Not everyone goes classic turkey or ham for the holidays/family gatherings-with my whole roasted chicken, stuffed with lemons, onions, garlic, and mint, you will have even hardcore turkey fans nodding in agreement that this is a great alternative to Mr. Gobble Gobble (dorky, yes I know). Whole chickens are economical, easily accessible, and can be roasted nice and slow while you make the sides, or catch up on some online shopping. Feel free to change the spices/herbs to your liking, but try this version, I think you will happy with the results. Or I will come over and make you something else 
I used a 5 lb chicken that was thawed in fridge for this recipe, so double all the ingredients if using a bigger bird and let thaw out if frozen.
- 1 whole chicken, patted dry and middles taken out if not already
- 1 medium onion, chopped into chunks
- 1 lemon, chopped into chunks
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 3 mint leaves
- half stick of butter
- 3 T poultry season
- 2 T kosher salt
- 1 T black pepper
- 1-2 T of black peppercorns or a peppered spice/seasoning
- 4 T olive oil
- Preheat oven to 350 and prep a roasting pan or dutch oven (can spray with light cooking spray or lightly coat with olive oil
- Stuff chicken with onion, lemon, garlic, and mint (can add fresh rosemary or a bay leaf if on hand)
- Rub skin of chicken with butter, coating well
- Mix poultry seasoning, salt, pepper, and peppercorns in a small bowl and sprinkle all over chicken
- Drizzle olive oil over spices
- Bake for 90-100 minutes or until internal temp reaches 165
- Serve after resting 10 minutes
Leftovers can be wrapped and refrigerated for up to five days. If you want to freeze meat, let it cool to room temp and put in freezer safe container for up to a month.
This looks amazing! I love roasting whole chickens too. There are so many things you can do with the leftovers!
Thanks Julie!
This is a great idea. Have both!! I’m not much of a turkey fan, so I’m sold. This looks delicious. Thank you!
I love how you call this the “fabulous” edition. It looks pretty fab!
Thanks Kathy! I am a dork when it comes to names
My family would gobble that roasted chicken up in a heart beat! Looks so tasty! Great pic, too!
Thanks so much!
That chicken looks so good! To be honest at home we are not a big fans of turkey so this could be a great option for us. Pinned!
I’ll take it all…everything in that pictures I want right now. Gorgeous. Great job!
Thanks Michelle!
Wow, Janelle!! This chicken looks absolutely fantastic. Roasted chicken is a favorite of mine and I can’t wait to try your recipe. Great job!!
Thank you Susie! I am a big fan of roasting chicken-so much to do with it.
I love roasting chickens too! This looks wonderful!
Thanks Lauren!
Such a fabulous recipe, Janelle! I love your photos too! Makes me wish I had some right now!
Thank you Sheena! I am really happy with how it turned out.
Yuuuummmm!! Love this so much! We are die-hard Thanksgiving turkey eaters, but a good roasted chicken tides me over in the warmer months while I’m waiting for the end of November to roll around!
So many things you can do with it!
You are so funny! Yes, come over and make me an apple pie.
Really you are very smart and it looks like you are all set for Thanksgiving. Have a great one.
Thanks Ginny, your comment means a lot!
So.. about my dinner invite 😉
If you could be here by six
I am a HUGE roasted chicken fan! This looks and sounds scrumptious!!
Thanks Jen!
This is a great idea especially when you don’t have a big crowd for Thanksgiving dinner. It looks beautiful!
Thank you! Its great for a small crowd
It all looks truly amazing. Great idea.
Your roast chicken looks absolutely perfect. I am really looking forward to trying it.
Your photos are beautifully illustrative of how delicious this Holiday recipe must of tasted!
Thanks so much!
that is a perfect looking roast chicken. there is something so fabulous about a good roasted chicken! YUM
Thank you Angela!
Roasted chicken is such a great meal. Perfect for a family gathering, love the leftovers too!!!
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Gorgeous Chicken! I have never used mint leaves in my chicken before, I bet this adds such a nice flavor!
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