Seasonal & Festive Holiday Roast Chicken

Name: Seasonal & Festive Holiday Roast Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lemon, sliced; 2 sprigs fresh rosemary; 2 sprigs fresh thyme; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup chicken broth; Vegetables for roasting (carrots, potatoes, onions)

Highlighted under: Holiday Table Classics

I love making a hearty roast chicken during the holiday season. It's a tradition in my family that brings everyone together around the table. The aroma of herbs and garlic fills the kitchen, making it feel like a warm embrace. This roast chicken is juicy and flavorful, with crispy skin that everyone raves about. I’ve perfected this recipe over the years, using seasonal ingredients and plenty of love to make it special for the festivities. I can't wait for you to try it and share it with your loved ones!

Created by

Brianna Tate

Last updated on 2026-01-26T02:37:34.454Z

When I first tried making roast chicken for the holidays, I was overwhelmed by how much joy it could bring to the table. I experimented with various herbs and spices until I found the perfect blend that works beautifully with the bird. This combination transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. I remember the first time I served this to my family – their smiles were priceless!

One of the key tips I've learned is to let the chicken rest after cooking; this step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is moist and flavorful. The rich aroma wafting through the house while it bakes is an added bonus, turning any gathering into a festive celebration!

Reasons You'll Love This Roast Chicken
Aromatic blend of seasonal herbs that elevate the flavor
Juicy meat with perfectly crispy skin that delights every palate
A centerpiece that's perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy dinners

Essential Techniques for Perfect Roast Chicken

Achieving perfectly roasted chicken requires attention to detail, particularly when it comes to seasoning and temperature. Rubbing the chicken with olive oil not only enhances the flavor but also helps achieve that coveted crispy skin. Make sure to season under the skin as well, if possible, to infuse the meat with flavor. Ideally, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh for safety and juiciness.

Basting the chicken every 30 minutes with the pan juices ensures that it retains moisture, preventing it from becoming dry. As the chicken roasts, the skin will begin to darken and crisp up; look for a golden brown color as a sign that the skin is forming nicely. If you notice the skin browning too quickly, tent the chicken loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing the cooking process to continue.

Letting the chicken rest after it comes out of the oven is a crucial step that should not be skipped. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, leading to a more flavorful and succulent result. If you're serving it at a holiday dinner, consider covering it with a clean kitchen towel to keep it warm while you finish preparing any sides.

Choosing Seasonal Ingredients

Using seasonal vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and onions not only enhances the flavor profile of the dish but also makes it aesthetically pleasing. When selecting your vegetables, look for vibrant colors and firm textures. For carrots, opt for smaller, younger ones for a sweeter taste. If you want to introduce some variation, you can swap in parsnips or Brussels sprouts, which pair beautifully with the savory notes of the roast chicken.

The herbs in this recipe play a vital role in flavor development. Fresh rosemary contributes a robust pine-like aroma, while thyme adds a subtle earthiness. If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, dried herbs can be used, but keep in mind that dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor; use about one-third of the quantity specified for fresh. If you want an herby twist, consider adding sage or oregano into the mix for an extra layer of complexity.

For a more citrusy profile, try adding orange slices along with or instead of lemon. Oranges provide a delightful contrast to the richness of the chicken. Ultimately, choosing ingredients that align with the season not only enhances the dish but can also inspire conversation around the table, as each ingredient brings its own unique story.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create a delightful roast chicken that brings warmth and joy to your holiday table.

Ingredients

1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, sliced
2 sprigs fresh rosemary
2 sprigs fresh thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup chicken broth
Vegetables for roasting (carrots, potatoes, onions)

These ingredients will come together beautifully in the oven, creating a dish that is both comforting and festive.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to roast your chicken to perfection, ensuring it is golden brown and full of flavor.

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to create the ideal environment for roasting.

Prepare the Chicken

Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Rub olive oil all over the chicken, then season generously with salt and pepper.

Stuff the Chicken

Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the lemon slices, rosemary, thyme, and half of the minced garlic.

Arrange Vegetables

Place your prepared vegetables around the chicken in a roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth into the pan.

Roast the Chicken

Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste with pan juices every 30 minutes.

Let It Rest

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. This helps lock in the juices.

Now that you have roasted the chicken to perfection, serve it up warm for a delightful meal!

Pro Tips

To prevent the chicken from drying out, try covering it loosely with foil for the first hour of roasting, then remove it to allow the skin to crisp up.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you're preparing this roast chicken ahead of time, you can season and stuff it the night before and leave it to marinate in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply, enhancing the overall taste. Just be sure to bring the chicken to room temperature before roasting. This step can improve the cooking time and ensure even cooking, meaning your chicken will be ready to serve right when you want it.

Leftover roast chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It can be used in various dishes, like sandwiches, salads, or soups. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish with a splash of broth or water, cover it, and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. This method will help retain the moisture of the chicken during reheating, keeping it tender.

If you'd like to freeze the leftover chicken, be sure to portion it out into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen chicken will maintain its best quality for about four months. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving this roast chicken, presentation is key. Carve the chicken at the table for a more interactive experience, allowing your guests to see the perfectly cooked meat and crispy skin. Pair the chicken with the roasted vegetables from the pan for a complete, rustic dish. The caramelized edges of the vegetables will complement the savory flavors of the chicken beautifully.

Consider a simple gravy made from the drippings left in the roasting pan for an added touch of indulgence. Deglazing the pan with a little white wine or additional chicken broth after roasting allows you to scrape up the flavorful bits that cling to the bottom, creating a rich sauce. Pour this over the sliced chicken to further elevate the dish.

Enhance the meal with could side dishes like a green salad, cranberry sauce, or stuffing. These complement the roasted chicken while adding extra texture and flavor to the plate. Creating a balance of flavors and textures ensures that every bite is enjoyable, making your festive gathering even more memorable.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It's best to use a thawed chicken for even cooking. If using a frozen chicken, ensure you fully thaw it in the fridge before preparation.

→ What temperature should the chicken be cooked to?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can roast the chicken earlier and reheat it before serving. Just ensure it's reheated to 165°F (75°C).

→ What sides pair well with roast chicken?

Some great sides include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh garden salad to complement the meal.