Christmas dinner doesn't always have to mean a massive, stressful undertaking. This recipe for a perfectly roasted chicken with a flavorful herb stuffing offers all the festive cheer without the culinary marathon. It's a delicious, healthy meal perfect for a smaller gathering or a cozy Christmas dinner for two. This easy recipe is ideal for homemade cooking, making it a fantastic addition to your collection of best recipes. It’s also a great example of quick dinner ideas that don't compromise on taste or quality.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 (4-5 pound) whole chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
For the Herb Stuffing:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh thyme
- 1/2 cup cooked wild rice or long-grain rice
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up beautifully.
Prepare the Stuffing:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in parsley, sage, and thyme. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add cooked rice and chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
Stuff and Roast the Chicken:
- Loosen the skin over the chicken breast. Gently slide about half of the stuffing under the skin. Spoon the remaining stuffing into the chicken cavity.
- Rub the chicken skin with olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary.
- Place the chicken in a roasting pan. Add about 1 cup of water to the bottom of the pan to keep it moist.
- Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F (74°C).
Rest and Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
- Carve the chicken and serve with the delicious herb stuffing.
Cooking Tips for a Perfect Roast:
- Brining: For extra juicy and flavorful chicken, consider brining it for a few hours before roasting.
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly. Undercooked chicken can be dangerous, so don't skip this step!
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Ensure there's enough space in the roasting pan for the chicken to brown evenly.
Variations:
- Cranberry Sauce: Add a dollop of cranberry sauce to your plate for a classic Christmas touch.
- Different Stuffing: Experiment with different herbs, vegetables, or grains in your stuffing. Sausage or chestnuts would also be delicious additions.
- Citrus Twist: Add lemon or orange zest to the chicken rub for a bright, refreshing flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-500 (depending on serving size and stuffing ingredients)
- Protein: High
- Fat: Moderate
- Carbohydrates: Moderate
This recipe for a perfect Christmas roast chicken is a testament to the fact that delicious food recipes don't need to be complicated. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and the wonderful aromas that will fill your kitchen this Christmas! This easy recipe is sure to become a cherished part of your family's holiday traditions. It is undoubtedly one of the best recipes for a healthy and satisfying Christmas dinner.