New Year’s Day dinner is a beautiful tradition that brings family and friends together to celebrate new beginnings and shared hopes for the year ahead. I remember growing up, my family would gather around the table, excited to share stories and enjoy delicious food that symbolized good fortune. This recipe for a whole roasted chicken with rice and mixed vegetables is truly special—it’s not just easy to make, but it fills the house with the most wonderful aroma while it’s baking! Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder that allows you to relax and enjoy your guests without being stuck in the kitchen. Trust me, this dinner will make your New Year’s celebration memorable!
Ingredients List
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs), cleaned and ready for seasoning
- 2 cups of rice, rinsed and drained for fluffiness
- 1 cup of mixed vegetables, chopped (you can use frozen or fresh)
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced to release all that fabulous flavor
- 1 onion, chopped finely to add sweetness to the dish
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil, for sautéing and richness
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, to enhance the savory notes
- Salt and pepper, to taste—don’t be shy with the seasoning!
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for getting that golden-brown chicken! While the oven warms up, take your whole chicken and give it a good rinse under cold water, then pat it dry with paper towels. Now, let’s season it! Rub the chicken all over with salt, pepper, and the minced garlic. Make sure to get into all those nooks and crannies for maximum flavor. Once that’s done, you’re ready to move on!
Cook the Vegetables
Next, grab a large pan and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté it until it’s nice and translucent—about 4-5 minutes. You’ll love the smell wafting through your kitchen! Once the onion is soft, add in the mixed vegetables and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Make sure they’re tender but still vibrant in color. This step not only adds flavor but also gives your dish that lovely pop of color!
Combine and Bake
Now it’s time for the fun part! In a baking dish, combine the sautéed vegetable mixture with the rinsed rice, stirring to mix everything thoroughly. Place the seasoned chicken right on top of this colorful bed of goodness. Drizzle the soy sauce over the chicken for that extra umami kick! Cover the dish tightly with foil and pop it in the preheated oven. Bake it for 1 hour, then remove the foil and let it bake for an additional 30 minutes. This is when the magic happens—watch as the chicken turns a beautiful golden brown! Afterward, let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Your New Year’s Day dinner is ready to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy with your loved ones.
- Deliciously seasoned chicken that’s juicy and tender, paired perfectly with flavorful rice and vegetables.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, making it easy to whip up for a special occasion.
- Perfect for family gatherings, creating a sense of togetherness as everyone digs in and shares the meal.
- The wonderful aroma while it bakes will have everyone eagerly waiting at the table!
- It’s highly customizable—add your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own!
- Leftovers keep well, so you can enjoy the deliciousness for days after the celebration.
Tips for Success
To really make this New Year Day dinner shine, don’t skimp on the seasoning! A well-seasoned chicken is key to mouthwatering flavor, so taste as you go and adjust as needed. If you want extra crispy skin, try patting the chicken dry before seasoning—it helps! Also, keep an eye on the cooking time; ovens can vary, so check the internal temperature of the chicken—it should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s perfectly cooked. Lastly, let the chicken rest before carving; this allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite tender and juicy. Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious New Year Day dinner, you might find yourself with some tasty leftovers—and trust me, you’ll want to savor every last bite! To store, simply let the chicken and rice mixture cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it into an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It should stay good for up to 3 days, which means you can relive that lovely dinner again!
When you’re ready to reheat, I recommend using the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken and rice in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil to keep it moist, and heat it for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. If you prefer using the microwave, that works too! Just make sure to cover your dish to prevent splatter and heat it in 1-minute intervals until it’s piping hot. Enjoy your leftovers just as much as the first meal—they’re almost as good as the original feast!
Nutritional Information Section
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values for each serving of this delightful New Year Day dinner. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but this should give you a good idea:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
This meal is not only delicious but also quite balanced, making it a fantastic choice for your festive celebration! Enjoy every bite and the nourishment it brings!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of meat for this New Year Day dinner?
Absolutely! While this recipe features chicken, you can easily substitute it with turkey or even a pork roast. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, especially for larger cuts of meat.
What if I don’t have mixed vegetables?
No problem! You can use any vegetables you love or have on hand. Carrots, bell peppers, or even broccoli would work beautifully. Just make sure to chop them into similar sizes for even cooking.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes! You can season the chicken and prepare the rice and vegetable mixture a day ahead. Just cover everything and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, assemble and bake as directed. It’s a great time-saver!
What should I serve with this dinner?
This New Year Day dinner is quite filling on its own, but you can serve it with a light side salad or some crusty bread to soak up all those delicious juices. It makes for a well-rounded meal!
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken; it should read 165°F (74°C) for it to be safely cooked. If you don’t have one, just ensure the juices run clear when you cut into it.
New Year Day Dinner: 7 Tips for a Memorable Feast
- Temps Total: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Gras
Description
A delightful New Year Day dinner featuring a variety of dishes to celebrate the occasion.
Ingrédients
- 1 whole chicken (3–4 lbs)
- 2 cups of rice
- 1 cup of mixed vegetables
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Clean and season the chicken with salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
- Heat olive oil in a large pan and sauté the onion until translucent.
- Add mixed vegetables and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add rice and stir well.
- Transfer the rice mixture into a baking dish and place the chicken on top.
- Drizzle soy sauce over the chicken.
- Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes until the chicken is golden brown.
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste.
- Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Dinner
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 50g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 30g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: new year day dinner
