What’s a good main dish for Christmas?

A good main dish for Christmas should be festive, flavorful, and satisfying without being overly complicated. Herb-roasted whole chicken with garlic butter is a great alternative to traditional turkey or ham. It offers incredible flavor, a golden crispy skin, and juicy meat perfect for smaller gatherings or anyone craving a showstopping dish that’s easier to prepare than a full roast.

What are some Christmas entrees?

Christmas entrees often include roasted turkey, glazed ham, prime rib, and poultry dishes like garlic butter chicken. For a twist, consider mains like homemade corned beef , short ribs, or hearty vegetarian lasagna. The key is a warm, comforting dish that celebrates the season.

What are good starters for Christmas?

Ideal Christmas starters include stuffed mushrooms, creamy soups, or elegant salads with cranberries and nuts. You could also offer light bites like baked brie, crostini, or smoked salmon toasts. These easy starters set the tone without stealing attention from your garlic butter roasted chicken.

What is a traditional Christmas dinner menu?

A classic Christmas dinner menu includes a main dish (roast chicken, turkey, or ham), potato sides (mashed or roasted), vegetables (green beans, carrots, Brussels sprouts), stuffing, cranberry sauce, and dinner rolls. Finish with desserts like pie, cookies, or a holiday trifle. With garlic butter chicken as your centerpiece, you can build a traditional yet memorable spread around it.

Ultimate Garlic Butter Chicken Recipe (Easy & Juicy)

Description

This herb-roasted whole chicken with garlic butter is the ultimate Christmas main dish. Juicy, tender meat, crispy golden skin, and rich flavors from fresh herbs, lemon, and garlic make it a holiday showstopper. Easy enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for your festive table, this recipe is perfect for impressing guests without the stress. Serve it with pan juices and your favorite sides for a complete, heartwarming meal.

Ingredients

4-5 pound whole chicken, room temperature, giblets and neck removed

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

4 tablespoons olive oil

1 lemon, zested and juiced

Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

4 tablespoons butter, room temperature

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped

1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped

1 tablespoon paprika (optional – for darker color)

6 cloves garlic, minced

1 head garlic, halved horizontally

6 sprigs fresh rosemary, tied together

3 sprigs fresh thyme

1 lemon, quartered

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a roasting pan with olive oil.

2. Clean the chicken: rinse under cold water and pat dry completely.

3. In a bowl, mix melted butter, olive oil, and lemon juice. Pour mixture over the chicken and rub it under the skin and inside the cavity.

4. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sprinkle chopped parsley on top.

5. In another bowl, mix room-temperature butter with chopped rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, minced garlic, and paprika.

6. Rub this butter mixture all over the chicken and under the skin.

7. Stuff the cavity with halved garlic, rosemary sprigs, thyme, and lemon quarters. Tie the legs together with kitchen string.

8. Place the chicken breast-side up in the roasting pan. Roast for 1 hour and 15–25 minutes, basting halfway through.

9. After roasting, baste again and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden.

10. Let the chicken rest for 10–15 minutes before carving.

11. Serve with pan juices and fresh lemon wedges.

Notes

– For extra crispy skin, dry the chicken thoroughly before seasoning.

– Make the herb butter mixture a day in advance to save time on cooking day.

– Use a meat thermometer to ensure the thickest part reaches 165°F.

– Pair with mashed potatoes, green beans, or a festive winter salad.

– Leftovers make amazing sandwiches or can be shredded for soup.