Festive Herbroasted Chicken with Root Vegetables
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever panic about the easy christmas main dishes that won't take all day? This Festive Herb Roasted Chicken is packed with flavour, so delicious, and surprisingly simple.
Seriously, this is a game changer for your christmas day lunch ideas easy.
Brief Overview
The christmas roast chicken recipe is inspired by traditional British Sunday roasts. It’s an easy christmas dinner ideas , perfect for a relaxed Christmas.
It’s super easy, taking about 2 hours from start to finish and serves around 6-8 people.
Main Benefits
This herb roasted chicken christmas is a winner because it tastes amazing. It's also packed with protein. Serving this festive christmas main course will make you look like a pro!
This easy christmas turkey alternatives with root vegetables feels super special and comforting. I swear, my family goes crazy for it every year.
Getting Started: Those Ingredients
You will need a chicken 4-5 pound/1.8-2.3 kg whole chicken, giblets removed, 1 lemon, halved, 1 small onion, quartered, 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, 4 sprigs fresh thyme, 2 bay leaves, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste for the Chicken and 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter,
softened, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage, 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper for the Herb Butter also 1 pound (450g) carrots, peeled and chopped into 1 inch pieces, 1
pound (450g) parsnips, peeled and chopped into 1 inch pieces, 1 pound (450g) red potatoes, quartered, 1 red onion, cut into wedges, 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste for the Root Vegetables.
Remember good quality ingredients make all the difference!
Don’t forget your roasting pan with rack, a small bowl, a cutting board, sharp knife and meat thermometer.
Tips for a Stress Free Christmas Dinner
Want to know my secret for a stress free christmas dinner? Prep ahead. The herb butter can be made a day in advance! Seriously, it makes all the difference to your simple christmas dinner menu.
Remember, this Festive Herb Roasted Chicken is all about making your christmas day lunch ideas easy , delicious, and enjoyable. So grab your ingredients, put on some Christmas tunes, and let’s get roasting!
make-ahead Christmas Main Course is possible
You can even chop the veggies the day before. This recipe is definitely something you can make-ahead christmas main course. The secret ingredient is using simple steps.
Thinking about a christmas ham recipe easy , This recipe is a great option if you don't feel like doing turkey or ham this year. It's a delightful twist on traditional options.
Right, let's chat about the nitty gritty of making our festive christmas main course : Herb Roasted Chicken. Honestly, it's easier than putting up the Christmas tree, promise!
Ingredients & Equipment
First, let's gather our weapons, eh? This is no-fuss, remember, so we're talking essentials only. We want easy christmas dinner ideas and not a whole lot of stress.
Main Ingredients
Okay, here’s the shopping list, keep it handy.
- Chicken : One whole bird ( 4-5 pounds/1.8-2.3 kg ). Go for free range if you can, makes a difference, it is true.
- Lemon : One, halved. You know, the yellow round thing.
- Onion : One small one, quartered. Don't be using that giant one you have down stairs.
- Rosemary : 4 sprigs, fresh. Smells like Christmas, innit?
- Thyme : 4 sprigs, fresh. Good for everything.
- Bay Leaves : 2. The fragrant secret weapon.
- Olive Oil : 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . The good stuff, not that cheap oil.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy!
- Butter : 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted, softened. Get it out of the fridge in time.
- Garlic : 2 cloves, minced. Stinky but essential.
- Parsley : 2 tablespoons , finely chopped, fresh. Adds freshness.
- Sage : 1 tablespoon , finely chopped, fresh. Festive christmas main course flavour.
- Lemon Zest : 1 teaspoon . Zest it like you mean it!
- Carrots : 1 pound (450g) , chopped. Root veg, essential for christmas day lunch ideas easy .
- Parsnips : 1 pound (450g) , chopped. Sweeter than carrots, lovely.
- Red Potatoes : 1 pound (450g) , quartered. Adds a bit of colour.
- Red Onion : One, cut into wedges. Adds sweetness when roasted.
