Look, I’ve got nothing against turkey — I just wanted to create a Thanksgiving Roast Chicken for people who do. Or, for people who are hosting Thanksgiving for a small family, a cozy party of two, or even for the 20+ crowd that needs a second protein. Plus, with turkey shortages this year, there will be fewer options for the big bird and higher prices. Chicken it is!
This Thanksgiving chicken recipe was inspired by the spiced and glazed turkey from Bon Appetit’s (now several-years-old) YouTube series, Making Perfect. I didn’t mess with the flavors or the cooking method that BA’s professional test kitchen editors perfected, but I swapped out the main ingredient and tweaked a few quantities here and there. If you’ve ever wondered: how to make chicken taste like turkey? It turns out, the perfect Thanksgiving turkey can also be the perfect Thanksgiving chicken.
Thanksgiving is a beloved American holiday centered around gathering with friends and family to enjoy a delicious feast The traditional centerpiece of the Thanksgiving meal is a roasted turkey However, preparing a whole turkey can be time-consuming, expensive, and it requires a lot of oven space. That’s why more and more home cooks are choosing to serve oven-roasted chicken instead of turkey on Thanksgiving! Chicken is easier to cook, more affordable, and can feed a smaller gathering just as nicely. Read on to learn why roasted chicken can be a great alternative to traditional Thanksgiving turkey.
Why Choose Chicken Over Turkey for Thanksgiving?
Here are some of the key benefits of opting for oven-roasted chicken rather than traditional roasted turkey this Thanksgiving
- It’s faster to cook – A 6-8 pound chicken takes only about 1.5-2 hours to roast in the oven, versus 3-4 hours for a full size turkey. That saves lots of time on your busy Thanksgiving Day!
- It’s more affordable – Whole turkeys can cost $40 or more, while a whole chicken is usually only $10-$15. Better for your Thanksgiving meal budget!
- It’s easier to prepare – Seasoning and roasting a whole chicken is much simpler than tackling a full turkey. No complicated trussing or massive bird to maneuver.
- It feeds fewer people – A turkey feeds 8+ people, while a chicken serves 4-6. Perfect for a smaller gathering of just family or close friends.
- You gain oven space – Free up room in your oven for all those side dishes by roasting a smaller bird.
- Kids love it – Chicken tenders are a hit with kids and picky eaters who may not enjoy turkey.
As you can see, oven-roasted chicken has a lot going for it as an alternative Thanksgiving main course!
How to Roast the Best Thanksgiving Chicken
Roasting a whole chicken has a few key steps for getting a beautifully browned, juicy and flavorful bird perfect for your holiday table. Here’s a summary:
- Get a high quality bird – Splurge on a premium free-range or organic chicken for best flavor.
- Season under the skin – Loosen the skin and rub an herb butter under it to keep meat moist and full of flavor.
- Create a flavorful herb oil – Combine olive oil, garlic, herbs and Worcestershire sauce to infuse the chicken with even more flavor.
- Truss the legs – Tie them together to help the chicken cook evenly.
- Roast on a bed of veggies – Place chicken atop a medley of vegetables to add a side dish.
- Baste frequently – Spoon pan juices over the chicken every 15 minutes for a crispy browned exterior.
- Let rest before carving – Allowing it to rest helps lock in juices.
Follow this roasting method, and your Thanksgiving chicken will turn out juicy, tender and full of flavor. The aromas from the herb butter and oil will fill your kitchen with the welcoming scents of rosemary, thyme and sage.
Delicious Side Dishes to Serve Alongside Thanksgiving Chicken
While the oven-roasted chicken makes a fabulous alternative main course, you’ll still want plenty of classic Thanksgiving side dishes to round out the meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Fluffy mashed potatoes and turkey gravy
- Sweet potato casserole with toasted marshmallows
- Savory sage and onion stuffing or cornbread dressing
- Green bean casserole is a must-have
- Cranberry sauce provides a tart complement
- Roast some root vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots or parsnips
- Warm Parker House rolls and pumpkin bread for the basket
- A bright Waldorf salad with apples and walnuts
Don’t forget pies for dessert! Pumpkin, pecan, apple and mincemeat pies are perfect for Thanksgiving. Set out whipped cream alongside so guests can top their slice.
Make Delicious Chicken Gravy from the Pan Drippings
One essential Thanksgiving accompaniment is gravy for pouring over mashed potatoes, stuffing and the sliced chicken itself. Luckily, you can use the flavorful pan drippings from your roasted chicken to make a delicious homemade gravy.
Simply pour off the clear chicken fat from the roasting pan, then whisk in flour to make a roux. Cook briefly, then whisk in chicken broth and white wine. Simmer until thickened. Finish with a splash of heavy cream or milk for ultimate richness and a smooth consistency. Season with salt, pepper and any desired herbs.
This easy gravy pulls flavor from the roasted bird. Drizzled over your Thanksgiving chicken and sides, it will be an instant new holiday tradition!
Put a Festive Spin on Leftover Thanksgiving Chicken
Leftover roasted chicken also makes fantastic options for creative Thanksgiving leftover recipes! Here are some fun ideas:
- Chicken pot pie with veggies and biscuit topping
- Chicken & waffles topped with maple syrup
- Chicken salad sandwiches with cranberry mayo
- Tacos with chicken, avocado and pepita salsa
- Chicken noodle soup with carrots and herbs
- Chicken casserole with wild rice and mushroom cream sauce
With endless possibilities like these, your leftover Thanksgiving chicken will keep the holiday spirit going all weekend long!
It’s Time to Try Turkey-Free Thanksgiving Chicken
As you can see, oven-roasted chicken truly is a great alternative to cooking a Thanksgiving turkey this year. The bird roasts up moist and full of flavor in much less time. Leftovers provide even more opportunities for creative recipes. With classic Thanksgiving sides and gravy drizzled on top, family and friends may not even miss the traditional turkey.
So don’t feel obliged to tackle a huge turkey feast if you’re not up for it. Choose a delicious Thanksgiving chicken dinner this year! Your guests will still feel like they are partaking in a wonderful holiday feast.
Let’s make Thanksgiving Roast Chicken
First, cut the chicken into five pieces. This is just like carving the bird, but it hasn’t been cooked yet. A friendly butcher will do this for you, or you can buy a bird already broken into parts (Farmer Focus makes one). Roasting the chicken in parts, rather than whole, allows it to cook more evenly. Plus, it means the whole carving part is already done before the bird is even cooked and the chicken cooks in under an hour. Imagine Thanksgiving dinner done and on the table in roughly 60 minutes?
After the chicken is prepped, apply the dry brine: It’s a mix of salt and spices that, when patted all over the bird and left to sit overnight, flavors the chicken right to the bone. Seasoning chicken just before cooking will flavor the skin, but not the meat underneath. The brine is a spicy, slightly smoky, ever-so-sweet combination of pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and light brown sugar. Total flavor bomb!
Finally, drizzling the dry-brined chicken with oil instead of butter creates the shiniest, crackliest, crispiest skin. Unlike oil, butter contains moisture that can prevent browning. Oil also has a higher smoke point than butter, so you can really crank up the heat (key for crispy skin) without the risk of burning the bird.
Bon Appetit’s turkey might be perfect, but a chicken that cooks in under an hour and suits a small family or supplements a big crowd? That’s something to be thankful for.