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 oranges, zested and juiced; 1 lemon, zested and juiced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped; 3 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 carrots, peeled and chopped; 3 potatoes, diced; 1 onion, quartered; 1 cup vegetable broth

Highlighted under: Celebration Flavors

I absolutely love preparing this Seasonal & Festive Holiday Roast Chicken for my family gatherings. The aroma fills the kitchen and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that instantly makes everyone feel at home. With a blend of seasonal herbs and zesty citrus, this roast chicken becomes the centerpiece of our holiday table. What I love most is how the caramelized skin turns perfectly crispy while the inside remains juicy and flavor-packed. It’s a dish that embodies the spirit of togetherness and celebration.

Created by

Madeline Archer

Last updated on 2026-01-26T03:41:34.615Z

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed by how well the citrus flavors combined with the savory herbs. I discovered that marinating the chicken with orange juice and zest really enhances the taste, introducing a bright note that balances the rich flavors of the roasted meat. Each bite is a reminder of the holidays and gathering around the table with loved ones.

One trick I learned is to let the chicken rest after roasting; it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a succulent and tender roast. Using a meat thermometer is also essential; perfection is just a few degrees away!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Juicy, tender meat infused with citrus zest
Crispy, golden skin that's full of flavor
Perfect for family gatherings and holiday festivities

The Importance of Marinating

Marinating the chicken is a crucial step that elevates the flavor profile of this roast. The citrus juices not only tenderize the meat but also infuse it with tangy flavors that balance beautifully with the aromatic herbs. For optimal results, I recommend allowing the chicken to marinate overnight; this really allows the spices to penetrate deeply, resulting in a more flavorful dish. If time is short, even a quick 1-hour marinade will provide noticeable benefits, but the longer, the better.

When applying the marinade, ensure you get under the skin as well, using your fingers to gently separate it from the meat. This technique ensures that the flavor spreads throughout the chicken rather than just lingering on the skin. If you notice any leftover marinade, drizzle it over the veggies in the roasting pan for an added flavor kick.

Choosing the Right Vegetables

The vegetables you choose to roast play a significant role in the overall harmony of flavors in the dish. Carrots and potatoes complement the chicken's richness, while the onion adds a sweet balance as it caramelizes in the oven. Make sure the vegetables are fairly uniform in size to ensure they cook evenly; roughly 1-inch pieces work great. For a twist, feel free to swap out the potatoes for sweet potatoes, which can bring a delightful sweetness to the dish.

Using vegetable broth instead of water enhances the flavor of the vegetables significantly. When pouring the broth over the veggies, ensure they are well coated, but don't drown them. A little broth goes a long way; this will create a lovely steam that helps cook the vegetables while also contributing to the sauce formed in the pan.

Serving and Storing Your Roast Chicken

Once your roast chicken has rested, carving it is essential to retain its juices. Start by removing the legs and thighs, followed by the breast meat. For a beautiful presentation, serve the chicken on a large platter, surrounded by the vibrant roasted vegetables. Drizzle any remaining pan juices over the chicken and veggies for added flavor and moisture; this simple step ties everything together beautifully.

For leftovers, allow the chicken to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last 3–4 days. If you want to enjoy it down the road, consider shredding the meat and freezing it for up to three months. This makes for excellent additions to soups, salads, or sandwiches later on.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this festive dish:

For the Roast Chicken

1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
2 oranges, zested and juiced
1 lemon, zested and juiced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Vegetables

4 carrots, peeled and chopped
3 potatoes, diced
1 onion, quartered
1 cup vegetable broth

Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your perfect holiday roast:

Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, mix the orange juice, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, rosemary, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture generously under the skin and all over the chicken.

Marinate the Chicken

Cover the chicken with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best results.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare the Vegetables

In a roasting pan, arrange the carrots, potatoes, and onion. Pour the vegetable broth over the vegetables.

Roast the Chicken

Place the marinated chicken on top of the vegetables in the roasting pan. Roast for 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Serve with the roasted vegetables.

This roasting technique will yield a beautifully golden chicken, perfect for any festive table.

Pro Tips

For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for an additional 3-5 minutes after roasting. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect cooking.

Herb Substitutions

If fresh herbs aren't available, dried herbs can be a great substitute. However, use about a third of the amount specified, as dried herbs are more concentrated. Alternatively, you can experiment with other herbs such as sage or marjoram to give your roast chicken a slightly different flavor profile. Just remember, fresh herbs add a brightness that you won't get with dried ones, so if you're able to, opt for fresh when you can.

You can also adjust the flavor by adding a pinch of spices like paprika or cumin to the marinade. This not only adds a warm kick but also enhances the color of the chicken's skin. An exciting twist can also be the addition of a bit of honey or maple syrup to the marinade, which can create a lovely glaze while roasting.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue when roasting chicken is uneven cooking. To avoid this, always ensure your chicken is brought to room temperature before roasting—this helps it cook evenly. Additionally, check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the breast with a meat thermometer. If it reads lower than 165°F (75°C), return it to the oven and check again in 10-minute intervals.

If the skin browns too quickly during roasting, cover the chicken loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the inside cooks. It’s also wise to rotate the pan halfway through cooking to ensure even roasting. Pay attention to the vegetables as well; they should be tender and crisp with caramelized edges by the end of cooking, adding to the overall texture and flavor of the dish.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other herbs?

Absolutely! Sage, parsley, or oregano can be wonderful alternatives.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I roast the chicken from frozen?

It's best to thaw the chicken beforehand for even cooking and better seasoning absorption.

→ What can I substitute for the broth?

You can use white wine, chicken broth, or even water in a pinch.