5 Delicious Chicken Dishes for a Thanksgiving Dinner Without Turkey

Thanksgiving is a time for tradition, but that doesn’t mean you have to stick to the same old turkey dinner year after year. If you’re looking for a change, why not try chicken for Thanksgiving instead?

Chicken is a delicious and versatile meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. It’s also a lot more affordable than turkey, so you can save money on your Thanksgiving feast.

In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of choosing chicken for Thanksgiving, share some tips for cooking the perfect chicken, and provide you with a few delicious recipes to try. So whether you’re a longtime turkey hater or you’re just looking for a change, read on for all the reasons you should consider having chicken for Thanksgiving this year!

Ingredient	Quantity	Instructions
Chicken	1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces	Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and bake for 1 hour, or until cooked through.
Mashed Potatoes	3 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed	Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain the potatoes and mash them with butter, milk, and salt and pepper to taste.
Stuffing	1 cup chopped celery	In a large bowl, combine the bread cubes, celery, onion, and parsley. In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, and chicken broth. Pour the butter mixture over the bread mixture and stir to combine. Stuff the chicken cavity with the stuffing.
Gravy	1 cup chicken broth	In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the chicken broth, flour, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, or until thickened.

Introduction

Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate. A traditional Thanksgiving dinner often includes turkey, but there are many other options for the main dish. Chicken is a great alternative to turkey for Thanksgiving, as it is more affordable, versatile, cooks faster, and is more flavorful.

This guide will discuss the benefits of using chicken for Thanksgiving, as well as tips for cooking chicken for the holiday.

Benefits of Using Chicken for Thanksgiving

There are many benefits to using chicken for Thanksgiving instead of turkey. Here are a few of the most notable:

* More affordable than turkey. Chicken is a much more affordable option than turkey. A whole turkey can cost upwards of $50, while a whole chicken can be found for as little as $10.
* More versatile than turkey. Chicken can be prepared in a variety of ways, making it a more versatile option for Thanksgiving dinner. Turkey, on the other hand, is typically roasted and can be a bit more difficult to cook.
* Cooks faster than turkey. Chicken cooks much faster than turkey. A whole chicken can be roasted in about 2 hours, while a whole turkey can take up to 4 hours. This makes chicken a great option for busy families who are short on time.
* More flavorful than turkey. Chicken has a more delicate flavor than turkey, which makes it a better option for those who do not like the strong flavor of turkey. Chicken is also a good option for those who are looking for a healthier alternative to turkey.

Tips for Cooking Chicken for Thanksgiving

When cooking chicken for Thanksgiving, there are a few things you can do to ensure that it is cooked perfectly. Here are a few tips:

* Choose a large, whole chicken. A large chicken will provide plenty of meat for your guests. A 5-pound chicken is a good size for a Thanksgiving dinner.
* Brine the chicken before cooking. Brining the chicken will help to keep it moist and flavorful. To brine the chicken, place it in a large container and cover it with a brine solution made from 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of salt, and 1/2 cup of sugar. Let the chicken brine for 8-12 hours.
* Roast the chicken at a high temperature. Roasting the chicken at a high temperature will help to seal in the juices and create a crispy skin. Roast the chicken at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes per pound.
* Baste the chicken with butter or oil during cooking. Basting the chicken with butter or oil will help to keep it moist. Baste the chicken every 15 minutes or so during cooking.

Chicken is a great alternative to turkey for Thanksgiving. It is more affordable, versatile, cooks faster, and is more flavorful. By following these tips, you can cook a delicious and perfectly cooked chicken for your Thanksgiving dinner.

Additional Tips

* If you are cooking a smaller chicken, you may need to reduce the cooking time. A 3-pound chicken will cook in about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
* If you do not have time to brine the chicken, you can still cook it successfully. Just be sure to season the chicken generously with salt and pepper before cooking.
* You can also cook the chicken on a grill or in a slow cooker. If you are grilling the chicken, cook it over indirect heat for 30-40 minutes per pound. If you are cooking the chicken in a slow cooker, cook it on low for 6-8 hours.
* Serve the chicken with your favorite Thanksgiving sides, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and green bean casserole.

3. Recipes for Chicken for Thanksgiving

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy alternative to turkey for Thanksgiving dinner, chicken is a great option. Chicken is a versatile meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways, and it’s sure to please everyone at your table.

