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); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped; 1 lemon, quartered; 4 cloves garlic, smashed; 1 onion, quartered; 4 carrots, cut into chunks; 4 potatoes, cut into quarters; 2 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Holiday Feast Essentials

I absolutely love preparing a roast chicken for the holidays. The aroma wafting through the kitchen creates an atmosphere of warmth and togetherness that I cherish. This Seasonal & Festive Holiday Roast Chicken recipe has been a tradition in my family for years, highlighting the fresh flavors of the season. With a delicious blend of herbs and a perfect crispy skin, it's always a hit at gatherings. Plus, the simple preparation allows me to focus on spending quality time with loved ones while the chicken roasts to perfection.

Created by

Rebecca Mills

Last updated on 2026-01-26T06:13:34.526Z

When I first tried roasting a chicken for the holidays, I was amazed at how simple yet impressive it turned out. By using fresh herbs I picked up from the market, the flavor skyrocketed! My family was raving that the chicken was juicy and tender, with a delightful crispy skin that made all the difference.

One tip I picked up over the years is to let the chicken rest after roasting. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is flavorful and moist. I never skip this step, and it makes hosting a meal feel so rewarding and festive.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Herbs bring an aromatic flair that fills the entire home
Crispy skin that's perfectly seasoned for every bite
A centerpiece that brings family and friends together

The Importance of Herb Selection

Herbs play a crucial role in developing the flavor profile of your roast chicken. Fresh rosemary and thyme not only add depth but also impart aromatic qualities that enhance the overall dining experience. When prepping the chicken, ensure the herbs are finely chopped for maximum flavor release. Fresh herbs should be used when possible, as dried versions do not provide the same vibrant aroma or flavor intensity. You can experiment with additional herbs like sage or parsley if you desire a bit of contrast.

Incorporating herbs directly under the chicken skin is another technique that elevates the dish. As the bird roasts, the herbs infuse their oils into the meat, resulting in a flavorful and fragrant chicken. Just be careful not to overly stuff the cavity; you want to ensure even cooking and crisp skin. The aroma that fills your kitchen while it cooks will have your guests eagerly waiting at the table!

Choosing and Preparing Vegetables

The selection and preparation of your side vegetables can elevate the roast chicken into a complete meal. Carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts are not only seasonal choices but complement the flavors of the chicken beautifully. Aim for uniform sizes when cutting the vegetables to ensure they cook evenly. I recommend cutting the potatoes into quarters and the carrots into chunks of similar thickness, which will help them roast perfectly and develop that desirable caramelization.

Roasting the vegetables in the same pan as the chicken allows them to absorb the chicken's flavorful drippings. This not only enhances their taste but also simplifies the cooking process by keeping the meal in one dish. Monitor the vegetables towards the end of the cooking time, as they may need less time than the chicken. If they become too brown, you can cover them loosely with foil to prevent burning.

Ingredients for Roast Chicken

For the Chicken

1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 lemon, quartered
4 cloves garlic, smashed
1 onion, quartered

For the Side Vegetables

4 carrots, cut into chunks
4 potatoes, cut into quarters
2 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Additional Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub the olive oil all over the chicken, then season with salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme. Stuff the chicken cavity with lemon, garlic, and onion.

Arrange Vegetables

In a roasting pan, toss carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Create a bed for the chicken to sit on.

Roast the Chicken

Place the chicken on top of the vegetables in the roasting pan and roast for 90 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest for 15 minutes before carving. Serve with roasted vegetables.

Enjoy Your Meal!

Pro Tips

For even more flavor, you can marinate the chicken in garlic and herbs overnight in the refrigerator. This method ensures a deeply infused taste and a moist texture. Also, remember to baste the chicken occasionally while it roasts for that golden, crispy skin.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Roast chicken can be an excellent make-ahead option if you're hosting. After cooking, allow the chicken to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. When reheating, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to maintain food safety. I find that reheating in the oven keeps the skin crispy, unlike the microwave, which can make it rubbery.

If you want to prepare your chicken a day in advance, consider pre-seasoning it and letting it marinate in the fridge overnight. This allows the flavors from the herbs and seasoning to penetrate the meat more deeply. Just remember to take it out and bring it to room temperature before roasting, which helps in achieving that perfectly crispy skin.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your dining experience further, consider serving the roast chicken with a rich gravy or a zesty chimichurri sauce. These condiments can provide a delightful contrast to the richness of the chicken. For an added touch, you can also garnish the platter with fresh herbs or lemon slices to make it visually appealing and fragrant.

If you're looking for a complete feast, pair the chicken and vegetables with a light salad or a grain like couscous or quinoa. These sides add variety and balance to the meal, making it festive and satisfying. A crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette complements the hearty chicken nicely, adding freshness and texture to each bite.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken?

It is best to use a thawed chicken to ensure even cooking. If using frozen, plan for extra time to thaw safely.

→ What can I substitute for fresh herbs?

You can use dried herbs, but use about one-third of the amount since they are more concentrated in flavor.

→ How can I tell if the chicken is done?

The best way to check is with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.

→ How long can leftovers be stored?

Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.