When it comes to Christmas dinner, I love shaking things up and going for a *non traditional christmas dinner* that surprises and delights my family and friends! This recipe is all about bringing unexpected flavors and ingredients together in a beautiful way. Picture this: a perfectly roasted chicken surrounded by a vibrant quinoa mixture filled with kale and cranberries—it’s a feast for the eyes and the palate! The first time I made this, I felt like a culinary magician, transforming the classic Christmas vibe into something fresh and exciting. Trust me, this dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will leave everyone raving and asking for seconds!
Ingredients List
You’ll want to gather these fresh and flavorful ingredients to create your unforgettable *non traditional christmas dinner*:
- 1 whole chicken, about 4 pounds
- 2 cups quinoa, rinsed
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 bunch kale, chopped (stems removed)
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
- 2 cups vegetable broth
Make sure to rinse the quinoa well before cooking—it helps remove any bitterness! And don’t forget to chop the kale into bite-sized pieces so it cooks down nicely in the dish. Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat and Prepare the Chicken
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is crucial because a nice hot oven will ensure your chicken cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden skin. While that’s heating up, take your chicken and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better! Now, sprinkle salt, pepper, and thyme all over the chicken, making sure to rub it in. Get in there and be generous! This is what gives the bird its flavor, and trust me, it makes all the difference.
Cook the Quinoa Mixture
Now, let’s move on to the quinoa! In a large pot, heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant—oh, it smells amazing! Next, add the rinsed quinoa and pour in the vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. After that, stir in the chopped kale and dried cranberries. Cook for another 5 minutes until the kale wilts and everything is well combined. You’ll want to taste it at this point—feel free to adjust the seasoning if needed!
Combine and Roast
Here comes the fun part! Carefully place the seasoned chicken in a roasting pan and surround it with that vibrant quinoa mixture. It’s like a cozy bed for your chicken! Pop it in the preheated oven and roast for about 1 hour. Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165°F (74°C) for it to be perfectly cooked. Once it’s done, take it out and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Trust me, the aroma wafting from your kitchen will have everyone gathering around in anticipation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique flavors that shake up the holiday tradition
- Gluten-free, making it perfect for everyone at the table
- Easy to prepare, so you can spend more time enjoying and less time in the kitchen
- Healthy ingredients like quinoa, kale, and cranberries that add nutrition
- One-pan meal means less cleanup—yay!
- Impressive enough to wow your guests while being simple to make
This *non traditional christmas dinner* not only tastes amazing but also adds a fresh twist to your holiday celebrations!
Tips for Success
To truly make this *non traditional christmas dinner* shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to fit your taste—maybe a dash of paprika or some fresh herbs like rosemary could elevate the flavors even more! If you’re not a fan of chicken, turkey is a fantastic substitute that works beautifully with this dish. For a vegetarian twist, consider using chickpeas or roasted mushrooms instead of meat.
Also, feel free to throw in some seasonal veggies like carrots or sweet potatoes into the quinoa mixture for extra texture and flavor. And remember, the key is to taste as you go—this way, you can get everything just right. Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up even further, there are plenty of creative variations to this *non traditional christmas dinner*! For a festive twist, swap out the chicken for turkey—it’s just as delicious and perfect for the holidays. You could also try adding different vegetables like roasted butternut squash or even sautéed mushrooms for added depth. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not throw in some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture? And for a burst of flavor, consider adding some feta cheese or goat cheese to the quinoa mixture. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make this dish your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! To store your *non traditional christmas dinner*, let the chicken and quinoa mixture cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy those delicious leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken and quinoa in a baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture, and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but I recommend the oven for that lovely crispy skin! Enjoy every bite again!
Nutritional Information
It’s always great to know what you’re putting into your body, especially during the holiday season! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. For this *non traditional christmas dinner*, here’s a general breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 5g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 300mg
This dish is not only delicious but also packed with wholesome ingredients that make it a balanced choice for your holiday feast!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa?
Absolutely! While I love quinoa for its nutty flavor and protein content, you can easily swap it for rice, farro, or even bulgur. Just adjust the cooking times according to the grain you choose.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This *non traditional christmas dinner* makes for fantastic meal prep. You can prepare the chicken and quinoa mixture ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. Just reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!
How do I know when the chicken is cooked properly?
Great question! The best way to check is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, you can also cut into the thickest part of the chicken; the juices should run clear and the meat should no longer be pink.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken with roasted vegetables or a plant-based protein like chickpeas or lentils. The quinoa and kale mixture will still provide a hearty meal.
What can I serve alongside this dish?
This *non traditional christmas dinner* pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some roasted seasonal vegetables. A light vinaigrette can add a nice tang to balance the flavors!
Non Traditional Christmas Dinner: 5 Flavors to Wow Your Guests
- Gesamtzeit: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Ertrag: 6 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
A unique twist on the classic Christmas dinner, featuring unexpected flavors and ingredients.
Zutaten
- 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
Anweisungen
- 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.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 1 hour
- Kategorie: Main Dish
- Methode: Roasting
- Küche: Fusion
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 serving
- Kalorien: 450
- Zucker: 5g
- Natrium: 300mg
- Fett: 15g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 3g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 50g
- Faser: 7g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterin: 90mg
Keywords: non traditional christmas dinner, unique christmas recipes, holiday meal ideas
