Christmas Roast Chicken

About

This deliciously aromatic and buttery roasted chicken makes a great Keto Christmas recipe for smaller families or those who do not wish to buy a whole turkey. Basted in an orange and herb-infused butter, this easy Christmas Keto recipe is not only packed with fats and flavor, but also considerably reduces cooking time and stress compared to preparing a whole turkey!

Is Orange Keto?

We have used both orange juice and zest to flavor our aromatic basting butter. We have also used a 1/4 orange to stuff inside the chicken cavity to keep the meat moist. Orange can be enjoyed in moderation on a Keto diet and is a great way to adds a hint of festive flavor to the dish. If you prefer, you may substitute the orange for lemon. Be sure to adjust your macros to account for any changes made to the recipe.

Serving Suggestions

This Keto Christmas dinner main makes a fantastic festive centerpiece accompanied by your favorite low carb sides. We have a delicious range of Keto Christmas dishes in our sides section for you to try. Why not try your roasted chicken with our Keto Christmas Vegetarian Mushroom dressing, or for a quick and easy side, serve with our Keto Christmas Slaw. This recipe also creates a good amount of pan juices for drizzling over the carved meat. Alternatively, you can use the pan juices as a base to create your own low carb gravy.

Ingredients

3 ½ pound chicken, whole, skin eaten
2 sprigs rosemary
1 clove garlic
1 teaspoon rosemary, fresh
1 teaspoon, chopped thyme, fresh
1 teaspoon sage, dried
1 tablespoon orange juice
1 teaspoon orange zest
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt, sea salt
⅓ cup unsalted butter
¼ medium orange
⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Bring the butter to room temperature so that it is soft enough to mash. Add the softened butter to a bowl. Finely chop the rosemary and thyme. Add to the bowl along with the sage, orange juice, orange zest, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Mash together to combine.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully lift the chicken skin up and away from the chicken breast. Stuff 2/3 of the flavored butter under the skin and pat down, coating the breast beneath the skin. Dot the remaining butter over the outside of the chicken. Gently crush the garlic clove under your palm. Place the orange quarter, rosemary sprigs and crushed clove inside the cavity of the chicken.
Place the chicken in a roasting tin and transfer to the oven for 1 and a quarter hours, basting halfway through with the pan juices. Cook for longer if needed until the chicken is entirely cooked through, the skin is golden, and the juices run clear. Serve alongside your favorite festive Keto sides.