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

This baked chicken recipe from the “Modern Family” star delivers a burst of tangy 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 but refreshingly different.

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

• 1 (4- to 5-lb.) whole chicken, giblets removed
• 1½ tsp. black pepper
• 2 tbsp. lemon zest, plus lemon slices (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 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 baking.

In a small bowl, mix pepper and lemon zest. Spread the mixture evenly on 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 together the garlic powder, oregano, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Add the butter and mix to form a paste.

Increase oven temperature to 400ºF. Place the chicken in the center of a small baking sheet or rimmed baking sheet. Fill the cavity with 4 to 5 lemon wedges and sprinkle the chicken with the remaining 2 teaspoons kosher salt. Rub the butter mixture evenly over the chicken. Connect the legs with kitchen twine and 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 the juices run clear and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the leg reads 165ºF. Cover the chicken with aluminum foil if the skin starts to brown too much. Add more 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 slicing. Pour the cooking juices over the sliced ​​chicken and serve with roasted fennel and onion.

"Modern Family" star. he has a deep passion for cooking and entertaining—so much so that, if he weren't an actor, he might have gone on to 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, entertainment and cooking with the world.

Jesse and Julie's friendship began at the inaugural pop-up dinner in LA for Spring Street Social Society, an organization focused on bringing people together in unexpected spaces. Amidst a crowd of hip young professionals, the two quickly bonded over their shared love of cooking, musical theater and Hedley & Bennett aprons (and admiration for Ellen Bennett herself).

From that night on, their friendship revolves around cooking, eating and sharing new culinary experiences.

On their blog, Jesse and Julie focus on a mix of "paleo light" recipes to fit into a healthy Los Angeles lifestyle, along with sweet desserts for balance. They encourage the use of organic ingredients whenever possible, such as free-range eggs, but aim to make their recipes accessible to everyone.

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

In "Food Between Friends," Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Julie Tanus offer delicious recipes paired with fun stories from their close friendship—often jokingly referred to as their "platonic marriage."

Drawing on the regional flavors of their Southern and Southwestern roots, Jesse and Julie add creative twists to nostalgic favorites. We highlight dishes like Hatch Green Chile Mac and Cheese, Grilled Chicken with Alabama White BBQ Sauce, and Little Grits Souffle, mixing comfort food with modern flair.

"Food Between Friends" is now available.