When it comes to holiday meals, I’m all about breaking the mold, and that’s why I adore this non-traditional Christmas dinner! It’s not just about turkey and ham; it’s about surprising your loved ones with flavors they never saw coming. Picture a juicy roasted chicken nestled among a bed of vibrant quinoa, kale, and sweet cranberries. Trust me, the combination is a delightful twist on the classic holiday feast. I remember the first time I made this dish; my family couldn’t stop raving about it! It’s festive, it’s healthy, and most importantly, it’s a fun way to celebrate the season together.
Ingredients List
- 1 whole chicken, about 4 pounds
- 2 cups quinoa
- 1 cup cranberries, dried
- 1 bunch kale, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 2 cups vegetable broth
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key to getting that chicken perfectly roasted and golden.
- While the oven heats up, it’s time to season your chicken. Rub it all over with salt, pepper, and thyme. Make sure you get into all those nooks and crannies for maximum flavor!
- Next, grab a large pot and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This is the moment the kitchen will start smelling heavenly!
- Now, add in the quinoa and stir it around for a minute to toast it slightly. Then pour in the vegetable broth, bringing everything to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This is where the quinoa cooks up fluffy and delicious.
- After 15 minutes, stir in the chopped kale and dried cranberries. Cook this for another 5 minutes until the kale is wilted and the cranberries have plumped up. You’ll love the colors in this dish!
- Now comes the fun part! Take your seasoned chicken and place it in a roasting pan, surrounding it with that gorgeous quinoa mixture. It’s a beautiful sight!
- Pop the whole thing in the preheated oven and roast for about 1 hour. To check if it’s done, use a meat thermometer; the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). When you pull it out, let it rest for a few minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and tender.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a unique twist on a classic holiday meal, making your Christmas dinner unforgettable.
- Quick to prepare, allowing you to spend more time with your loved ones.
- Packed with nutritious ingredients like quinoa, kale, and cranberries for a healthy yet festive dish.
- The flavors are vibrant and unexpected, sure to delight even the pickiest eaters.
- This dish looks gorgeous on the table, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
- Leftovers are just as delicious, perfect for those cozy post-holiday meals.
Tips for Success
To really nail this non-traditional Christmas dinner, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, make sure your chicken is at room temperature before seasoning; it helps it cook more evenly. Don’t rush the sautéing process—softening the onions and garlic really enhances the flavor base. If you want an extra burst of flavor, consider adding some chopped nuts or feta cheese to the quinoa mixture! And remember, let that chicken rest after roasting; it’s crucial for juicy meat. Lastly, feel free to experiment with spices; a pinch of cinnamon can really elevate the dish!
Variations
The beauty of this non-traditional Christmas dinner is its versatility! If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the chicken for turkey—it’s a delicious alternative and perfect for larger gatherings. For my vegetarian friends, you can replace the chicken with a hearty roasted butternut squash or portobello mushrooms; just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Experiment with spices too! A dash of smoked paprika can add a lovely depth, or try adding some cumin for a warm, earthy flavor. You can also mix in seasonal veggies like roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts for an extra pop of color and nutrition. The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover non-traditional Christmas dinner is super easy! Just let the chicken and quinoa mixture cool to room temperature, then transfer them to airtight containers. You can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days, making for fantastic quick lunches or dinners later on. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You’ll be amazed at how delicious it still tastes!
Nutritional Information
Curious about the numbers? Each serving of this non-traditional Christmas dinner packs an estimated 450 calories, with 15g of fat, 30g of protein, and 50g of carbs. You’ll also get 7g of fiber, which is a nice bonus! Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient choices.
FAQ Section
Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa?
Absolutely! While quinoa is nutritious and delicious, you can easily swap it for farro, barley, or even rice if that’s what you have on hand. Each grain will bring its own unique texture and flavor to this non-traditional Christmas dinner.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Great question! To make this a fully vegetarian meal, simply replace the chicken with roasted vegetables or a store-bought vegetarian roast. You can also add some chickpeas or lentils to the quinoa for extra protein!
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can prep the quinoa mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just assemble and roast the chicken on the day you plan to serve it for the best results.
What should I serve with this dish?
This non-traditional Christmas dinner pairs beautifully with a light salad or some roasted seasonal veggies. It’s all about keeping it fresh and festive!
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is gluten-free as long as you ensure that any broth or additional ingredients are certified gluten-free. It’s a fantastic option for your gluten-sensitive guests to enjoy.
Non Traditional Christmas Dinner: 5 Flavorful Surprises
- Temps Total: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A unique twist on the classic Christmas dinner, featuring unexpected flavors and ingredients.
Ingrédients
- 1 whole chicken, about 4 pounds
- 2 cups quinoa
- 1 cup cranberries, dried
- 1 bunch kale, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until soft.
- Add quinoa and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in kale and cranberries, cook for another 5 minutes.
- Place the chicken in a roasting pan and surround it with the quinoa mixture.
- Roast in the oven for 1 hour, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- Feel free to substitute chicken with turkey or a vegetarian option.
- Adjust spices to your taste.
- This dish pairs well with a light salad.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 1 hour
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Roasting
- Cuisine: Fusion
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sucre: 5g
- De Sodium: 300mg
- La graisse: 15g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 50g
- La fibre: 7g
- La protéine: 30g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 90mg
Mots-clés: non traditional christmas dinner, unique christmas recipes, holiday meal ideas
