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: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs); 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 lemon, quartered; 1 orange, quartered; 4 cloves garlic, smashed; Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley), a handful; 1 cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Highlighted under: Seasonal Joy

I absolutely love preparing a roast chicken for the holidays; it brings my family together in the most wonderful way. This Seasonal & Festive Holiday Roast Chicken is not just about the feast but also about the aromas that fill the house. The blend of herbs and citrus makes every bite comforting and delightful. I always aim to serve a bird that's perfectly cooked, juicy, and bursting with flavors, making it an unforgettable centerpiece for our holiday gatherings.

Created by

Arabella Scott

Last updated on 2026-01-26T03:17:34.847Z

Preparing this roast chicken has become a cherished tradition in our household. Each year, I experiment with different flavors and techniques, but the essence stays the same—a juicy, flavorful bird that brings everyone to the table. I found that brining the chicken beforehand keeps it exceptionally moist, and adding fresh herbs elevates the dish with aromatic flavors.

One of my favorite tips is to add citrus fruits, like oranges and lemons, into the cavity of the chicken. This not only infuses the meat with zestiness but also fills the kitchen with a heavenly aroma. Every bite of this chicken reminds me of the joy and warmth of the holiday season, and I look forward to savoring it with loved ones.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Aromatic blend of herbs and citrus for a festive touch
Juicy meat that's perfectly cooked every time
Perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings

      

Perfectly Seasoned Chicken

The choice of seasoning is crucial for a flavorful roast chicken. The combination of olive oil, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper creates a crisp, golden skin while allowing the embedded flavors to shine through. I recommend using a good-quality extra virgin olive oil, as its robust flavor enhances the overall taste. For a touch of complexity, consider adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the seasoning mix, providing a subtle depth to the roasted chicken.

When seasoning the cavity of the chicken with salt and pepper, don’t shy away from being generous. This part often gets overlooked but is essential for creating a deeply flavored meat. By seasoning inside the cavity, the flavors infuse the meat from the inside out as it cooks, ensuring each bite is as flavorful as the outer layer.

Basting Technique

Basting is an essential technique for achieving a juicy and flavorful roast chicken. The melted butter not only adds richness but also helps in browning the skin to a perfect golden hue. I recommend using a baster or a large spoon to pour the juices back over the bird every 20-30 minutes during cooking. This ensures that the skin remains moist while flavoring each layer of meat beneath.

If you find that the skin is browning too quickly, you can tent the chicken loosely with aluminum foil. This technique prevents the skin from burning while allowing the chicken to cook evenly. Just be sure to remove the foil during the last 20 minutes of roasting for that crispy finish everybody loves.

Stuffing Variations

While the lemon, orange, and garlic combination is a classic for aromatic flavors, feel free to get creative with your stuffing ingredients. You can add sliced onions, carrots, or even a handful of cranberries for a sweet-tart profile. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also contribute to a more festive presentation when served.

For a heartier stuffing option, consider adding cooked quinoa or rice mixed with herbs. This can help soak up the chicken's juices, creating a delicious and moist filling. Just make sure that any additional ingredients do not overcrowd the cavity, allowing hot air to circulate and cook the chicken evenly.

Ingredients

For the Roast Chicken

1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 lemon, quartered
1 orange, quartered
4 cloves garlic, smashed
Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley), a handful

For the Baste

1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

Prep the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub the outside with olive oil and season generously with salt and black pepper, including inside the cavity.

Stuff the Cavity

Place the quartered lemon and orange, along with the smashed garlic cloves and fresh herbs, inside the cavity of the chicken.

Roast the Chicken

Place the chicken breast-side up on a roasting pan. Pour the chicken broth around the base of the chicken and brush the whole bird with the melted butter. Roast in the preheated oven for about 90 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Baste and Rest

Baste the chicken with the juices from the pan every 20-30 minutes for extra flavor. Once done, let the chicken rest for at least 15 minutes before carving.

Pro Tips

For a crispy skin, don't cover the chicken during roasting. Let it cook undisturbed to achieve that golden brown color everyone loves!

Make-Ahead Tips

Preparing your roast chicken in advance can help streamline your holiday cooking. Consider marinating the chicken with olive oil, herbs, salt, and pepper a day prior. This not only allows for deeper flavor penetration but also saves you time on the big day. Just be sure to let the chicken come to room temperature before roasting for even cooking.

If you're short on time, you can also prep the stuffing ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. For maximum flavor, prepare your basting mixture a few hours before cooking to let the flavors meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Seasonal & Festive Holiday Roast Chicken with a side of roasted seasonal vegetables and a fresh green salad. The contrasting textures of crispy veggies and tender chicken layers make for a beautiful plate. Don't forget to use the pan drippings to create a delectable gravy or sauce to drizzle over the chicken and sides.

For a festive touch, you can garnish the chicken with additional sprigs of fresh herbs or slices of citrus. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also brings a burst of fresh aroma to the table. If you have leftovers, they make for an excellent base for chicken salad or soup the next day.

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your roast chicken, properly store any leftovers to keep them fresh. Seal the chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It can stay fresh for approximately 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider shredding the meat and freezing it in small portions, which can then be used in various dishes like soups, tacos, or salads later on.

To reheat, it's best to use an oven to keep the chicken from drying out. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, covering it with foil to help retain moisture. Reheat for about 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) before consuming.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a frozen chicken for this recipe?

It's best to use a thawed chicken for even cooking. If using a frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before preparation.

→ What can I serve with this roast chicken?

This roast chicken pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a festive meal.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While roast chicken is best served fresh, you can prepare it ahead by seasoning the chicken and stuffing it a few hours prior to roasting. Just ensure it's kept refrigerated until ready to cook.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the chicken for up to 2 months.