Introduction
These 24 Christmas chicken recipes are perfect for adding flavor and fun to your holiday table. From sweet glazes to savory herb roasts, each dish brings a touch of festive cheer that’s easy to make and share with family and friends.
1. Honey Glazed Christmas Chicken
Sweet, sticky, and perfect for the holidays, this chicken balances sugar and spice beautifully.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix honey, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Rub mixture all over the chicken.
- Roast for 1 hour 30 minutes, basting every 30 minutes.
- Let rest 10 minutes before carving.
How to Serve It
Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and serve alongside roasted winter vegetables.
2. Cranberry Balsamic Chicken
A tangy-sweet glaze makes this chicken both festive and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix cranberry sauce, balsamic vinegar, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Brush over chicken thighs and roast for 35–40 minutes until cooked through.
How to Serve It
Serve with extra cranberry sauce on the side for dipping.
3. Garlic Herb Butter Roast Chicken
Classic herbs and butter make every bite rich and comforting.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (4 lbs)
- 4 tbsp butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp rosemary
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Rub under and over the chicken skin.
- Roast for 1 hour 20 minutes, basting halfway.
How to Serve It
Serve with roasted potatoes and a drizzle of pan juices.
4. Maple Dijon Chicken
The sweet maple syrup and tangy Dijon mustard pair perfectly for a holiday-friendly roast.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix maple syrup, Dijon, salt, and pepper.
- Brush over drumsticks and roast for 35–40 minutes.
How to Serve It
Garnish with fresh thyme and serve with roasted winter vegetables.
5. Orange Cranberry Glazed Chicken
Citrus brightness and berry sweetness create a lively holiday flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix orange juice, cranberry sauce, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Brush over chicken and roast 30–35 minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve with orange slices and fresh rosemary for a festive look.
6. Mustard Herb Chicken
Savory mustard and herbs give this chicken a flavorful, golden crust.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (4 lbs)
- 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix mustard, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Rub over chicken and roast 1 hour 20 minutes.
How to Serve It
Slice and serve with roasted root vegetables for a hearty holiday plate.
7. Spiced Apple Cider Chicken
Sweet apple cider with warm spices makes this chicken festive and cozy.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
- Pour over chicken and roast 35–40 minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve with roasted apples and a sprinkle of fresh thyme.
8. Lemon Garlic Roast Chicken
Bright lemon and aromatic garlic make this roast lively and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (4 lbs)
- 2 lemons, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Rub chicken with garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place lemon slices inside and around the chicken.
- Roast 1 hour 20 minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve with extra lemon wedges and fresh herbs.
9. Rosemary Garlic Chicken
Simple herbs and garlic create a comforting and fragrant holiday dish.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken legs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix oil, garlic, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Rub over chicken and roast 35–40 minutes.
How to Serve It
Garnish with rosemary sprigs and serve with roasted vegetables.
10. Paprika Butter Roasted Chicken
Paprika adds smoky flavor and vibrant color to the buttery chicken.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (4 lbs)
- 3 tbsp butter, softened
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix butter, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Rub over chicken and roast 1 hour 20 minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve with pan juices and fresh herbs for garnish.
11. Sweet Chili Christmas Chicken
A spicy-sweet glaze adds a fun twist to your holiday dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, garlic, and salt.
- Coat chicken with sauce and roast 35–40 minutes.
How to Serve It
Top with sliced green onions and extra chili flakes for a pop of color.
12. Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Cheesy, garlicky, and irresistible for any holiday table.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Parmesan, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Rub over chicken and bake 30–35 minutes.
How to Serve It
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with roasted vegetables.
13. Pomegranate Glazed Chicken
Tangy pomegranate gives this chicken a holiday-ready sparkle.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix pomegranate juice, honey, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
- Brush over chicken and roast 35–40 minutes.
How to Serve It
Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds for a festive look.
14. Cinnamon Maple Roast Chicken
Warm cinnamon and maple make this a sweet, aromatic holiday dish.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (4 lbs)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix maple syrup, cinnamon, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Brush over chicken and roast 1 hour 20 minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve with roasted apples and a drizzle of pan juices.
15. Cranberry Orange Chicken
Sweet and tangy, this dish is full of holiday colors and flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix cranberry sauce, orange juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Brush over chicken and roast 30–35 minutes.
How to Serve It
Garnish with orange slices and fresh cranberries.
16. Sage and Garlic Roast Chicken
Aromatic sage and garlic make this a cozy holiday roast.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (4 lbs)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Rub chicken with garlic, sage, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast 1 hour 20 minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve with roasted root vegetables and a few sage leaves on top.
17. Apple Cider Herb Chicken
Apple cider adds natural sweetness with a herby aroma.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken drumsticks
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix apple cider, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Brush over chicken and roast 35–40 minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve with pan-roasted apples for extra holiday flavor.
18. Maple Rosemary Chicken
Sweet maple syrup with fresh rosemary creates a festive glaze.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix maple syrup, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Brush over chicken and roast 35–40 minutes.
How to Serve It
Garnish with extra rosemary sprigs for a fragrant finish.
19. Spicy Honey Mustard Chicken
A little heat with sweet honey mustard makes this a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix honey, mustard, chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Brush over chicken and roast 35–40 minutes.
How to Serve It
Sprinkle with extra chili flakes and serve with roasted vegetables.
20. Cranberry Thyme Chicken
Cranberry and thyme create a tangy, fragrant holiday roast.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix cranberry sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Brush over chicken and roast 30–35 minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve with a few thyme sprigs for garnish.
21. Glazed Caramel Chicken
Sweet caramel adds a golden, shiny finish to your roast.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (4 lbs)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Melt butter and mix with brown sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Brush over chicken and roast 1 hour 20 minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve with roasted winter vegetables for balance.
22. Herb Mustard Chicken
Tangy mustard and aromatic herbs make a flavorful roast.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (4 lbs)
- 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix mustard, herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Rub over chicken and roast 1 hour 20 minutes.
How to Serve It
Slice and serve with pan-roasted vegetables.
23. Holiday Orange Glazed Chicken
Citrus and sweet glaze make this chicken festive and colorful.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix orange juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Brush over chicken and roast 35–40 minutes.
How to Serve It
Garnish with orange slices and fresh parsley.
24. Festive Garlic Lemon Chicken
Bright lemon and roasted garlic create a fresh, holiday-ready flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (4 lbs)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lemons, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Rub chicken with garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place lemon slices under and around chicken.
- Roast 1 hour 20 minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve with extra lemon wedges and garnish with parsley.
Conclusion
These 24 Christmas chicken recipes bring variety, color, and festive flavor to your holiday table. Each recipe is easy to follow, full of seasonal ingredients, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. Save your favorites and make this Christmas extra tasty and memorable.
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