Orange sage Christmas chicken
User Reviews
4.4
Orange sage Christmas chicken
Description
Orange sage Christmas chicken features a whole chicken rubbed under the skin with a herb and citrus-infused butter made from orange and lemon zest, garlic, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. The chicken is set over a bed of roasting orange halves, onion, garlic bulbs, and fresh herbs in a roasting dish, then drizzled with olive oil and seasoned. With white wine poured around, the chicken roasts until golden and fully cooked. This method locks in moisture and distributes aromatic flavors throughout the bird.
The roasting temperature is set at 180°C (350°F), and cooking times vary between 45 to 60 minutes depending on the size of the chicken. Resting the bird after roasting allows juices to redistribute, making for tender meat when carved. The roasted citrus and herbs complement the chicken’s savory notes, creating a complex yet clean flavor profile.
This preparation suits holiday dinners or any occasion where a flavorful whole roast chicken is desired. The orange and lemon zest add brightness, while sage and thyme bring warmth and earthiness. Pair with roasted vegetables or a simple salad to complete the meal.
Ingredients
- 1.5 kg / 3lb chicken whole
- ½ cup butter softened
- orange zest of 1
- lemon zest of 1
- 2 garlic finely minced/crushed, cloves
- 1 tbsp sage finely chopped
- 2 tsp thyme leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 2 orange halved
- 1 onion quartered
- 2 garlic halved, bulbs
- 10 thyme sprigs, fresh
- 6 sage leaves
- 1 cup white wine
Instructions
- Place softened butter in a bowl then add the zest of an orange and a lemon, crushed garlic, finely chopped fresh sage and thyme leaves. Season with salt and pepper and mix well.
- Allow the chicken to come to room temperature before cooking.
- Gently loosen the skin over the breast and drumsticks with your fingers, taking care not to tear the skin.
- Spoon the butter under the skin and gently spread over the meat until the butter has been distributed over the chicken.
- In a roasting dish, add orange halves, quartered onion, halved garlic bulbs, thyme and sage.
- Place the chicken on top then drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Pour wine around the chicken then place in the oven.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F.
- Allow the chicken to roast for 45-60 minutes, depending on size, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and allow to rest for at least 10 minutes before carving and serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 318 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 318kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 23g | 46% |
| Fat | 24g | 37% |
| Saturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 106mg | 35% |
| Sodium | 526mg | 22% |
| Potassium | 237mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 449IU | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 5mg | 6% |
| Calcium | 30mg | 3% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.4
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