Updated on November 25, 2025
Bring a cozy Christmas vibe to your table with this juicy herb-roasted chicken nestled over golden garlic potatoes. Fresh rosemary, thyme, and garlic do all the heavy lifting, so you get a festive main course with very little stress. This recipe is perfect when you want a classic holiday centerpiece without roasting a huge turkey. Add a simple green salad or steamed veggies and you’ve got an easy, crowd-pleasing Christmas dinner.
Christmas Herb-Roasted Chicken with Garlic Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs / 1.8 kg)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, halved
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 lbs (900 g) baby potatoes, halved
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare herb butter. In a small bowl, combine butter, garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Season chicken. Pat chicken dry. Rub herb butter under the skin and over the outside. Stuff cavity with lemon halves.
- Arrange in roasting pan. Place chicken in the center. Toss potatoes with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper; scatter around chicken.
- Roast. Bake for 1 hour 20 minutes, basting occasionally, until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
- Rest. Let chicken rest 10 minutes before carving. Serve with golden roasted potatoes.
Notes
- Can substitute chicken with turkey for a larger holiday gathering.
- Add carrots or Brussels sprouts to the pan for extra roasted vegetables.
- Use leftover chicken for sandwiches or soups the next day.
Private Notes
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Let us know how it was!FAQ: Christmas Herb-Roasted Chicken with Garlic Potatoes
How long does Christmas herb-roasted chicken with potatoes take to cook?
For a whole chicken of about 1.8–2 kg (4–4.5 lb), plan on 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes at 200°C/400°F, plus 10–15 minutes of resting time. The potatoes will roast in the same pan, soaking up the chicken juices and herbs. Always check that the thickest part of the thigh reaches 74°C/165°F for food safety.
Can I prepare the herb-roasted chicken and potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and cut the potatoes up to 24 hours in advance. Keep everything covered in the fridge, then bring the chicken closer to room temperature for about 30 minutes before roasting. This helps the bird cook evenly and keeps the skin from turning rubbery.
Which herbs are best for Christmas roast chicken with garlic potatoes?
Classic Christmas flavors like fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage work beautifully with roasted chicken and garlic potatoes. You can also add a little parsley at the end for freshness and color. Avoid using too many strong dried herbs at once, because they can overpower the gentle garlic and lemon notes.
How do I keep the roast chicken juicy while the potatoes get crispy?
Start with patting the chicken dry and rubbing it with oil or butter so the skin crisps up. Roast the chicken on top of the potatoes, then in the last 15–20 minutes, tilt the pan slightly and baste the potatoes with the pan juices. If the chicken browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil while the potatoes finish crisping.
Can I make this Christmas roast chicken without wine or dairy?
Absolutely. For a wine-free version, simply use extra chicken stock and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. To keep the recipe dairy-free, swap butter for olive oil and skip any cream-based gravy. The herbs, garlic, and roasting juices will still give you a rich, festive flavor.
Looking for more ideas to round out your Christmas menu? For another cozy main dish with chicken, try our Quick Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta or prep-ahead Greek Chicken Meal-Prep Bowls. And if you need a classic dessert to finish your holiday feast, you’ll love our creamy Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie – it’s just as perfect for Christmas.
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