Here are four delicious recipes for chicken for Thanksgiving:

* Roasted Chicken with Herbs and Garlic

This roasted chicken is simple to make and packed with flavor. The chicken is rubbed with a mixture of herbs and garlic, then roasted until golden brown and juicy. This is a great option for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

Ingredients:

* 1 (5-pound) chicken
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
* 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Rinse the chicken inside and out and pat dry.
3. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the chicken.
4. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast for 1 hour 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
5. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.

* Chicken with Cranberry-Orange Sauce

This chicken is roasted with a delicious cranberry-orange sauce. The sauce is sweet and tart, and it pairs perfectly with the chicken. This is a great option for a festive Thanksgiving dinner.

Ingredients:

* 1 (5-pound) chicken
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/2 cup orange juice
* 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. Rinse the chicken inside and out and pat dry.
3. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, orange juice, cranberry sauce, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the chicken.
4. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast for 1 hour 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
5. While the chicken is roasting, make the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of cranberry sauce, 1/2 cup of orange juice, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, or until thickened.
6. After the chicken has roasted for 1 hour 20 minutes, brush it with the cranberry-orange sauce. Continue to roast for 10 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the chicken is cooked through.
7. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.

* Chicken and Stuffing Casserole

This chicken and stuffing casserole is a hearty and delicious dish that is perfect for Thanksgiving dinner. The chicken is cooked in a creamy sauce and topped with a flavorful stuffing. This is a great option for a crowd, and it can be easily made ahead of time.

Ingredients:

* 1 (5-pound) chicken
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 cup chopped onion
* 1 cup chopped celery
* 1 cup chopped carrots
* 1/2 cup chopped parsley
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1 (16-ounce) package stuffing mix

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Rinse the chicken inside and out and pat dry.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add the onion, celery, carrots, parsley, salt, and pepper. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
6. Add the chicken broth and cream to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
7. Add the stuffing mix to the skillet and stir to combine.
8. Place the chicken on top of the stuffing.
9. Cover the casserole and bake for 30 minutes, or

Q: Can I use chicken instead of turkey for Thanksgiving?

A: Yes, you can use chicken instead of turkey for Thanksgiving. Chicken is a delicious and flavorful alternative to turkey, and it can be cooked in a variety of ways.

Q: What are the benefits of using chicken instead of turkey for Thanksgiving?

A: There are a few benefits to using chicken instead of turkey for Thanksgiving. First, chicken is typically less expensive than turkey. Second, chicken cooks faster than turkey, so it can be on the table in less time. Third, chicken is a versatile meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways, so you can find a recipe that everyone will enjoy.

Q: What are some tips for cooking chicken for Thanksgiving?

A: Here are a few tips for cooking chicken for Thanksgiving:

1. Choose a large, whole chicken. A 5- to 6-pound chicken will feed about 8 people.
2. Rub the chicken with a mixture of oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 2-2 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Q: What are some side dishes that go well with chicken for Thanksgiving?

A: There are a variety of side dishes that go well with chicken for Thanksgiving. Some popular options include:

• Mashed potatoes
• Gravy
• Stuffing
• Cranberry sauce
• Green bean casserole

Q: What are some desserts that go well with chicken for Thanksgiving?

A: There are a variety of desserts that go well with chicken for Thanksgiving. Some popular options include:

• Pumpkin pie
• Apple pie
• Chocolate cake
• Ice cream
• Cheesecake

there are many reasons why you might want to consider serving chicken instead of turkey for Thanksgiving. Chicken is a more affordable option, it is easier to cook, and it is more versatile than turkey. You can cook chicken in a variety of ways, and it can be paired with a variety of side dishes. Whether you are looking for a healthier alternative to turkey or you simply want an easier meal to prepare, chicken is a great option for Thanksgiving dinner.

Here are some key takeaways from the content:

* Chicken is a more affordable option than turkey.
* Chicken is easier to cook than turkey.
* Chicken is more versatile than turkey.
* You can cook chicken in a variety of ways.
* Chicken can be paired with a variety of side dishes.

If you are looking for a delicious and satisfying alternative to turkey for Thanksgiving dinner, chicken is a great option. It is affordable, easy to cook, and versatile. You can cook chicken in a variety of ways, and it can be paired with a variety of side dishes. With so many delicious ways to cook chicken, you are sure to find a recipe that everyone will enjoy.