The holidays are a time for gathering with loved ones, sharing laughter, and of course, indulging in delicious food. This year, ditch the stress of complicated recipes and try this incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy Christmas Chicken. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a festive get-together with friends. It's a healthy and satisfying meal that will impress everyone at the table, leaving you with more time to enjoy the season! Ready to get cooking? Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh rosemary
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, halved
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This simple step ensures your chicken cooks perfectly.
Prepare the vegetables: In a large oven-safe skillet or roasting pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This simple step builds a delicious base for your chicken.
Add flavor: Stir in the minced garlic, rosemary, and sage. Cook for another minute until fragrant, allowing the herbs to release their wonderful aroma.
Assemble the chicken: Place the chicken in the skillet on top of the vegetables. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity of the chicken with lemon halves. This adds a bright citrusy flavor and keeps the chicken moist.
Simmer and Roast: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet around the chicken. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or aluminum foil. Roast for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Crispy Finish: Remove the lid or foil and continue roasting for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork. This ensures a beautifully browned and crispy skin.
Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken. Serve with the roasted vegetables and enjoy!
Cooking Tips for a Perfect Christmas Chicken:
- Brining: For extra juicy and flavorful chicken, consider brining it for a few hours before roasting.
- Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Don't Overcrowd: Ensure the chicken has enough space in the pan to cook evenly.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, or sweet potatoes.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Christmas Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb mixture for a little kick.
- Cranberry-Pecan Chicken: Add 1/4 cup of chopped pecans to the roasting pan for added crunch and flavor.
- Apple-Sage Chicken: Replace the cranberries with 1 large diced apple and increase the sage.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This Christmas Chicken recipe is a simple, delicious, and healthy addition to your holiday meal repertoire. It's a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest – a truly delicious dish that’s both quick and easy to prepare. Enjoy the festive flavors and the time spent with loved ones!