Seasonal & Festive Holiday Roast Chicken

Name: Seasonal & Festive Holiday Roast Chicken
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 1 h 25 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 2 teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon dried rosemary; 1 lemon, sliced; 1 orange, sliced; 4 sprigs fresh rosemary; 4 sprigs fresh thyme; 1 onion, quartered

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

I love making this Seasonal & Festive Holiday Roast Chicken during the holiday season. The aroma that fills my kitchen is simply unbeatable, and the combination of herbs and spices brings out the chicken's natural flavors beautifully. Roasting it until golden brown ensures the skin is crispy while keeping the meat juicy and tender. Whether it's a family gathering or a festive dinner party, this recipe always impresses, reminding us to savor every moment spent together around the table.

Created by

Bethany Clarke

Last updated on 2026-01-26T03:01:34.198Z

When I first started experimenting with roast chicken, I quickly fell in love with the balance of flavors achieved by using seasonal ingredients. One particularly festive twist I tried was adding slices of citrus and fresh herbs inside the cavity, allowing the flavors to permeate the meat as it roasts. The result? An incredibly aromatic and mouthwatering chicken that turns heads at the table!

I've also discovered that letting the chicken rest after cooking makes all the difference. It allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist and tender slices that everyone will rave about. Trust me, this tip elevates your roast chicken game significantly!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Aromatic blend of herbs and citrus for a festive flair
Perfectly crispy skin paired with succulent meat
Quick prep time and impressive results for gatherings

      

The Importance of Herb Selection

The herbs you choose significantly impact the flavor profile of this roast chicken. A mixture of dried thyme and rosemary brings warmth and earthiness, perfectly complementing the citrus notes from the lemon and orange. Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary stuffed into the cavity provide a punch of flavor as they infuse the meat during roasting. If you're looking for an alternative, consider using fresh parsley and sage for a different yet equally vibrant taste.

When selecting herbs, freshness is key—dried herbs should be recently purchased to ensure maximum aroma and potency. If you have limited access to fresh herbs, don't worry; dried herbs can be used instead, but remember to adjust the quantity since dried herbs carry a stronger flavor. A common ratio is to use one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh.

Perfect Roasting Techniques

Achieving that coveted crispy skin is all about the roasting method. Start by ensuring your oven is preheated to 425°F (220°C)—this high heat sears the skin quickly, helping it to become golden and crisp. As the chicken roasts, the fat rendered from the skin helps to baste the meat, ensuring a moist and succulent outcome. If the skin is browning too quickly, you can cover the chicken loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the meat continues to cook through.

Another key technique is to let the chicken rest after roasting. This critical step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a moist and tender texture upon carving. I always recommend resting the chicken for at least 15 minutes before slicing—this simple act is often overlooked but makes a significant difference in the final dish.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to prepare your Seasonal & Festive Holiday Roast Chicken:

For the Roast Chicken

1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 lemon, sliced
1 orange, sliced
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
4 sprigs fresh thyme
1 onion, quartered

Make sure to have everything ready before starting to cook!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to roast your holiday chicken perfectly:

Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Rinse the chicken inside and out, then pat dry with paper towels. Rub the outside of the chicken with olive oil, and season all over with salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and rosemary.

Stuff the Chicken

Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the lemon and orange slices, onion quarters, and fresh herb sprigs. This helps to infuse the chicken with bright, aromatic flavors while it cooks.

Roast in the Oven

Place the chicken breast-side up on a roasting rack in a baking dish. Roast for about 70-85 minutes or until the internal temperature reads 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. Baste the chicken halfway through for extra moisture and flavor.

Let it Rest

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. This resting period keeps the meat juicy.

Carve and serve your beautifully roasted chicken with your favorite sides!

Pro Tips

For even more flavor, try adding garlic cloves and fresh herbs under the skin before roasting.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This roast chicken is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare the chicken and season it the night before, simply covering it with plastic wrap and refrigerating. This not only saves time on the day of your gathering but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Bring the chicken to room temperature before roasting to ensure even cooking.

Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Use leftover meat in salads, sandwiches, or soups to enjoy the flavors well beyond your initial meal. To maintain its quality, I recommend reheating it in the oven rather than the microwave, as this helps retain crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

For a truly festive presentation, serve your roast chicken alongside seasonal sides like roasted vegetables or a bright, tangy cranberry sauce. Mashed potatoes or a fresh garden salad complement the rich flavors of the chicken while providing a well-rounded meal. Don't forget to drizzle the pan juices over the chicken before serving for extra flavor and moisture.

If you’re hosting a larger gathering, consider roasting two chickens. They can be prepared identically and will cook evenly side by side in the oven. Double the quantities of your herbs and citrus for stuffing to ensure each bird is packed with flavor. This not only makes for an impressive spread but also allows for a variety of leftovers to enjoy throughout the week.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can season the chicken the night before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. This can enhance the flavors.

→ What side dishes pair well with roast chicken?

Classic sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad complement roast chicken beautifully.

→ How do I store leftovers?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven.

→ Can I use a smaller or larger chicken?

Yes, adjust the cooking time accordingly. The internal temperature should still reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safely cooked.