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 pounds); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 lemon, halved; 1 orange, halved; 4 sprigs fresh thyme; 4 sprigs fresh rosemary; 4 cloves garlic, crushed

Highlighted under: Seasonal Food Stories

I love making Seasonal & Festive Holiday Roast Chicken for gatherings and celebrations. The aroma of herbs and spices fills the air, enticing everyone to the table. This recipe combines my favorite seasonal flavors with a beautifully golden roast chicken that leaves my guests impressed. It’s not just about the taste; it's an experience that brings family and friends together. Trust me, this roast chicken becomes the centerpiece of any holiday feast!

Created by

Arielle Baxter

Last updated on 2026-01-26T04:37:34.833Z

When I first prepared this Seasonal & Festive Holiday Roast Chicken, I experimented with a blend of herbs and citrus that truly elevated the flavor. Roasting it at a high temperature really brings out the juiciness, while creating a crisp skin. I learned that letting it rest after cooking ensures every bite is succulent and packed with flavor.

Over the years, I’ve perfected my technique, adding garlic and stuffing the cavity with a combination of thyme, rosemary, and orange slices. This results in an aromatic infusion that makes each slice of chicken burst with flavor. My guests rave about it every time!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Juicy and tender meat infused with aromatic herbs
Crispy golden skin that crackles with each bite
A centerpiece that enhances holiday gatherings

The Importance of Proper Seasoning

Seasoning your roast chicken is crucial for achieving that mouthwatering flavor profile. The combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder not only seasons the chicken but also helps to create a crispy, flavorful skin. Be generous—don’t forget to season inside the cavity as well for even more depth of flavor. As the chicken roasts, the heat draws out moisture, allowing the seasoning to penetrate the meat, resulting in tender, juicy pieces with every bite.

Using fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary is essential in this recipe. Their aromatic compounds infuse the chicken with an earthy flavor that complements the citrus. Placing the herbs and citrus in the cavity releases their essential oils during roasting, which subsequently flavors the meat. If fresh herbs aren’t available, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of dried herbs, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant.

Perfecting Your Roast Chicken Technique

Achieving the perfect roast chicken requires more than just the right ingredients; technique plays a huge role. Preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) is key for a well-cooked bird—it promotes even cooking and a crispy exterior. During the roasting process, it's helpful to periodically baste the chicken with its own juices to enhance its moisture and flavor, although avoid opening the oven too often as it can drop the temperature.

If you're unsure about the chicken's doneness, an instant-read thermometer is your best friend. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone; it should read 165°F (75°C) to ensure safety. If the skin isn’t golden and crispy yet, you can broil it for the last few minutes while keeping a close watch to avoid burning.

Ingredients

For the Roast Chicken

1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 lemon, halved
1 orange, halved
4 sprigs fresh thyme
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
4 cloves garlic, crushed

Feel free to add your favorite seasonal vegetables to roast alongside the chicken!

Instructions

Cooking Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub olive oil all over the skin, seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Stuff the Chicken

Stuff the cavity with lemon, orange, thyme, rosemary, and crushed garlic.

Roast the Chicken

Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast for about 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 your favorite side dishes.

Enjoy the incredible flavors and aroma of your roast chicken with friends and family!

Pro Tips

For an extra crispy skin, try spatchcocking the chicken before roasting. It reduces cooking time and ensures even browning.

Make-Ahead Tips

This roast chicken can be prepped ahead of time, making it a great choice for holiday gatherings. You can season and stuff the chicken the night before, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify overnight. Just remember to bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before roasting; this helps with even cooking.

Another smart tip is to make the stuffing mixture ahead of time. Combine the lemon, orange, herbs, and garlic in a bowl and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. This way, you can save time and focus on other dishes while your chicken roasts beautifully in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

For a stunning presentation, carve the chicken table-side. Arrange the pieces on a large platter with roasted seasonal vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, or potatoes surrounding it. This not only adds color but also contributes a variety of flavors that pair beautifully with the chicken.

To elevate your dining experience, drizzle some of the pan juices over the carved chicken before serving. You can also consider making a simple gravy with those juices by adding a bit of broth and thickening it with a cornstarch slurry. This will enhance the moistness and flavor of each serving!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a frozen chicken?

Yes, but be sure to completely thaw it in the refrigerator for 24 hours before cooking.

→ What herbs can I substitute?

You can use dried herbs if fresh aren't available; just use about a third of the amount.

→ How can I ensure the chicken is juicy?

Using a meat thermometer will help you avoid overcooking the chicken, keeping it juicy.

→ What side dishes pair well with this chicken?

Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce make excellent sides!