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 3-4 lbs); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons sea salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lemon, zested and juiced; 1 orange, zested and juiced; 1 bunch fresh thyme; 1 bunch fresh rosemary; 1 onion, quartered; 2 cups chicken broth

Highlighted under: Festive Kitchen Essentials

I love preparing this Seasonal & Festive Holiday Roast Chicken every year. The aroma fills my home, welcoming family and friends for a joyful gathering. The unique blend of herbs and spices, paired with citrus, creates a memorable and comforting dish that celebrates the spirit of the season. It’s easy to make, and the results are impressive, making it a perfect centerpiece for holiday feasts. This recipe simplifies the traditional roast while ensuring every bite is flavorful and satisfying.

Created by

Chloe Bennett

Last updated on 2026-01-26T05:54:34.813Z

During last year's holiday season, I experimented with flavors that evoke warmth and joy. The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and a hint of citrus in this roast chicken recipe made it an instant favorite among my guests. They couldn’t stop raving about the succulent meat and crispy skin!

I discovered that brining the chicken briefly enhances the moisture and flavor, so I recommend preparing it a few hours in advance. It’s these little tips that elevate a simple roast into a memorable dish everyone will be talking about long after the holidays.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Aromatic blend of fresh herbs for a festive touch
Juicy and tender meat that melts in your mouth
Simple preparation with stunning presentation

The Importance of Fresh Herbs

Using fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary in this roast chicken recipe elevates the flavor profile significantly. Fresh herbs provide a vibrant aroma and essential oils that dried herbs simply can’t match. When you stuff the cavity of the chicken with these aromatic herbs, they infuse the meat as it roasts, creating layers of flavor that enhance each bite. Make sure to choose herbs that look lively and fragrant for the best results.

If you're in a pinch and don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried herbs instead. However, adjust the quantities, as dried herbs are more potent—use about one-third of the amount. Remember to add them at the same time as the garlic mixture to allow their flavors to release into the chicken.

Achieving the Perfect Roast

Roasting at a high temperature, like 425°F (220°C), helps achieve crispy skin and juicy meat. When you first place the chicken in the oven, keep an eye on it for the first 30 minutes; the skin should begin to brown, creating that irresistible golden color. To further enhance the skin's crispiness, I recommend basting the chicken with the broth in the pan at least once during cooking, giving it that perfect glossy finish.

Cooking time can vary based on the weight of the chicken, so using a meat thermometer to check for doneness ensures you don’t overcook it. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the breast. If you don’t have a thermometer, a visual check can help: juices should run clear, and the skin should be golden brown.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for a sensational feast:

For the Roast Chicken

1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons sea salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, zested and juiced
1 orange, zested and juiced
1 bunch fresh thyme
1 bunch fresh rosemary
1 onion, quartered
2 cups chicken broth

Ensure all ingredients are fresh to achieve the best flavor.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create the perfect roast chicken:

Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Rinse the chicken under cold water, then pat it dry with paper towels. Place the chicken in a roasting pan.

Season the Chicken

Rub the olive oil all over the chicken and season it generously with sea salt and pepper. In a bowl, mix the minced garlic, lemon zest, orange zest, lemon juice, and orange juice. Pour this mixture over and inside the chicken.

Add Herbs and Onion

Stuff the cavity of the chicken with fresh thyme, rosemary, and the quartered onion. This will infuse the chicken with aromatic flavors as it roasts.

Roast the Chicken

Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan and place the chicken into the oven. Roast for about 90 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Rest and Serve

Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and delicious meal.

Serve your holiday roast chicken with your favorite sides for a complete festive meal.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding seasonal vegetables like carrots and potatoes to the roasting pan during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Make-Ahead Tips

This seasonal roast chicken can easily be prepared a day ahead to ease your holiday stress. You can season the chicken with the herbs and citrus mixture the night before, letting it marinate in the refrigerator overnight. This not only amplifies the flavors but also saves you valuable time on the day of your gathering.

If you're planning to roast multiple chickens for a large crowd, feel free to double or triple the ingredients and prepare them simultaneously. Just ensure you have a roasting pan large enough to accommodate the extra birds, or do multiple batches.

Serving Suggestions

For an appealing presentation, carve the chicken and arrange the pieces on a platter with sprigs of fresh herbs and citrus slices. Pair this dish with seasonal sides like roasted root vegetables or a light salad to balance the richness of the chicken. A traditional stuffing can also be placed around the chicken on the platter for a rustic touch.

Consider making a gravy from the pan drippings. Simply remove the chicken once cooked, place the pan on the stove, and whisk in a bit of flour to thicken the drippings, adding broth as needed. This gravy will accentuate flavors and provide a further layer of comfort to the meal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare the chicken in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken a few hours in advance. Just season it and let it marinate in the fridge until ready to roast.

→ What sides go well with roast chicken?

Traditional sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce pair perfectly with this roast chicken.

→ How do I store leftovers?

After allowing the chicken to cool, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! This recipe can be adapted for duck or turkey, just adjust the cooking time according to the size.