What makes a holiday roasted chicken truly special lies not in complex techniques, but rather in its understated simplicity. This one-pot wonder of a recipe yields a mouthwatering, tender whole chicken that’s just as suitable for a regular weeknight dinner as it is for a festive holiday gathering. The trifecta of garlic, lemon, and rosemary adds depth and nuance to the dish without overpowering it, allowing you to easily pair it with an array of seasonal side dishes. Whether you’re looking to add some flair to your Thanksgiving or Christmas menu, this succulent roast chicken is sure to become a new holiday tradition.
Why You’ll Love This
This mouthwatering roasted chicken dish is anything but ordinary, boasting tender vegetables and fragrant fresh herbs. Perfectly cooked in a roasting pan and oven, it’s an ideal centerpiece for Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings. The simplicity of this recipe belies its impressive flavor profile, making it an excellent choice for special occasions or everyday meals. With the versatility to be customized with various seasonings and flavors, this roasted chicken dish can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences. Additionally, leftover chicken can be transformed into a multitude of other delicious recipes.
How to Make This Roasted Chicken Recipe
To start, roast the garlic by wrapping peeled cloves in foil with some oil and salt, then placing it in a hot oven for 30 minutes to create the garlic butter. If your oven is occupied, you can learn how to roast garlic in an air fryer here. Meanwhile, bring the chicken and butter to room temperature. Next, prepare the chicken by mixing half of the roasted garlic with softened butter, brushing it over the outside of the chicken for a crisp skin, and placing the remainder inside the cavity along with lemon slices or wedges, rosemary, and onion. This flavorful chicken is perfect for family gatherings like Christmas dinner. For an idea that serves two people, try this air fryer Cornish hen recipe. To finish preparing the bird, truss the legs together with twine or kitchen string to keep the stuffing inside, then grind over some salt and pepper and add more chopped rosemary on top if desired. Now you can roast the prepared chicken in the oven for an hour. This delicious roasted chicken is worth the wait! While it roasts, start preparing side dishes or simply relax (which is the whole point of an easy roast chicken recipe – right?) Once the chicken is done, cover it with foil and give it another hour, or until it reaches 165°F inside. It’s best to check with a meat thermometer and verify the temperature in the thickest part of the thigh or breast. Finally, let the chicken rest in the roasting pan while you finish preparing your side dishes. This will result in the juiciest chicken, and you’ll love using the pan drippings to make a gravy if desired.
Roast Chicken Variations
This simple roast chicken recipe offers endless possibilities for customization. The beauty of cooking chicken lies in its versatility – feel free to experiment with different herbs and seasonings to suit your taste buds. This easy Christmas-inspired dish is likely to become a staple in your household, enjoyed year after year.If you’re looking to mix things up, swap the lemon for orange or substitute white onion with a small yellow one. The beauty of roast chicken lies in its adaptability. You can also consider adding some potatoes and carrots to the roasting tray – just be sure to add a splash of chicken stock to the dish as well. This is an excellent way to cook vegetables on a weeknight, making it a convenient addition to this meal.Feel free to combine fresh herbs like sage, rosemary, thyme, or parsley for added depth of flavor. You can use one, two, or all three – the choice is yours. With its simplicity and flexibility, this roast chicken recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Whole Roasted Chicken FAQs
When it comes to leftover roast chicken, the possibilities are endless. From sandwiches and soups to omelets and stir-fries, the versatile bird can be transformed into a variety of dishes. Rather than letting it go to waste, get creative and turn yesterday’s roast into today’s culinary delight.Calculating cooking time for different size birds can be a challenge, but with a little practice, you’ll become a pro. A general rule of thumb is to give the chicken about 30 minutes per pound at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. However, oven temperatures and roasted chicken recipes can vary greatly, so it’s essential to double-check the internal temperature using an instant-read thermometer. When the thickest part of the thigh reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, you know your roast is cooked to perfection. This ensures that whether you prefer dark meat, breast meat, or a combination of both, your roasted chicken will be juicy and flavorful.
How to Store Leftover Roasted Chicken
For optimal storage, allow the cooked chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This will keep it fresh for up to three days when stored in the refrigerator. Alternatively, freezing is also a viable option. Ensure that the chicken is properly sealed within airtight containers or Ziploc freezer bags to maintain its quality over several months. When thawing frozen chicken, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed using methods such as oven roasting, microwave reheating, or by adding pieces directly into your desired recipe.
Holiday Roasted Chicken Recipe
The BEST Holiday Roasted Chicken
The secret to a truly exceptional holiday roasted chicken lies in its understated simplicity. This effortless, one-pot recipe yields a show-stopping main course that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates. The harmonious balance of garlic, lemon, and rosemary infuses the dish with subtle yet tantalizing flavors, allowing any accompanying side dishes to take center stage alongside the tender, juicy chicken. With only 10 minutes of prep time required, this recipe is a stress-free option for your holiday gathering, delivering a mouthwatering result after just 2 hours and 15 minutes in the oven.
Instructions
To start, preheat your oven to 400°F. Next, prepare the garlic by cutting off one end of the bulb and placing it in foil with a drizzle of olive oil and sea salt. Seal the foil tightly and roast the garlic for 30 minutes while you attend to the chicken. Allow both the butter and the chicken to come to room temperature as the garlic roasts.Once the garlic is done, remove it from the oven and separate the roasted cloves into two halves. Combine half of the garlic with the softened butter, then use this compound butter to brush the chicken all over. You can also add any remaining garlic mixture inside the cavity along with some rosemary, lemon zest, and onion. Secure the legs together with kitchen twine.Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of rosemary. Place the chicken in a roast pan on the center rack of your oven and roast for 1 hour at 400°F. After an hour, cover the chicken with foil to prevent overcooking and continue roasting until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.