- Olive Oil (for veg): 2 tablespoons (30 ml) .
Quality wise, focus on fresh herbs. They make a world of difference. If the chicken looks a bit sad in the shop, find another one. It's christmas , after all.
Seasoning Notes
The herb butter is where the magic happens. Sage and rosemary are Christmasy, but thyme adds depth. If you're missing an herb, don't stress.
A dash of dried mixed herbs will do. Garlic is key. Salt and pepper generously, it's a big bird, needs the flavour.
We want a simple christmas dinner menu , not tasteless chicken.
Equipment Needed
Right, the gear. Don't worry, it's dead simple.
- Roasting pan with rack. If you haven't got a rack, just chuck the veg underneath.
- Small bowl. For the herb butter, innit?
- Cutting board. Chop chop!
- Sharp knife. Safety first, folks.
- Meat thermometer. Essential for stress free christmas dinner .
Don't have a roasting pan? A deep baking tray will do in a pinch. No meat thermometer? I honestly suggest investing, but if necessary , stab the thickest part of the thigh with a knife, if the juices run clear, you're good to go (but seriously, get a thermometer, it is recommended ).
So there we have it! All prepped and ready. Next stop, prepping and cooking this beauty of a christmas roast chicken recipe !
Festive Herb Roasted Chicken: Your Stress Free Christmas Main
Looking for easy Christmas dinner ideas ? Ditch the stress! This herb roasted chicken christmas recipe is about to become your new best friend.
Seriously, Aunt Mildred will be impressed. Forget slaving away, let's make a festive christmas main course that's both delicious and manageable! This could be one of your easy christmas main dishes .
Prep Like a Pro: The Secret to an Easy Christmas
Honestly, the secret to a stress free christmas dinner isn't magic. It's all about the prep! First, get your mise en place sorted.
Chop your veggies (carrots, parsnips, potatoes, and red onion). Get that 1/2 cup (113g) of butter softening.
Time Saving Tip: Chop those root vegetables a day before. It takes 20 minutes of the total preparation time. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
This saves you time on christmas day lunch ideas easy !
Let's Get Roasting: step-by-step Guide
- Herb Butter Magic: Mix the softened butter with 2 cloves minced garlic, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon each of sage and rosemary, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Chill for 30 minutes .
- Prep the Bird: Preheat your oven to 400° F ( 200° C) . Pat a 4-5 pound (1.8-2.3 kg) chicken dry. Stuff the cavity with 1 halved lemon, 1 quartered onion, and 4 sprigs each of rosemary and thyme and 2 bay leaves.
- Butter Under the Skin: Gently loosen the skin on the breast and thighs. Smear that gorgeous herb butter underneath. Be careful not to tear the skin!
- Veggie Time: Toss those chopped root vegetables with 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast and Baste: Arrange the veggies in a roasting pan. Place the chicken on a rack above. Roast for 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes , basting with pan juices every 20 minutes . The safe temperature is 165° F ( 74° C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 10- 15 minutes before carving. This is crucial for juicy meat! Serve with the roasted vegetables and pan juices.
Pro Tips for a Winning Christmas Roast Chicken Recipe
Want that extra "oomph"? Dry brine the chicken by salting it generously 24 hours beforehand and leaving it uncovered in the fridge.
This makes the skin super crispy! One of the common mistakes is not using the meat thermometer. Make sure to use it!
make-ahead Option: The herb butter can be made a day or two in advance. This recipe can be among easy christmas turkey alternatives .
It's just less fussy. If you are looking for make-ahead christmas main course idea, you're at the right place.
So there you have it! A super simple christmas dinner menu sorted. This recipe is a crowd pleaser. Give it a go, and let me know how you get on.
Alright, let’s chat about making this Festive Herb Roasted Chicken extra special. It’s more than just a christmas roast chicken recipe ; it's about creating memories.
Honestly, the best part of cooking is sharing it with your loved ones. Now, let’s dive into those little extras that take it from good to absolutely amazing!
Recipe Notes: Level Up Your Chicken!
