chicken recipe. Juicy, golden, and seasoned to perfection, it’s a holiday favorite!

Author:

Part Kapoor

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 lemons (1 sliced, 1 juiced)
• 1 stick butter, softned
• 1 tbsp rosemary, chopped
• 1 tbsp thyme, chopped
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Vegetables for roasting (carrots, potatoes, onions, parsnips)

View Cart (0) Checkout

Directions

Prepare the Marinade:

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, butter, rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Season the Chicken:

1. Rub the marinade all over the chicken, including under the skin. Stuff the cavity with lemon slices and any remaining herbs.

Prepare the Roasting Pan:

1. Place chopped vegetables in the pan and drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables.

Roast the Chicken:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roast for 1 hour 30 minutes, basting every 30 minutes with the juices in the pan.

Check for Doneness

1. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken (not touching the bone). It should read 165°F (75°C).

Rest and Serve:

1. Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Serve alongside roasted vegetables.

Recipe Video

Recipe Note

Feel free to customize the herbs and vegetables to suit your taste. For a smoky twist, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade.