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    Home » Blog » Air Fryer Recipes

    Christmas Chicken Recipes

    Published: May 14, 2022 · Modified: Aug 12, 2024 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

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    This unique collection of Christmas chicken recipes skips the classic roasted chicken, offering up chicken recipes with zesty flavors and textures that are definitely off the beaten Christmas path.

    Collage of four delicious recipes. The title "Christmas Chicken Recipes" is in the center of the collage.

    As the holiday season approaches, it's time to start planning your festive menu. Christmas chicken recipes offer a delicious and versatile alternative to the traditional turkey or ham centerpiece.

    Delicious Side Dishes

    To complement your Christmas chicken recipes, it's important to serve delicious side dishes that enhance the festive flavors of your holiday meal. Here are a few options that take into consideration both taste and nutritional value.

    Roasted Carrots: A simple and flavorful side dish, honey maple roasted carrots add a vibrant burst of color and flavor to your Christmas dinner.

    Parmesan Green Beans: A classic choice, parmesan green beans are an easy and delicious option to pair with your Christmas chicken.

    Potatoes: Another crowd-pleasing side dish to consider is volcano potatoes or oven baked sliced potatoes.

    Festive Tips and Tricks

    When preparing your Christmas chicken recipes, consider these festive tips and tricks to ensure a delightful and mouthwatering meal.

    One way to manage your festive season dishes is to serve a variety of side dishes that complement your Christmas chicken. Choose colorful options like roasted vegetables, whole-grain rice, seasonal salads, and a delicious gravy or sauce.

    Don't forget about the leftovers! Repurposing your Christmas chicken into creative dishes for the following days can save time, reduce food waste, and offer a tasty alternative for family meals.

    Some ideas include chicken salad sandwiches, chicken and vegetable stir-fry, or even a warm, comforting chicken pot pie.

    Remember to be mindful of your preparation and cooking techniques. Using a meat thermometer can ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection, reaching a safe internal temperature while preserving its juiciness.

    Chicken Leftover Ideas

    There are countless recipes for transforming your chicken leftovers:

    • Chicken Tacos: Shred your leftover chicken and combine with your favorite salsa or seasonings. Fill some soft tortillas with the mixture and top with shredded cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes.
    • Chicken Salad: Combine your leftover chicken with mayonnaise, chopped celery, and onion for a classic chicken salad. Enjoy it on a sandwich or as a side dish. Feel free to get creative – add dried cranberries, sliced almonds, or even swap mayo with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
    • Chicken Fried Rice: Stir-fry your chicken leftovers with rice, vegetables, and soy sauce for a quick and satisfying meal. Add a scrambled egg for extra flavor and protein.

    Remember, your Christmas chicken dinner leftovers can create a variety of delicious new dishes. Enjoy these ideas and experiment with your own unique versions, turning holiday leftovers into culinary delights that your family will love.

    FAQ

    What are some popular chicken dishes for a holiday dinner?

    Some popular dishes include traditional roast chicken, classic smoked chicken pot pie, pot pie muffins or jalapeno popper stuffed chicken breasts.

    How to prepare a perfect roasted chicken for Christmas?

    To prepare a perfect roasted chicken for Christmas, start by seasoning the chicken inside and out with your desired herbs, spices, and aromatics. Truss the legs together to ensure even cooking and place the chicken on a roasting rack in a preheated oven at 180°C/350°F. Roast for 1-1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C/165°F and the juices run clear.

    What are some easy yet elegant holiday chicken thigh recipes?

    Chicken thigh recipes can also be an easy and elegant holiday option. Some ideas to consider are chicken thighs braised in a wine sauce with mushrooms, apricot glazed chicken thighs, or pistachio-crusted chicken thighs with a white wine pan sauce.

    What are some unique sides for Christmas chicken recipes?

    Classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, and honey-glazed onions are always favorites. For unique twists, try serving your chicken with a festive rice salad, or stuffed butternut squash. Don't forget a tangy cranberry balsamic sauce or cruffins to complete the festive plate.

    Which stuffing goes best with Christmas chicken breast?

    Stuffing is an essential part of any Christmas meal, and there are endless variations to complement your chicken breast. Some popular options are sauteed apples and sage, wild mushroom and sausage stuffing, or classic bread and herb stuffing. Feel free to get creative with the ingredients and use unique additions like nuts or dried fruit to elevate the holiday flavors.

    Why These Recipes are Great

    Things today are far different than they were when I was a kid. Back then, roasted turkey or chicken and ham were the stars of the dinner table. These days, however, people are departing from the traditional and getting creative. That's what makes these chicken christmas dinner recipes so great.

    Christmas Chicken Recipes

    From fried chicken bites to Mexican spaghetti and everything in between these delicious chicken recipes are just the thing to kick up your Christmas lunch or dinner a notch.

    Easy Honey Roasted Chicken Thighs
    Easy Honey Roasted Chicken Thighs are baked in an oven or air fryer, and as a bonus includes the best recipe for a whole, oven baked, crispy honey chicken.
    Get the Recipe
    Easy Honey Roasted Chicken Thighs
    Cheesy Baked Salsa Chicken
    Tender, succulent chicken breasts are coated in a tangy, savory salsa and cheese sauce in this baked salsa chicken recipe that comes together in just minutes!
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    A plate with baked salsa chicken garnished with herbs, accompanied by corn, tomatoes and sliced avocado.
    Oven and Air Fryer Chicken Breast on Bone Recipe
    Cook up plump, juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts in the oven or air fryer perfectly every time. This simple and easy meal is perfect for easy weeknight dinners but also great for holidays such as Easter or Christmas and other special occasions.
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    Platter of baked bone in chicken on a serving platter on the dinner table.
    Easy Air Fryer Chicken Skewers
    Air fryer chicken kabobs with a simple marinade and vegetables are served up on skewers for an easy-to-make meal everyone's going to love. It cooks up with crisp edges and juicy, tender insides.
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    A plateful of air fryer chicken kabobs on the table with more in the background.
    Boursin Chicken
    Boursin chicken features tender chicken breast smothered in a garlic herb sauce of Boursin cheese, white wine, and more. This chicken boursin recipe is a keeper.
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    Frozen Chicken Fries in Air Fryer
    These air fryer frozen chicken fries are golden and crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside. They're also done in a snap!
    Get the Recipe
    Air Fryer Frozen Popcorn Chicken
    Air fryer frozen popcorn chicken comes out perfect every time. It's golden and crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside.
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    Air Fryer Frozen Popcorn Chicken dipped in ketchup.
    Sous Vide Whole Chicken
    This recipe for Sous Vide Whole Chicken provides you with an easy cooking method that results in tender and juicy chicken every time. In just a few hours, you will have melt-in-your-mouth chicken that is moist on the outside AND has crispy skin.
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    Instant Pot Chicken Corn Chowder
    This instant pot chicken corn chowder is rich, creamy, and so easy to make. In no time at all, you'll be enjoying this delicious recipe.
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    A spoonful of instant pot chicken corn chowder.
    Mexican Chicken Spaghetti
    Mexican chicken spaghetti is loaded with tender, white meat chicken, spaghetti, cheese, and of course, a ton of Mexican flavor.
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    A bowl full of mexican chicken spaghetti.
    Reverse Sear Chicken Breast
    This reverse sear chicken breast recipe creates chicken that is tender and juicy on the inside with a perfectly brown and golden crispy skin on the outside.
    Get the Recipe
    Featured categories for videos are waiting.
    Air Fryer Fried Chicken Thighs
    Air fryer fried chicken thighs cook up perfectly every time. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, chicken thighs never tasted so good!
    Get the Recipe
    A small piece of a chicken thigh being held by a fork.
    Incredible Buffalo Chicken Thighs
    Buffalo Chicken Thighs are perfectly spiced, crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside, perfect for Buffalo wing lovers who want more of a meal!
    Get the Recipe
    Two Buffalo Chicken Thighs on a white plate with salad and some carrots and celery sticks.
    Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks
    Air fryer buffalo chicken drumsticks have a mouth-watering crispy skin and juicy, tender meat in every bite. Easily adjust the heat level, they're always a hit.
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    Four air fryer buffalo chicken drumsticks on a white plate with carrots and celery sticks.
    Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Pasta
    Cook up a creamy bowl of buffalo chicken pasta using the Instant Pot in a matter of minutes. This easy recipe requires only 10 minutes of hands-on time to prepare making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
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    Plate of buffalo chicken pasta on a plate topped with cheese crumbles and green onion.
    Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
    Instant Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken is an easy weeknight meal to serve up for busy weekdays. It only takes a few minutes to prep and then the rest of the work is done by the Instant Pot.
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    Plate of instant pot chicken parmesan pasta with a fork picking up some pasta.
    Spicy Garlic Chicken Wings Sauce (Copycat Recipe)
    Love spicy garlic Buffalo wings? How about Wild Wings version covered in their spicy garlic sauce? Now you can make these tasty wings at home.
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    A platter of chicken seasoned with buffalo spicy garlic sauce.
    How to Broil Chicken Wings
    Looking for a quick and easy way to make chicken wings? These broiled chicken wings are the perfect solution! They are so crispy and juicy!
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    Seasoned boiled chicken wings.
    Wendy's Spicy Chicken Wraps
    These Wendy's spicy chicken wraps take everything we love about those crispy chicken wraps and makes them even better. AND they're homemade!
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    Wendy's spicy chicken wrap on top of a cutting board.
    Burger King Chicken Fries
