Seasonal & Festive Holiday Roast Chicken

Highlighted under: Holiday Treats

I love nothing more than gathering friends and family around a beautifully roasted chicken, especially during the holiday season. With its golden, crispy skin and tender, juicy meat, this Seasonal & Festive Holiday Roast Chicken has become a staple in my home. The aroma fills the air, creating an inviting atmosphere that instantly puts everyone in the holiday spirit. I enjoy experimenting with seasonal herbs and spices, making each roast unique and delicious. It's more than just a meal; it's a centerpiece of celebration and warmth.

Created by

Hallie Foster

Last updated on 2026-01-26T03:37:34.493Z

When I first tried roasting a chicken for the holidays, I was surprised by how simple yet impressive it could be. The key? Letting the chicken marinate for a few hours with fresh herbs and citrus. This infuses the meat with incredible flavor, and the skin turns irresistibly crispy when roasted.

I've learned that basting the chicken with its pan juices every 30 minutes ensures a moist interior, while the high heat at the beginning helps achieve that gorgeous golden color. The result is a dish that not only looks stunning but is also deeply satisfying, satisfying the whole room.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Aromatic blend of seasonal spices and herbs
Crispy skin with juicy and tender meat
Perfect for festive gatherings and celebrations

The Importance of Choosing the Right Chicken

When selecting your chicken, opt for a high-quality whole bird, preferably organic or free-range. These chickens tend to have more flavorful meat and a better texture, making your roast chicken more enjoyable. A weight of 4-5 pounds is ideal for roasting since it allows for a nice balance between juicy meat and crispy skin. If you're short on time, a smaller chicken will cook faster, but be mindful of temperature adjustments to avoid drying it out.

Don’t underestimate the importance of letting your chicken reach room temperature before roasting. Taking the chicken out of the refrigerator 30-60 minutes prior to cooking helps it cook evenly. The outer layers should crisp nicely while the inside stays juicy. An added bonus is that it reduces overall cooking time, so keep an eye on the internal temperature during roasting.

Perfecting the Crispy Skin

Achieving that coveted crispy skin requires thorough drying of the chicken. Patting it dry with paper towels before applying the olive oil and seasonings is crucial—this reduces moisture on the surface that would otherwise steam the skin while roasting. For an extra crispy finish, consider leaving the seasoned chicken uncovered in the refrigerator for a couple of hours to dry out the skin further.

Olive oil plays a vital role not just in flavor, but in achieving a golden crust. You can easily substitute avocado oil if you’d like a higher smoke point or a different flavor profile. Whichever oil you choose, be sure to rub it generously over the chicken, allowing it to penetrate the spices while ensuring an even roast.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving the roast chicken with gravy adds richness that complements the citrus from the lemon and the herbal notes. After carving, drizzle the chicken with homemade gravy, and pair it with seasonal sides like roasted root vegetables or a fresh winter salad. I often prepare a side of cranberry sauce to enhance the meal with a sweet-tart contrast, giving it a festive touch.

Leftover roast chicken is a versatile ingredient. Store leftover meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, or freeze portions for up to three months. You'll find shredded chicken can be a delicious addition to soups, sandwiches, or tacos. Just be sure to reheat it gently to maintain moistness—microwave in short intervals or rewarm in a covered skillet with a splash of broth.

Ingredients

For the Roast Chicken

1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 lemon, halved
1 onion, quartered

For the Gravy (optional)

2 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste

Make sure to use fresh herbs for the best flavor!

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub olive oil all over the chicken and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, and thyme. Place the lemon halves and onion quarters inside the cavity of the chicken.

Roast the Chicken

Place the chicken on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Roast for 20 minutes at 425°F (220°C), then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C). Continue roasting for about 70 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Baste the chicken every 30 minutes with its juices.

Make the Gravy

While the chicken rests, use the drippings in the pan to make gravy if desired. Remove excess fat, whisk in flour, and slowly add chicken broth over medium heat until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve

Carve the chicken and serve with gravy and your favorite festive sides.

Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving for juicier meat.

Pro Tips

For an extra crispy skin, try air-drying the chicken in the fridge for a few hours before roasting.

Variations You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with the herbs used in this recipe. While rosemary and thyme pair beautifully, herbs like sage or tarragon can impart different flavor notes that might surprise and delight your guests. You can also add garlic cloves to the cavity for a deeper garlic flavor, or try stuffing the chicken with seasonal fruits, like apples or pears, for added sweetness.

If you're looking to spice things up, try adding a touch of paprika or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. This can lend a slightly smoky and warm flavor to the chicken, enhancing the overall dish and creating a more complex profile. Always taste as you go, adjusting for your preferences while ensuring the herbs harmonize well together.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that the chicken is browning too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil. This prevents over-browning while allowing the meat to cook through. Check for doneness using an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh without touching the bone. Once it reaches 165°F (75°C), it’s ready to come out of the oven.

Should you encounter dry chicken, it’s often due to overcooking. Keeping an eye on the temperature and basting periodically with juices can help. If you’ve made gravy from the drippings, pouring it generously over sliced chicken at serving time can also mask any dryness, enhancing both moisture and flavor.

Make-Ahead Tips

For stress-free entertaining, consider prepping the roast chicken a day in advance. You can season the chicken and store it uncovered in the refrigerator, allowing the skin to dry and enhance its crispiness when roasted. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before placing it in the oven, which can help manage the cooking time.

You can also prepare the gravy in advance. After making it, refrigerate it in a sealed container and reheat gently right before serving. This not only saves time during meal prep, but it also allows the flavors to develop further, making your holiday feast even more delicious.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I roast a frozen chicken?

It's best to thaw the chicken completely in the fridge before roasting for even cooking.

→ What should I serve with the roast chicken?

Classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a festive salad pair wonderfully.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I use other herbs instead?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs or seasoning blends.