Jesse Tyler Ferguson's Roast Chicken With Lemon Pepper Rub Is Perfect For Christmas Dinner

If you’ve had your fill of turkey and endless turkey leftovers this holiday season, it might be time to shake things up with Jesse Tyler Ferguson's fresh and flavorful alternative.

This roast chicken recipe from the “Modern Family” star brings a burst of zesty lemon flavor that’s perfect for elevating your holiday table. Tender, juicy, and full of aromatic herbs and spices, it’s a dish that feels festive yet refreshingly different.

Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or simply craving something new, Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s lemon-infused roast chicken is sure to impress your guests and brighten up your holiday menu.

What you’ll need:

• 1 (4- to 5-lb.) whole chicken, giblets removed
• 1½ tsp. black pepper
• 2 Tbsp. lemon zest, plus lemon wedges (from 2 lemons)
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. crushed dried oregano
• 1 Tbsp. kosher salt, divided
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 fennel bulbs, trimmed and quartered
• 1 medium-sized yellow onion, quartered
• 1 cup chicken broth, plus more if needed during roasting

Preheat the oven to 300ºF and let the chicken sit at room temperature for 30 to 40 minutes before roasting.

In a small bowl, mix the pepper and lemon zest. Spread the mixture evenly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes, or until the lemon zest is dry but not burnt. Transfer to a small bowl and mix in the garlic powder, oregano, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Add the butter and stir to form a paste.

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

Arrange the fennel and onion around the chicken and pour chicken broth over the vegetables. Roast for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the juices run clear and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh reads 165ºF. Tent the chicken with aluminum foil if the skin begins to brown too much. Add additional chicken stock if the vegetables become too dry or the bottom of the pan darkens.

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

The “Modern Family” star has a deep passion for cooking and entertaining—so much so that if he weren’t an actor, he might have pursued culinary school. He even teamed up with his good friend, professional chef Julie Tanous, 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 LA pop-up dinner for Spring Street Social Society, an organization focused on bringing people together in unexpected spaces. Amid a crowd of trendy young professionals, the two quickly bonded over their mutual love of cooking, musical theater, and Hedley & Bennett aprons (and their admiration for Ellen Bennett herself).

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

On their blog, Jesse and Julie focus on a mix of “paleo light” recipes to fit the healthy LA lifestyle, along with indulgent desserts for balance. They encourage using organic ingredients whenever possible, such as eggs from free-roaming chickens but aim to keep their recipes accessible to everyone.

With their creative collaboration, they’re bringing their shared love of food and fun to readers everywhere—one delicious recipe at a time!

In “Food Between Friends,” Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Julie Tanous serve up delicious recipes paired with entertaining stories from their close friendship—often jokingly referred to as their "platonic marriage."

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

“Food Between Friends” is available now.