Serving Suggestions: Presentation is Key!
Okay, so you've got this glorious, golden brown chicken. Now what? Plating can make all the difference! I love to arrange the roasted root vegetables around the chicken.
Think about colours and textures. Maybe sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of green. For extra fancy points, serve with a jug of pan juices (gravy, basically!) and some homemade cranberry sauce.
Yorkshire puddings? YES, PLEASE! Don't forget a crisp glass of white wine or even a festive mulled cider. These simple christmas dinner ideas will take you from drab to fab.
Storage Tips: make-ahead Magic!
Christmas can be a bit of a madhouse, right? Good news! You can totally get ahead. This christmas roast chicken recipe is great for that.
You know? If you have any leftovers, just pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken just slice it first! Then wrap it well. And always remember to follow your fridge or freezer guidelines.
Reheating is easy just warm it up in the oven or microwave with a little bit of chicken broth to keep it moist.
This is one way to make a stress free christmas dinner ! If you follow these guidelines.
Variations: Make it Your Own!
Let's talk swapsies! Want a healthier twist? Try using olive oil instead of butter. Need a dairy-free version? No problem! Just swap out the butter in the herb mixture for a dairy-free spread.
Seasonally, you can swap out the root vegetables. Think butternut squash in autumn or sweet potatoes for a more vibrant colour.
And to try a simple christmas dinner menu use your imagination and adapt this recipe.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness Inside!
Okay, I'm no nutritionist. This herb roasted chicken christmas wonder is packed with protein. Plus, the root vegetables are full of vitamins and fibre.
It's a fairly balanced meal. Just remember portion control! I think these christmas day lunch ideas easy help make a tasty and good christmas time.
If you try making easy christmas turkey alternatives , just make sure you check their nutritional values, and cooking times.
Honestly, this is such a flexible and forgiving recipe. Have fun with it. The most important ingredient is love. And don’t worry if it’s not perfect.
It's the thought that counts. This recipe is a delicious choice for easy christmas main dishes !
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the easiest Christmas main dish I can make if I'm not a confident cook?
This Festive Herb Roasted Chicken with Root Vegetables is perfect! It's straightforward, uses simple techniques, and the herb butter adds loads of flavour without needing cheffy skills. Think of it like a Sunday roast, but with a bit of extra Christmas sparkle - even Aunt Mildred could manage it!
Can I prepare this easy christmas main dishes recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the herb butter up to 2 days in advance and keep it chilled. You can also chop the root vegetables a day ahead and store them in the fridge in a sealed container filled with water to prevent browning. On Christmas Day, all you need to do is assemble and roast!
What if I don't have all the herbs listed for the herb butter?
No worries, just use what you have! The combination of parsley, sage, and rosemary is lovely, but thyme or even a bit of dried mixed herbs will work in a pinch. Remember, cooking is about flavour, not perfection just go with what you've got in the cupboard, and it'll still taste delightful.
How do I make sure the chicken is cooked through properly?
A meat thermometer is your best friend here. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, making sure it doesn't touch the bone. The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Letting the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes after roasting is crucial too, as it allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and succulent bird a bit like letting a good cup of tea steep!
Are there any easy variations I can make to this Christmas roast chicken?
Definitely! Add some dried cranberries and chopped walnuts to the root vegetables for a festive, sweet twist. You could also add a splash of white wine to the roasting pan for extra flavour in the pan juices.
If you want to be extra fancy, add some pigs in blankets on a separate tray, because who doesn't love pigs in blankets at Christmas?
How do I store leftover roast chicken and vegetables?
Store leftover roast chicken and vegetables in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken thoroughly before serving - you can microwave it, but it's better to reheat it gently in the oven to prevent it from drying out.
Leftover chicken is fantastic in sandwiches, salads, or even a cheeky chicken pie the next day! The roast vegetables can be chopped and added to omelets or fried rice.
Festive Herbroasted Chicken With Root Vegetables
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 550-650 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 35-45g |
| Fiber | 20-30g |