There’s something truly magical about gathering loved ones around the table for an easy Christmas dinner. This recipe for a roasted chicken with mixed vegetables is not only simple to prepare, but it’s also bursting with flavor that will impress your family and friends. Trust me, the aroma of the chicken roasting in the oven while the veggies caramelize is a holiday memory in the making! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a delicious centerpiece for your festive feast that leaves you with more time to enjoy the season. Let’s dive into this delightful dish!
Ingredients List
- 1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs, preferably organic for the best flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin adds a nice touch)
- 1 teaspoon salt (don’t be shy with this—it enhances the flavor!)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked is ideal)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder (or use fresh minced garlic for a punch)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (feel free to experiment with fresh thyme if you have it)
- 4 cups mixed vegetables (chopped carrots, diced potatoes, and trimmed green beans work beautifully)
- 1 cup chicken broth (homemade if you have it, but store-bought works just fine)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for ensuring your chicken roasts evenly and gets that beautiful golden-brown skin.
- While the oven heats up, grab your whole chicken and place it on a clean cutting board. Drizzle the olive oil all over the chicken, rubbing it in to coat every nook and cranny. Then, sprinkle the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and thyme generously over the chicken. Don’t forget to get some seasoning inside the cavity too—flavor needs to be everywhere!
- Now, take a roasting pan and place the seasoned chicken right in the center. This is going to be the star of your easy Christmas dinner, so give it a cozy home!
- Next, arrange your mixed vegetables around the chicken. They’ll soak up all those delicious juices while roasting, making them a perfect side dish.
- Pour the chicken broth into the pan; this creates steam and helps keep everything moist. Trust me, your chicken will thank you!
- Pop the pan in the oven and roast for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. If you have a meat thermometer, now’s the time to use it!
- Once it’s finished roasting, let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes before carving. This step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is succulent and juicy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a breeze to prepare, giving you more time to relax and enjoy the festivities.
- The roasted chicken is juicy and packed with flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser!
- One pan means easy cleanup—who wants to spend hours washing dishes during the holidays?
- The colorful mixed vegetables not only taste great but also make the dish look festive.
- Perfect for serving a small gathering or a larger crowd, this recipe is versatile and satisfying!
Tips for Success
For the best flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight in the olive oil, garlic powder, and thyme mix. It really makes a difference! When prepping your vegetables, cut them into uniform sizes to ensure they cook evenly. If you want extra caramelization, toss the veggies in a bit of olive oil and sprinkle with salt before adding them to the pan. And remember, letting the chicken rest after roasting is key to keeping it juicy—don’t skip this step! You’ll be amazed at the difference these little tips make for your easy Christmas dinner!
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to put your own spin on it! For a different flavor profile, try using fresh rosemary or sage instead of thyme—both add a lovely aromatic touch. You can also swap out the mixed vegetables for seasonal favorites like Brussels sprouts or butternut squash; they’ll roast beautifully alongside the chicken. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not add a splash of white wine or lemon juice to the broth for a zesty twist? And for those who love a little heat, toss in some red pepper flakes with the seasoning. The possibilities are endless, and you’ll find something new to love each time you make this easy Christmas dinner!
Serving Suggestions
This easy Christmas dinner pairs beautifully with a variety of festive sides! Consider serving creamy mashed potatoes or buttery garlic bread to soak up those delicious juices. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a nice crunch and balances the meal. Don’t forget classic holiday favorites like cranberry sauce or roasted Brussels sprouts for that seasonal touch. These sides will surely elevate your celebration and leave everyone feeling merry and satisfied!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store leftovers from your easy Christmas dinner, let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the chicken and vegetables in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, simply thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until warmed through. This helps retain its juicy goodness and brings back that delightful roasted flavor!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutrition values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. For this easy Christmas dinner, each serving typically contains about 350 calories, 15g of fat, 25g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. It also has 3g of sugar and 600mg of sodium. These values are a great guideline, but feel free to adjust as needed based on your ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe? Yes, but it’s best to thaw it completely in the fridge before cooking. Cooking from frozen can lead to uneven cooking and dry meat.
What if I don’t have mixed vegetables? No worries! You can use any vegetables you have on hand, like broccoli, cauliflower, or even sweet potatoes. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
How do I know when the chicken is done? The best way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, check that the juices run clear when you poke the chicken.
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and veggies, cover them, and refrigerate until you’re ready to roast. Just remember to let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking.
What should I do with leftovers? Leftover chicken is fantastic in soups, sandwiches, or salads. Just shred or chop it up, and get creative!
Print
Easy Christmas Dinner: 7 Steps to a Memorable Feast
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and delicious Christmas dinner recipe that is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, potatoes, green beans)
- 1 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Rub the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme.
- Place the chicken in a roasting pan.
- Arrange the mixed vegetables around the chicken.
- Pour chicken broth into the pan.
- Roast in the oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Serve with your favorite holiday sides.
- Leftover chicken can be used in soups or sandwiches.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: easy christmas dinner
