If you’re looking for a festive and delicious main dish for your Christmas dinner, this chicken Christmas recipe is a perfect choice. It’s simple, flavorful, and sure to impress your guests. With a blend of savory herbs, spices, and a touch of sweetness, this chicken dish brings all the holiday cheer to your table. Whether you’re hosting a large family dinner or having a small celebration, this recipe is easy to prepare and makes a beautiful centerpiece. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, and stuffing.
This dish is perfect if you’re looking for something a little different from turkey but still want a hearty, flavorful main dish. I often make it for smaller gatherings, and it’s always a big hit! I’m sure it will become a holiday favorite in your home, too.
Chicken Christmas is a great alternative to the traditional holiday turkey. The flavorful herbs and juicy chicken create a mouthwatering dish that will have your guests asking for seconds. Whether you make it whole or in pieces, it’s a great way to bring some festive spirit to your table.
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Chicken Christmas Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Whole Chicken about 4 lb
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Honey
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 Teaspoons Dried Rosemary
- 2 Teaspoons Dried Thyme
- 4 Garlic Cloves minced
- 1 Lemon cut into wedges
- 1 Cup Chicken Broth for roasting
Optional Toppings
- Fresh Parsley for garnish
- Lemon Slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat dry the chicken with paper towels, then place it on a roasting pan.
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, and minced garlic.
- Rub the mixture all over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly.
- Stuff the chicken cavity with lemon wedges for added flavor.
- Pour chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan.
- Roast the chicken in the oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Baste the chicken halfway through with the pan juices to keep it moist.
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices, then serve with your favorite holiday sides.
Video
Notes
- For a crispy skin, make sure to dry the chicken thoroughly before seasoning. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts or thighs instead of a whole chicken. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- The honey and mustard glaze creates a beautiful caramelization on the chicken as it roasts. Be careful not to burn the glaze—if it gets too dark, you can cover the chicken loosely with foil.
- To add more flavor, you can also stuff the chicken with fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme, or even some onion slices.
- This recipe is easy to prepare ahead of time! You can marinate the chicken with the seasoning the night before and roast it the next day for even more flavor.