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Orange chicken roast with fennel, shallots, and citrus garnish on a serving platter

Orange Chicken Roast with Fennel and Shallots


  • Author: Sophia
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x

Description

A festive, citrus-forward chicken roast with fennel and shallots, perfect for Christmas dinner. Juicy, golden chicken paired with caramelized vegetables and bright orange flavors.


Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon fennel seeds

1 tablespoon coriander seeds

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon kosher salt

Zest of 2 medium oranges

5 sage leaves, finely chopped (about 1 tablespoon)

2 sprigs tarragon, finely chopped (about 2 tablespoons)

2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (for marinade)

4 to 4.5-pound whole chicken

1/4 to 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil (for roasting pan)

2 medium Navel oranges, sliced

2 medium fennel bulbs, sliced

2 medium shallots, thinly sliced

1 cup orange juice


Instructions

1. Grind fennel and coriander seeds. Rub sugar, salt, and orange zest together until fragrant, then mix with spices, herbs, mustard, and oil into a paste.

2. Pat chicken dry, remove spine, flatten breast, and coat evenly with marinade. Marinate at room temperature briefly or refrigerate uncovered overnight.

3. Heat oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange orange slices, fennel, and shallots in a 9×13-inch pan with olive oil. Pour in orange juice and season with salt.

4. Place chicken breast-side up on top, poke skin with a knife, and tuck wings. Cover loosely with foil and bake 20 minutes.

5. Remove foil and roast 30–40 minutes more, basting with pan juices every 10 minutes. Cover dark spots with foil if needed.

6. Carve chicken and serve with roasted oranges, fennel, shallots, and pan juices. Sprinkle with flaky salt and fennel fronds.

Notes

For turkey, triple marinade and extend cooking time.

Chicken can marinate overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor.

Choose oranges with smooth skin and juicy feel for less bitterness.

If serving a larger group, cook two chickens on a large sheet pan instead of using a larger bird.

Save chicken spine and neck for making stock.

Leftover roasted scraps and bones can be roasted and simmered with water and vegetable scraps to make stock.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Christmas Dinner Recipes
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Holiday

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion