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: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds); 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 lemon, halved; 4 cloves garlic, smashed; Fresh herbs (rosemary and thyme); 3 large carrots, chopped; 2 medium onions, quartered; 2 medium potatoes, diced; 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved

Highlighted under: Festive Moments

I absolutely love preparing this Seasonal & Festive Holiday Roast Chicken for my family gatherings. The aroma of the herbs filling the kitchen is simply irresistible, and it brings everyone together for a warm festive meal. With a perfect golden skin and juicy, tender meat, this roast chicken has quickly become a holiday favorite at my home. I take pride in customizing the flavors with seasonal ingredients, and it’s an easy dish that allows me to spend more time with family without sacrificing taste.

Created by

Chantel Rivers

Last updated on 2026-01-26T03:13:34.799Z

During the holiday season, I embarked on the quest to perfect my roast chicken recipe that embodies the spirit of festive gatherings. After trying various herbs and spices, I discovered that a blend of rosemary, thyme, and garlic truly elevates the dish. Roasting the chicken with seasonal vegetables adds a depth of flavor and nutrition, making each bite a celebration of taste.

One particular tip that helped me achieve a crispy skin was to dry the chicken thoroughly before seasoning it. This seemingly simple step makes a world of difference as it allows the skin to crisp beautifully in the oven—resulting in that satisfying crunch we all crave. Plus, basting the chicken with its own juices halfway through cooking ensures it remains moist and flavorful!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crispy, golden skin that beckons for a festive celebration
Bursting with seasonal flavors from fresh herbs
Perfect for bringing family and friends together around the table

Mastering the Roast Chicken Technique

Roasting a chicken can seem daunting, but with a few key techniques, you'll achieve professional results. The golden brown skin comes from your choice of temperature and timing. Starting at a high temperature of 425°F (220°C) allows the skin to crisp up quickly. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, as cooking times can vary based on the size of the chicken. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh for juicy, safe-to-eat meat.

Basting your chicken halfway through cooking adds moisture and enhances that beautiful golden color. For optimal results, use a baster or a spoon to pour the rendered juices over the thighs and breast. If you notice the skin browning too quickly, loosely tent the chicken with aluminum foil to prevent burning while allowing it to continue cooking evenly.

Choosing and Preparing Vegetables

The selection of vegetables complements the roast chicken beautifully and enhances the overall flavor profile. Carrots, onions, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts provide a sweet and savory base that caramelizes as they roast. Make sure to cut vegetables into uniform sizes to promote even cooking; larger chunks may require additional time in the oven. If you're looking to add variety, root vegetables like parsnips or sweet potatoes also work well and add an earthy depth to the dish.

To ensure your vegetables roast to perfection, toss them with olive oil and seasoning before placing them in the pan. This not only coats them for flavor but also helps them develop a crispy exterior. Keep an eye on them during the last 15 minutes of cooking; you want them tender and golden, not mushy. If they seem to be cooking faster than the chicken, you can remove them from the pan and let the chicken continue to roast without overcooking the veggies.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients for a delightful roast chicken experience:

For the Chicken

1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 lemon, halved
4 cloves garlic, smashed
Fresh herbs (rosemary and thyme)

For the Vegetables

3 large carrots, chopped
2 medium onions, quartered
2 medium potatoes, diced
1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved

Feel free to use your favorite root vegetables or adjust according to what's in season!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a perfectly roasted chicken:

Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it in a roasting pan. Rub olive oil all over the chicken, then season generously with salt and pepper, including the cavity.

Add Flavor

Stuff the cavity with lemon halves, smashed garlic, and fresh herbs. This infuses moisture and flavor into the meat as it roasts.

Prepare the Vegetables

In a bowl, toss the chopped carrots, onions, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Surround the chicken with the vegetables in the roasting pan.

Roasting

Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 90 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste the chicken with juices halfway through cooking for extra moisture.

Rest and Serve

Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender roast. Serve warm with the roasted vegetables.

Enjoy your holiday gathering with this delectable roast chicken!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs a few hours before cooking. This enhances the taste and tenderness even further.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're out of fresh herbs, dried herbs can be a good alternative—just reduce the amount by about one-third, as they are more concentrated. For a slightly different flavor, consider using herbs like sage or oregano. Lemon can be swapped with orange for a sweeter citrus note, which pairs nicely with the roasted chicken and vegetables.

For a healthier alternative to olive oil, you might opt for avocado oil. It has a high smoke point and a mild taste that won't overpower the dish. If you're cooking for a group with dietary restrictions, consider using a whole chicken that’s free-range or organic for better flavor and texture.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover roast chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in smaller portions, allowing for easy reheating later. Just make sure to remove as much air as possible from your freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.

When reheating, aim for a low oven temperature of around 325°F (163°C) to retain moisture. Cover the chicken with foil to prevent it from drying out, heating for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through. If you have leftover vegetables, they can be quickly sautéed in a pan with a bit of olive oil to refresh them and enhance their flavors.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use herbs other than rosemary and thyme?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs like sage or parsley.

→ What should I serve with the roast chicken?

Pair it with a fresh salad, mashed potatoes, or a seasonal vegetable medley for a complete meal.

→ Can I refrigerate leftovers?

Yes, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

→ How do I reheat the chicken?

Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed throughout, about 15-20 minutes.