Introduction
Christmas dinner feels even more special when a flavorful chicken dish takes the spotlight. Whether you’re cooking for a big family gathering or a cozy holiday evening, these recipes bring comfort, aroma, and delicious seasonal flair. This list gives you plenty of festive ideas—roasted, glazed, creamy, spiced, and everything in between—to make your holiday meal unforgettable.
Recipes
1. Herb-Butter Roast Chicken
This classic holiday chicken is full of comforting flavors and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs)
- 6 tbsp softened butter
- 1 tbsp chopped rosemary
- 1 tbsp chopped thyme
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 lemon, halved
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Rub butter, herbs, salt, and pepper all over the chicken.
- Stuff cavity with the lemon halves.
- Roast for 1 hour 20 minutes, basting halfway.
- Let rest 10 minutes before carving.
How to Serve It
Great with roasted carrots or mashed potatoes.
2. Honey-Garlic Glazed Chicken Thighs
Sweet, savory, and perfect for a warm Christmas evening.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken thighs
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, oil, and pepper.
- Coat thighs and place on a lined tray.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, brushing with glaze twice.
How to Serve It
Pair with steamed rice or roasted greens.
3. Cranberry-Orange Chicken Bake
A fruity, bright dish perfect for adding color to your holiday table.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken breasts
- 1 cup cranberries
- 1 orange, sliced
- ⅓ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup honey
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place chicken in a baking dish.
- Mix cranberries, juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Pour over chicken and add orange slices.
- Bake 45 minutes.
How to Serve It
Top with orange zest for a fragrant finish.
4. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Rich, warm, and full of holiday comfort.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet.
- Season chicken and sear 4 minutes per side.
- Add cream, parmesan, and garlic.
- Simmer for 12–15 minutes until sauce thickens.
How to Serve It
Perfect over buttered noodles or mashed potatoes.
5. Maple-Mustard Roast Chicken Drumsticks
Sweet, tangy, and wonderfully festive.
Ingredients
- 12 chicken drumsticks
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Mix glaze ingredients.
- Coat drumsticks evenly.
- Bake 40 minutes, turning halfway.
How to Serve It
Add chopped parsley for a bright finish.
6. Lemon-Rosemary Cast Iron Chicken
A simple yet aromatic choice for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken
- 2 lemons, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chopped rosemary
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Season chicken and place in skillet.
- Scatter lemon slices and rosemary.
- Roast 1 hour 10 minutes.
How to Serve It
Drizzle with pan juices before serving.
7. Christmas Apple-Cinnamon Chicken
A lightly sweet dish with winter warmth.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs
- 2 apples, sliced
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix apples with cinnamon.
- Sear thighs, then add apples.
- Bake 35 minutes.
How to Serve It
Great with wild rice or herb stuffing.
8. Garlic Herb Stuffed Chicken Breast
A flavorful, attractive option for a festive table.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- ½ cup cream cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped dill
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix filling.
- Cut pockets in breasts and stuff.
- Bake 30–35 minutes.
How to Serve It
Slice before serving for a pretty presentation.
9. Sweet Chili Christmas Chicken
A vibrant mix of sweet heat and festive color.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken thighs
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Mix sauce and coat chicken.
- Bake 35–40 minutes.
How to Serve It
Sprinkle sesame seeds for texture.
10. Rosemary-Garlic Spatchcock Chicken
Even cooking and bold flavor make this a holiday standout.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp chopped rosemary
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Spatchcock chicken.
- Rub with oil, herbs, and salt.
- Roast 45–50 minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve with roasted potatoes or greens.
11. Brown Sugar Glazed Christmas Chicken
This dish brings a cozy sweetness and gorgeous shine to your holiday table.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Mix brown sugar, soy sauce, oil, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Coat chicken in the mixture.
- Bake 35–40 minutes, basting once.
How to Serve It
Top with sliced green onions for color.
12. Pomegranate Glazed Chicken
A bright, festive option with a beautiful pop of color.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken breasts
- 1 cup pomegranate juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Simmer juice and honey until slightly thick.
- Season chicken and place in a dish.
- Pour glaze on top and bake 40 minutes.
- Brush with more glaze before serving.
How to Serve It
Scatter fresh pomegranate seeds for sparkle.
13. Christmas Herb Chicken Meatballs
Light, tender, and great for holiday snacking or dinner sides.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Mix all ingredients.
- Roll into small balls and place on a lined tray.
- Bake 18–20 minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve with a creamy herb dip.
14. Citrus-Ginger Roast Chicken
A refreshing, aromatic dish with holiday fragrance.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Rub chicken with oil, ginger, salt, and pepper.
- Add citrus slices around and under the chicken.
- Roast 1 hour 15 minutes.
How to Serve It
Drizzle pan juices over each slice for extra flavor.
15. Creamy Mushroom Christmas Chicken
Warm, hearty, and great for a winter dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups sliced mushrooms
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Melt butter in a skillet.
- Sear chicken 4 minutes per side.
- Add garlic and mushrooms; sauté 5 minutes.
- Pour cream and simmer 12 minutes.
How to Serve It
Serve with mashed potatoes or egg noodles.
16. Cranberry-Balsamic Chicken Thighs
A sweet-tart option for those who enjoy bold flavors.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken thighs
- ½ cup cranberry sauce
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Mix cranberry sauce, balsamic glaze, oil, and pepper.
- Coat chicken and place on a tray.
- Bake 35–40 minutes.
How to Serve It
Top with extra cranberries for a holiday finish.
17. Garlic-Butter Chicken Tenderloins
Quick, simple, and full of comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Melt butter in a skillet.
- Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Season tenderloins and sear 3–4 minutes per side.
- Spoon garlic butter over them as they cook.
How to Serve It
Great with roasted vegetables or rice.
18. Orange-Honey Skillet Chicken
A citrusy, sweet dish that fits beautifully into winter meals.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs
- ½ cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet.
- Sear chicken until browned.
- Add juice, honey, and salt.
- Simmer 20 minutes until reduced.
How to Serve It
Finish with fresh zest before serving.
19. Rosemary Lemon Sheet Pan Chicken
A simple, balanced holiday meal that cooks in one pan.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups baby potatoes
- 2 lemons, sliced
- 1 tbsp chopped rosemary
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Toss potatoes with oil and salt.
- Add chicken, rosemary, and lemon slices.
- Bake 35–40 minutes.
How to Serve It
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon before serving.
20. Apple Cider Chicken Drumsticks
A sweet, fall-meets-winter dish that feels comforting.
Ingredients
- 10 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine cider, honey, cinnamon, and salt.
- Coat drumsticks and place on a baking tray.
- Bake 40–45 minutes, brushing with glaze halfway.
How to Serve It
Great with roasted root vegetables.
21. Christmas Thyme & Lemon Butter Chicken
Bright, buttery, and perfect for a festive dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp chopped thyme
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Melt butter in a skillet.
- Add thyme, garlic powder, and lemon juice.
- Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side.
- Spoon butter sauce over chicken until cooked through.
How to Serve It
Sprinkle with extra thyme before serving.
Conclusion
These Christmas chicken recipes offer warm, flavorful, and festive options for every kind of holiday gathering. Save your favorites, try a few new ones, and share them with friends or family who love delicious seasonal meals. Enjoy creating a table full of comforting dishes everyone will want again!
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