Why This Christmas Roast Chicken is a Crowd-Pleaser!
So, why choose Christmas roast chicken over the classic turkey? First, chicken is more forgiving and doesn’t require as much attention as turkey. It stays juicy without the stress of basting every 20 minutes. And with this unique stuffing, you’ll get all the festive flair and flavours without the fuss!
Not to mention, a well-cooked chicken is perfect for both small gatherings and larger feasts. Two smaller chickens cook faster and stay juicier than one large bird. This way, everyone gets a golden piece of chicken on their plate—and no one has to fight over the drumsticks!
The Perfect Ingredients for Your Christmas Chicken Roast
One of the highlights of tTo make the best Christmas roast chicken, start with top-quality ingredients. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
Oranges: The zest and juice bring a citrusy brightness that pairs beautifully with the chicken’s richness.
Dried Cranberries: These little gems add a pop of colour and tartness to balance out the dish. Plus, they scream Christmas!
Pistachios: Crunchy and buttery, pistachios give the stuffing a luxurious texture.
Dark Rye Bread: This adds a lovely depth of flavour to the stuffing, but feel free to use your favourite day-old bread.
- Fresh Parsley: Don’t skip this! Parsley adds a fresh, herbal note that ties everything together.his dish is the homemade basil pesto. Making pesto from scratch might seem daunting, but it’s incredibly easy and so worth it. Freshly toasted pine nuts, fragrant basil, and sharp Parmesan cheese blend together to create a sauce that’s far superior to anything store-bought. Plus, you can adjust the flavours to your liking – a bit more garlic for a kick, a squeeze of lemon for freshness, and just the right amount of salt and pepper.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Christmas Roast Chicken
Want to make sure your Christmas roast chicken turns out perfectly every time? Here are a few tips to help:
Choose Free-Range Chickens: For the best flavour and texture, go for free-range chickens. They’re more tender, and the flavour is simply unbeatable.
Don’t Overstuff the Chicken: Be gentle when filling the chicken with stuffing. Leave a little space so the air can circulate, ensuring even cooking.
Use a Meat Thermometer: If you’re unsure whether your chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 75°C at the thickest part of the thigh.
Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat juicy and tender.
How to Serve and Pair Your Christmas Roast Chicken
Now that your Christmas roast chicken is perfectly golden and smelling like heaven, it’s time to think about the sides. You can’t go wrong with the classics:
- Roast Veggies: Roasted potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts are always a hit.
- Gravy: Use the pan drippings to make a rich, flavour-packed gravy.
- Cranberry Sauce: A dollop of cranberry sauce will complement the stuffing’s flavours beautifully.
For drinks, a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling Prosecco pairs wonderfully with the citrus and herbal notes in this dish. 🍷🥂
Share Your Christmas Roast Chicken Creations! 📸
I’d love to see your versions of this festive dish! If you make this Christmas roast chicken, take a picture and tag me on Instagram at @steph_cooks_stuff. Let’s spread the holiday cheer one roast chicken at a time. 🎁
More Holiday Recipes You’ll Love 🎅
Looking for more festive dishes to round out your Christmas feast? Check out these other holiday must-haves:
With this Christmas roast chicken, your holiday table is set for a feast that’s sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces. 🌟 Ready, set, roast!
Christmas Roast Chicken
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Get ready for my Christmas Roast series with this beautiful roast chicken stuffed with orange, pistachio, and cranberry goodness. This recipe is a perfect way to kick off the holiday season! It’s festive, fun, and full of flavour. Let’s get into it!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pop your bread into a food processor and whizz until you’ve got breadcrumbs.
- Add the orange zest and juice, egg, pistachios, cranberries, parsley, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Mix it all up until everything is well combined.
- Grab your chickens and season them all over with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Give them a nice rub down!
- Gently fill the cavity of each chicken with that gorgeous stuffing—don’t pack it in too tight, just nice and easy.
- Place your chickens on a baking dish and pop them in the oven at 180°C for 60 to 75 minutes, depending on the size of your chickens. You want them golden and cooked through.
- Now you’re ready for a show-stopping Christmas roast!
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 75
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
The best way to know if your chicken is cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the thigh, and if it reads 75°C, you’re good to go! The juices should also run clear when you pierce the chicken.
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day ahead and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Just make sure to stuff the chickens right before baking for the freshest flavour.
Leftover roast chicken is fantastic for sandwiches, salads, or even a post-Christmas chicken soup. Just shred the meat and store it in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze it for longer.