The Perfect End Of Year Feast To Welcome 2026 In Style

Celebrate The End Of 2025 With A Golden Roast & Countdown Flavours For 2026

As the year winds down, treat your family and friends to a golden roast chicken paired with aromatic herbed rice. This festive combo is perfect for New Year’s Eve celebrations—flavorsome, elegant, and guaranteed to bring everyone together for the countdown to 2026.

Ingredients – Chicken:

1 whole chicken (about 1.5–2 kg)
4 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
2 tbsp fresh thyme
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 lemon, sliced
1 onion, quartered
100ml white wine or chicken stocK

Ingredients – Herbed Rice:

2 cups long-grain rice
3 cups chicken stock or water
1 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp mixed dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, parsley)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Method of Preparation – Chicken:

Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
Rinse the chicken and pat dry. Rub with olive oil, garlic, rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Stuff the cavity with lemon slices and onion quarters.
Place in a roasting pan, pour wine or stock around, and roast for 1h 20–40min, basting occasionally.
Let rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Method of Preparation – Herbed Rice:

Rinse rice until water runs clear.
In a pot, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
Add rice and stir for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast.
Pour in chicken stock, add herbs, salt, and pepper.
Bring to boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook 15–18 minutes until rice is fluffy and liquid absorbed.
Fluff with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley.

Serving & Garnishment:

Place carved chicken on a platter, surrounded by roasted vegetables.

Serve herbed rice on the side, garnished with parsley.

Pair with sparkling juice or white wine for the 2026 countdown toast!

Celebrate the Moment

This festive meal is the perfect centerpiece for ringing in the New Year—warm, flavorful, and full of holiday spirit!

Let your taste buds explore the world. Recommended by Go Places.

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