Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s roast chicken is perfect for Christmas

If you’ve had enough of endless turkey and leftovers this holiday season, it might be time to shake things up Jesse Tyler Ferguson‘It’s a fresh and delicious alternative.

This roasted chicken recipe from the “Modern Family” star delivers a touch of delicious lemon zest that’s perfect for elevating your holiday table. Tender, juicy and full of aromatic herbs and spices, it’s a dish that feels festive but is refreshingly different.

Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or simply want something new, Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s Lemon Grilled Chicken is sure to impress your guests and brighten up your holiday menu.

• 1 (4 to 5 lb) whole chicken, gutted
• 1½ teaspoon. Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons. Lemon zest, plus lemon slices (from 2 lemons)
• 1 teaspoon. Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon. Ground dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon. Divided kosher salt
• A quarter cup of unsalted butter, melted
• 2 fennel bulbs, trimmed and quartered
• 1 medium-sized yellow onion, cut into quarters
• 1 cup chicken broth, plus more if needed while roasting

Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F and let the chicken stand at room temperature for 30 to 40 minutes before roasting.

In a small bowl, mix pepper and lemon peel. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with baking paper and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the lemon peel is dry but not burnt. Transfer to a small bowl and mix with the garlic powder, oregano, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Add the butter and stir until it forms a dough.

Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place chicken in the center of a small roasting pan or rimmed baking sheet. Stuff the cavity with 4 to 5 lemon slices and sprinkle the chicken with the remaining 2 teaspoons kosher salt. Rub the butter mixture evenly over the chicken. Secure the legs with kitchen string and then tuck the wing tips under the body.

Arrange the fennel and onion around the chicken and pour the chicken broth over the vegetables. Roast for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until juices run clear and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165°F. Cover the chicken in aluminum foil if the skin starts to brown too much. Add additional chicken broth if the vegetables become too dry or the bottom of the pan becomes dark.

Let the chicken rest for 10 to 15 minutes before carving. Pour the cooking juices over the carved chicken and serve with the roasted fennel and onions.

“Modern Family” star. He has a deep passion for cooking and entertaining, so much so that if he hadn’t been an actor, he might have gone to culinary school. He even teamed up with his good friend, professional chef Julie Tannous, to create a food blog that allows them to share their love of food, entertaining, and cooking with the world.

Jesse and Julie’s friendship began at the inaugural dinner in Los Angeles for the Spring Street Social Society, an organization focused on bringing people together in unexpected places. Surrounded by a crowd of fashionable young professionals, the two quickly bonded over their mutual love of cooking, musical theater, and Hedley and Bennett aprons (and their admiration for Ellen Bennett herself).

Since that night, their friendship has revolved around cooking, eating, and sharing new culinary experiences.

Jesse and Julie focus their blog on a mix of “Paleo-lite” recipes to fit the healthy Los Angeles lifestyle, along with delicious desserts for balance. They encourage the use of organic ingredients whenever possible, such as eggs from free-range chickens, but aim to keep their recipes accessible to everyone.

Through their creative collaboration, they bring their shared love of food and fun to readers everywhere—one delicious recipe at a time!

In “Food Among Friends,” Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Julie Tannous offer delicious recipes paired with entertaining stories from their close friendship—often jokingly referred to as their “platonic marriage.”

Drawing on the regional flavors of their Southern and Southwestern roots, Jessie and Julie add creative twists to nostalgic favorites. Highlights include dishes like the Hatch Green Chili Mac and Cheese, Grilled Chicken with Alabama White BBQ Sauce, and Little Grits Soufflés, which blend comfort food with modern flair.

“Food Among Friends” is now available.