The holiday season is the perfect time to gather around the table with comforting, flavorful dishes that bring warmth and joy.
While turkey and ham often take the spotlight, chicken dinners are equally festive, versatile, and easier to prepare.
From creamy casseroles to roasted whole birds, these Christmas chicken recipes are full of holiday charm and mouthwatering flavor.
Whether you’re hosting a grand feast or planning a cozy dinner, this collection of 17 Christmas Chicken Dinner Recipes will help you create a meal that’s truly unforgettable.
Each recipe balances ease, elegance, and the comforting flavors that make Christmas so special.
1. Herb Butter Roasted Christmas Chicken
Description: A golden, juicy roast chicken brushed with herb-infused butter for a holiday-worthy main course.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp chopped rosemary
- 1 tbsp thyme
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 onion, quartered
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Mix butter, olive oil, herbs, and garlic.
- Rub mixture under and over chicken skin.
- Stuff cavity with lemon and onion.
- Roast 1¼–1½ hours until internal temperature hits 165°F.
- Rest 10 minutes before carving.
2. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Description: Tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce — ideal for cozy winter nights.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper
Instructions:
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear in butter until golden.
- Add garlic, sauté 30 seconds.
- Stir in cream, Parmesan, and seasoning.
- Simmer until sauce thickens. Serve warm.
3. Cranberry Balsamic Glazed Chicken
Description: Sweet-tart cranberry glaze makes this chicken a festive favorite.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- ½ cup cranberry sauce
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Instructions:
- Mix glaze ingredients in a bowl.
- Sear chicken until browned.
- Pour glaze over chicken and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or rice.
4. Christmas Chicken Casserole
Description: A creamy, baked chicken casserole layered with cheese and vegetables — pure holiday comfort.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups shredded chicken
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- ½ cup frozen peas
- ½ cup diced carrots
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Pour into a greased baking dish.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
5. Honey Mustard Roasted Chicken Drumsticks
Description: Sticky, sweet, and savory drumsticks glazed with honey mustard sauce — a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients:
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper
Instructions:
- Mix honey, mustard, oil, salt, and pepper.
- Coat drumsticks evenly.
- Bake at 400°F for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway.
6. Creamy Spinach Stuffed Chicken
Description: Juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture for a rich Christmas dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup spinach
- ½ cup cream cheese
- ¼ cup mozzarella
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper
Instructions:
- Mix spinach, cheeses, and seasoning.
- Slice chicken to form pockets; stuff mixture inside.
- Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes until cooked through.
7. Maple Glazed Chicken with Roasted Veggies
Description: A sweet-savory maple glaze over tender chicken and caramelized winter vegetables.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Assorted veggies (carrots, potatoes, Brussels sprouts)
Instructions:
- Whisk syrup, soy sauce, and oil.
- Arrange chicken and veggies on a baking sheet.
- Brush glaze and roast at 400°F for 40 minutes.
8. Christmas Chicken Alfredo Bake
Description: A rich pasta bake featuring creamy Alfredo sauce, chicken, and melted cheese.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked pasta
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 1½ cups Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella
- ½ cup Parmesan
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Transfer to a baking dish.
- Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.
9. Lemon Rosemary Roasted Chicken
Description: A classic, aromatic roast perfect for Christmas dinner.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 lemons
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Salt & pepper
Instructions:
- Rub chicken with oil, lemon juice, and seasoning.
- Stuff cavity with lemon halves and rosemary.
- Roast at 425°F for 1 hour 20 minutes.
10. BBQ Cranberry Chicken Bake
Description: Tangy BBQ and cranberry sauce combine for a sweet-savory holiday twist.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ½ cup cranberry sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Mix sauces and garlic.
- Spread over chicken in a baking dish.
- Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
11. Garlic Herb Chicken and Potatoes
Description: One-pan perfection — chicken and potatoes roasted in garlic butter.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 3 cups baby potatoes
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves
- Fresh herbs
Instructions:
- Melt butter with garlic and herbs.
- Toss potatoes and chicken in mixture.
- Roast at 400°F for 40–45 minutes.
12. Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake
Description: A creamy, cheesy casserole with chicken and tender broccoli — perfect for feeding a crowd.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients.
- Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
- Serve warm.
13. Pesto Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken
Description: Chicken breasts stuffed with basil pesto and gooey mozzarella — festive green and gold!
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 4 tbsp pesto
- 4 slices mozzarella
- Salt & pepper
Instructions:
- Slice pockets in chicken.
- Stuff with pesto and cheese.
- Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
14. Baked Chicken with Cranberry Walnut Sauce
Description: Sweet cranberries and crunchy walnuts create a beautiful Christmas-inspired topping.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup cranberries
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tbsp honey
Instructions:
- Bake chicken for 25 minutes.
- In a saucepan, cook cranberries, honey, and walnuts.
- Pour over chicken before serving.
15. Creamy Tuscan Chicken
Description: Sun-dried tomatoes and spinach create a restaurant-worthy holiday dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 cup spinach
- ½ cup Parmesan
Instructions:
- Sear chicken until golden.
- Add cream, tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan.
- Simmer until sauce thickens.
16. Baked Chicken with Stuffing
Description: Juicy baked chicken paired with buttery stuffing — a holiday favorite.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups prepared stuffing
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
Instructions:
- Place chicken in a baking dish.
- Top with stuffing and soup.
- Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
17. Orange Glazed Christmas Chicken
Description: A zesty, citrus-glazed roast chicken that brings sparkle to your holiday table.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- ½ cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp soy sauce
Instructions:
- Mix glaze ingredients.
- Pour over chicken and bake at 400°F for 35 minutes.
- Broil 2 minutes for caramelization.
Conclusion
These 17 Christmas Chicken Dinner Recipes bring variety, flavor, and festive flair to your holiday menu.
Whether you crave creamy comfort food, tangy glazes, or classic roasts, there’s something here for every taste.
Each recipe is easy to follow, full of holiday warmth, and guaranteed to make your Christmas dinner table shine.