Seasonal & Festive Holiday Roast Chicken

Name: Seasonal & Festive Holiday Roast Chicken
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs); 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 sprigs fresh rosemary; 4 sprigs fresh thyme; 1 lemon, quartered; 1 onion, quartered; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Highlighted under: Seasonal Creations

I love preparing this Seasonal & Festive Holiday Roast Chicken because it transforms my dining table into a celebration. As I unveil the golden, crispy skin and aromatic herbs, I can already see the joy on my family’s faces. This recipe blends seasonal flavors with classic techniques, making it a favorite for any festive occasion. It’s a perfect centerpiece that not only tastes incredible but also brings everyone together, creating lasting memories. Trust me, once you try it, you'll want it for every holiday gathering!

Created by

Fiona Carter

Last updated on 2026-01-26T04:13:35.273Z

When I first set out to make this roast chicken, I wanted to create something that not only tasted great but also felt like a warm hug for my family. The combination of fresh herbs and citrus creates a bright and inviting aroma that fills the kitchen. I discovered that basting the chicken with its own juices makes the skin super crispy while keeping the meat succulent. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!

On the day of our holiday feast, I woke up early to prepare the chicken, allowing the flavors to meld. As it roasted, I couldn’t help but sneak bites of the fresh herbs. The result was a beautifully fragrant dish that made our gathering feel truly special. This recipe is all about sharing love and delicious food with the people who matter most.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crispy skin that crackles with flavor.
Aromatic herbs paired with zesty citrus.
Perfect for gatherings and festive celebrations.

Choosing the Right Chicken

Selecting a high-quality chicken is vital for achieving a delicious roast. Look for a bird that is organic or free-range; these chickens tend to have more flavor and a better texture. Aim for one that weighs around 4-5 pounds, as this size allows for even cooking and crispy skin. If you find a smaller chicken, adjust your roasting time accordingly, reducing it to about 15 minutes per pound to ensure that it does not dry out.

Rinsing the chicken is not necessary and can introduce bacteria to your kitchen. Instead, focus on patting the skin dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps achieve that coveted crispy skin when roasted. Additionally, consider leaving the chicken uncovered in the fridge for a few hours prior to cooking; this further dries out the skin, enhancing its ability to crisp up in the oven.

Aromatic Herb and Citrus Infusion

The fresh herbs and citrus included in this recipe serve dual purposes: enhancing flavor and keeping the chicken moist. Rosemary and thyme not only impart a pleasant aroma, but their oils also infuse the meat as it cooks. When selecting herbs, fresh is preferable, but if you only have dried versions, use about a third of the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

Stuff the cavity with lemon and onion along with the herbs; the lemon's acidity balances the richness of the chicken, while the onion sweetens as it roasts. This aromatic infusion not only heightens the taste but also contributes to a fragrant and inviting kitchen atmosphere during cooking. If you're in the mood to experiment, try adding garlic cloves or even a splash of white wine for an extra flavor dimension.

Basting for Perfection

Basting your chicken every 20 minutes with the broth and melted butter is essential in creating a rich, flavorful crust. This technique helps to keep the skin moist while ensuring it browns evenly. The butter adds a lovely richness, aiding in browning while the broth enhances the existing flavors. Keep the basting process quick—open the oven just enough to scoop up the liquid without allowing much heat to escape.

If you're short on time for basting, consider using a kitchen syringe or a basting brush to apply the broth and butter mixture. However, if you skip basting altogether, be aware that the skin may not achieve that beautiful golden hue. For a healthier alternative, use olive oil instead of butter; it will still provide great flavor and crispiness while cutting down on saturated fat.

Ingredients

Ingredients for the Holiday Roast Chicken

Main Ingredients

1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
4 sprigs fresh thyme
1 lemon, quartered
1 onion, quartered

For Basting

1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Gather all your ingredients before starting for a smoother cooking experience!

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it in a roasting pan. Rub the olive oil all over the chicken, then season generously with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with the rosemary, thyme, lemon quarters, and onion.

Roast the Chicken

Place the chicken in the preheated oven and roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, basting it with the broth and melted butter every 20 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when done.

Rest and Serve

Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 10 to 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender.

Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy a heartwarming meal with family!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight with the herbs and lemon. This enhances the taste and makes the meat more tender.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, you can season the chicken a day in advance. Simply rub it with olive oil, salt, pepper, and stuff the herbs and citrus inside, then cover and refrigerate. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and can lead to a more flavorful dish come roasting day. On the day of roasting, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before it goes into the oven.

Leftover roast chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to eat, reheat it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This will help maintain the crispiness of the skin compared to microwaving, which can lead to sogginess.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your holiday meal, consider serving your roast chicken alongside seasonal sides such as roasted root vegetables or a fresh winter salad with citrus vinaigrette. The bright, zesty flavors of the salad will complement the richness of the chicken beautifully. For a heartier option, mashed potatoes or wild rice are excellent accompaniments that soak up the juices from the chicken.

For an impressive presentation, carve the chicken at the table and arrange it decoratively on a platter. Garnish with extra herbs and lemon slices for a festive touch. Don't forget to save the drippings in the roasting pan; they can be transformed into a delicious gravy to drizzle over the chicken and sides.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your chicken isn’t browning as expected, ensure your oven is fully preheated and that you're using a roasting pan conducive to browning, such as a metal one instead of glass. Additionally, check that your chicken is not overcrowded—air needs to circulate around the bird for even cooking. If the breast skin is done before the thighs, consider tenting the breast with foil to prevent overcooking while allowing the rest of the chicken to finish roasting.

Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. A reliable way to avoid this is to use a meat thermometer to ensure you remove the chicken from the oven at the appropriate internal temperature—165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. If you notice the skin is becoming too dark before the chicken is done, lowering the oven temperature slightly can help prevent burning while the meat cooks through.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of chicken?

Yes, you can use a smaller or larger chicken, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.

→ What sides go well with roast chicken?

Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad are all great options to serve alongside.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Cool the chicken to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the roast chicken?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it well to avoid freezer burn.