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Start a new holiday tradition with this delicious Christmas chicken recipe. Loaded with citrusy oranges, rosemary, and garlic flavors, it is a beautiful and flavorful holiday dinner for your table!
Easy Christmas Chicken Recipe
Whether you are hosting a small family dinner, or you want a pre-holiday feast before your Christmas Ham, this chicken is perfect. It’s easy to make, and budget friendly too.
Christmas Chicken is a festive, flavorful option that will have your family and friends asking for seconds. And because chicken is so versatile, you can pair it with everything from potatoes, to vegetables, rice, or even mac and cheese!
After roasting, this Christmas feast has a perfect balance of sweet and savory, making every bite melt in your mouth! So skip the turkey and try a new dish that your friends and family will love.
Ingredients You Need to Make Christmas Chicken
- whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds): A fresh or thawed whole chicken.
- oranges, sliced (plus extra slices for garnish): Juicy citrus slices add flavor and color to the chicken.
- sprigs fresh rosemary: fresh herbs enhance the overall flavor.
- garlic cloves, smashed: Adds extra flavor to the chicken.
- olive oil or softened butter: Adds moisture and helps create a crispy, golden skin.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Classic seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
- chicken broth: Basting with broth will help keep the chicken moist while roasting.
- Optional: 1/2 cup fresh pomegranate seeds or cranberries for garnish: Bright and festive simple touches to make the chicken a beautiful Christmas dinner.
How to Make Christmas Chicken
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a roasting pan with foil or use a roasting bag for easier cleanup.
Step 2: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Then season it generously with salt and pepper, inside and out.
Step 3: Stuff the chicken cavity with the orange slices, rosemary sprigs, and the smashed garlic cloves. Truss the chicken with twine if necessary.
Step 4: Evenly brush or rub olive oil or softened butter over the chicken skin.
Step 5: Place the chicken, breast side up, in the prepared roasting pan. Then pour the chicken broth over the chicken and around the base of the pan. Roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes, basting occasionally, until the skin is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. (Use an instant read meat thermometer like this one.)
Step 6: Once done, let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Optional: Garnish with pomegranate seeds, sugared cranberries, or extra orange slices for a festive touch.
Tips
- Choose a Quality Chicken: Start this recipe with a fresh whole chicken for the best flavor.
- Dry Thoroughly: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This will help the skin to become crispy.
- Season Generously: Don’t forget to add the salt and pepper, but feel free to add extra spices like paprika, sage, or thyme.
- Baste Regularly: Spoon pan juices over the chicken every 20-30 minutes to keep it moist and enhance flavor.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F in the thickest part of the breast. Overcooking can cause the chicken to be dry.
- Let it Rest: Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to settle into the chicken, making it tender and moist.
- Serve with Seasonal Sides: Don’t forget to add amazing sides like this orange cranberry sauce or serve with this festive homemade Sangria.
Variations
- Change the Seasonings: Rub the chicken with butter, mixed with garlic and dried parsley flakes, over and under the skin for a delicious garlic and herb chicken.
- Add Orange Juice: For an extra citrus touch, add 1/4 cup of orange juice to the recipe.
FAQS About Christmas Chicken
Absolutely! Chicken breast or chicken thighs will work. However, you will need to adjust the cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.
Don’t skip basting! Also, let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to lock in the juices.
This chicken is perfect to make ahead of time! You can stuff it and let it sit in the broth and seasonings overnight, then roast just before serving.
More Holiday Recipes
Christmas Chicken
Equipment
- Roasting Pan
- Baster
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, about 4-5 pounds
- 2 oranges, sliced
- 4 sprigs rosemary
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup olive oil, or melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Optional Garnish: 1/2 cup fresh pomegranate seeds, cranberries, or extra orange slices.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a roasting pan with foil or use a roasting bag for easier cleanup.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season it generously with salt and pepper, inside and out.
- Stuff the chicken cavity with the orange slices, rosemary sprigs, and the smashed garlic cloves. Truss the chicken with twine if necessary.
- Evenly rub olive oil or softened butter over the chicken skin.
- Place the chicken, breast side up, in the prepared roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and around the base of the pan. Roast in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes, basting occasionally, until the skin is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the chicken to rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Love this holiday meal!