    This copycat Burger King chicken fries recipe is tastier and healthier than the original. Get all that taste with an air-fried version.
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    Burger King Chicken Fries on a white plate with one in dip.
    Wendy's Chicken Wrap
    These Wendy's chicken wraps take everything we love about those crispy chicken wraps and makes them even better. AND they're homemade!
    Wendy’s Grilled Chicken Wraps
    This copycat Wendy's grilled chicken wrap recipe is just as good as the original and so easy to make. It's a quick recipe full of flavor.
    Get the Recipe
    Sweet Chili Chicken Tenders
    These Thai Sweet Chili Chicken Tenders are juicy and flavorful and oh so easy to make. Low Carb and simple plus this meal is family friendly.
    Get the Recipe
    A thai sweet chili chicken tender being held up.
    Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders
    Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders are a twist on the classic recipe. I coated the chicken in ranch dressing and parmesan cheese. So tasty!
    Get the Recipe
    Parmesan ranch chicken tenders served on a late. Garnished with herbs.
    Smoked Chicken Pot Pie
    This smoked chicken pot pie recipe is a new take on an old favorite. A creamy chicken and veggie-filled sauce inside a buttery crust. Yum!
    Get the Recipe
    A piece of smoked chicken pot pie being held by a fork.
    Smoked Buffalo Chicken Dip
    An easy to make spicy, cheesy chicken dip that's sure to be a crowd pleaser. Juicy chunks of rotisserie chicken with buffalo sauce and lots of cheesy flavors, cooked up in a smoker adding a lightly smoked flavor.
    Get the Recipe
    Smoked buffalo chicken dip with a celery stick dipping into it.
    Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti
    Easy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti is a delicious weeknight dinner favorite. The juicy chicken is slow-cooked in a creamy, cheesy sauce and combined with spaghetti.
    Get the Recipe
    A serving of crockpot chicken spaghetti in a bowl.
    Air Fryer Mini Chicken Cordon Bleu Croissants
    These air fried chicken cordon bleu croissants are so good and so much fun! These mini chicken cordon bleu bites are small but mighty tasty!
    Get the Recipe
    Mini Chicken Cordon Bleu Croissants on a plate.
    Chicken in Creamy Chipotle Sauce
    Pollo en crema chipotle is a rich, creamy, and spicy dish that's perfect for everyone. This chipotle cream chicken makes a great dinner.
    Get the Recipe
    A fork holding up a piece of chicken seasoned with chipotle sauce.
    Bang bang chicken pasta
    Tender chicken in a rich, creamy, spicy sauce, this Bang Bang Chicken Pasta has it all. When craving something warm and delicious with a kick, then this bang bang chicken recipe is your go to!
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    Chicken and Waffle Tacos
    These chicken and waffle tacos are a fun take on an old favorite. Crispy fried chicken is cradles in a waffle "shell" and topped with syrup.
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    Crispy chicken bites in a waffle.
    Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
    Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie is a time saving take on this traditional dinner meal.
    BBQ Chicken Stromboli
    This BBQ chicken stromboli recipe is easy and delicious. A few minutes of prep is all it takes for this semi-homemade stromboli recipe.
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    Slow Cooker Tater Tot Ranch Chicken Casserole
    Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole is a simple and flavorful meal that's perfect on a busy weeknight. Kid friendly also!
    Get the Recipe
    Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole
    Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Potatoes
    Buffalo chicken stuffed potatoes are loaded with flavor, not work. These Buffalo chicken twice baked potatoes make the perfect meal any time.
    Get the Recipe
    Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Chili
    This Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Chili recipe has all the wonderful flavors and ingredients in enchiladas but is an easy-to-make slow cooker chili.
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    Sour Cream Chicken Casserole
    Sour cream chicken enchiladas has wonderful Mexican flavors and is loaded with chicken in a creamy sauce and topped with cheese. An easy sour cream chicken enchilada casserole recipe to follow, It doesn't get any better than that!
    Get the Recipe
    Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
    These buffalo chicken meatballs are big on flavor, not on work. Make these tasty buffalo chicken meatballs in the slow cooker! It's easy!
    Get the Recipe
    Tomato Basil Chicken
    Tomato Basil Chicken is a simple and flavorful dish that cooks up in one pot.
    Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas
    These buffalo chicken enchiladas are filled with flavorful filling and topped off with a creamy buffalo ranch sauce
    Get the Recipe
    Fried Turkey Legs (Air Fryer)
    Learn how to make the perfectly crispy, juicy and delicious Air Fryer Turkey Legs for your weeknight dinner or small Thanksgiving celebration at home.
    Get the Recipe
    Air fryer turkey leg on plate with roasted potatoes.

    Try These Christmas Chicken Recipes

    These delicious chicken recipes make for a truly unique Christmas dinner table. Whether you serve up one or two of these dishes to spice things up or go all-out and serve up a spread of unexpected chicken deliciousness, these Christmas chicken recipes will have everyone coming back for more.

    Collage of four delicious recipes. The title "Christmas Chicken Recipes" is in the center of the collage.
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    Welcome!

    We are the kitchen divas: Karin and my partner in life, Ken.

    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

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