Easter is one of the most important Christian holidays that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is celebrated by billions of Christians around the world. Aside from the religious significance, Easter has also become synonymous with Easter egg hunts, chocolate bunnies, and family gatherings with big meals. One of the classic Easter dishes is roasted lamb. However, many people also eat other types of meat like ham or chicken during the Easter holiday. So can you eat chicken during Easter? The short answer is yes, you can absolutely eat chicken during Easter if you want to.
Why Do People Eat Lamb on Easter?
The tradition of eating lamb on Easter comes from the Jewish Passover holiday. In the Bible, the Israelites were instructed to sacrifice a lamb and paint its blood over their doorposts so that the Angel of Death would pass over their homes. This lamb sacrifice came to represent Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God who was sacrificed and whose blood saved believers from death. In the early days of Christianity, new converts would be baptized into the faith on Easter Eve. Afterwards, the Easter feast would include lamb to represent Jesus as the sacrificial lamb.
Over time, eating lamb on Easter Sunday became a popular tradition, especially in European countries. Lamb represents new life and hope surrounding Christ’s resurrection. The meat from a young lamb or milk-fed lamb is also tender and delicious when roasted whole. While lamb is not always easy to find or affordable everywhere, it remains a staple for Easter meals in many households.
Why Do People Eat Ham on Easter?
Eating ham on Easter has a few possible origins. One theory is that pigs were traditionally slaughtered in the fall. Ham that was cured before winter could be smoked and aged over several months. By Easter, the ham would be ready to eat. Another theory points to the practicality of curing and smoking ham so it could be preserved for months without refrigeration.
There are a few symbolic explanations around ham and Easter as well. In Christianity, ham represents abundance and celebration. The pig is considered a symbol of luck, prosperity, and new beginnings. Eating ham on Easter honors the resurrection and Christ’s victory over death.
From a practical standpoint, ham offers an alternative to lamb. It is widely available, relatively inexpensive, and feeds a crowd as a main course. The smoky, salty, umami flavors of ham also pair perfectly with traditional Easter side dishes.
Is There Any Religious Significance to Eating Chicken on Easter?
Unlike lamb or ham, there is no strong religious or symbolic reason behind eating chicken on Easter Sunday. However, chicken does offer a lean, versatile protein option that can feed a lot of people. Some families may opt for chicken over lamb or ham for convenience, affordability, or to accommodate different tastes and dietary needs.
Chicken was likely not considered a special meal historically when eggs were prohibitively expensive out of season. As chickens became more domesticated for meat and eggs, chicken may have joined the Easter table as a practical option without religious meaning attached.
When Did Eating Chicken on Easter Start?
It is difficult to pinpoint exactly when the tradition of eating chicken on Easter began. Before refrigeration, chickens were slaughtered seasonally as they stopped laying eggs. Easter might mark the return of fresh chickens after lean winter months. Some sources note that after WWII, commercial chicken farming expanded dramatically to meet demand. This made chickens more affordable and available year-round.
Regardless of the origins, chicken has become a popular centerpiece for many contemporary Easter meals. Hens start laying more eggs in spring, making eggs and chicken plentiful during the Easter season. Families can save lamb or ham for the Christmas holiday and opt for an easier, lighter protein in chicken for Easter gatherings.
Why Might People Choose Chicken Over Lamb or Ham for Easter?
There are a few reasons why cooking chicken for Easter dinner has become popular:
- Cost – Whole chickens or chicken pieces are often cheaper than a full ham or leg of lamb.
- Convenience – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are quick and easy to cook in a variety of ways.
- Taste – Chicken offers a milder flavor that appeals to a wide range of palates vs. lamb or ham.
- Nutrition – Chicken breast is lean and lower in fat and sodium than ham or lamb.
- Allergies – People with pork allergies can still enjoy chicken or a vegetarian main course.
- Variety – Chicken offers versatility to please kids, adults, vegetarians and meat-eaters at one meal.
For many families today, serving Multiple protein options allows everyone to enjoy something they like. Chicken mixed with ham, lamb, or meatless dishes can satisfy diverse Easter dinner crowds.
What are Some Popular Ways to Cook Chicken for Easter?
Chicken is endlessly versatile, so cooking it for an Easter feast can be easy. Here are some popular preparation ideas:
- Roast whole chicken or chickens – Easiest method, often stuffed with lemons, onions, herbs.
- Chicken breasts – Grilled, baked, or sautéed in a skillet.
- Fried chicken – Breaded and fried chicken pieces as the main course.
- Chicken parmesan – Breaded chicken cutlets baked with tomato sauce and mozzarella.
- Chicken cordon bleu – Chicken breasts stuffed with ham and cheese.
- Chicken pot pie or casserole – Comforting chicken dishes with vegetables.
- Honey baked chicken – Sweet and sticky glazed chicken.
For impressive presentation, whole roast chickens or turkeys decorated at the table can make a regal centerpiece. Using mixed chicken pieces allows for easy portioning with breast meat for white-meat lovers and legs or wings for those who enjoy dark meat. For easy prep, boneless chicken breasts can be quickly cooked any way you like.
What Are Good Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken on Easter?
To round out the meal, chicken goes well with various traditional Easter vegetable sides:
- Green bean casserole – Made with French-cut green beans, creamy mushroom soup, and fried onions.
- Glazed carrots – Steamed and glazed with brown sugar or honey.
- Roasted asparagus – Fresh spring asparagus tossed in olive oil and roasted.
- Potatoes – Mashed, scalloped, roasted, or au gratin potatoes.
- Rolls – Dinner rolls, biscuits, or popovers.
- Rice pilaf or risotto – Herb-seasoned rice.
- Macaroni and cheese – Always a crowd-pleaser.
- Salad – Tossed green salad, spinach salad, or coleslaw.
For dessert, chicken goes perfectly with springtime fruit pies, chocolate eggs, hot cross buns, or Easter candy. The possibilities are endless for rounding out an Easter chicken dinner with traditional flavors everyone will recognize and enjoy.
What are Some Recipe Ideas for Chicken this Easter?
Here are just a few recipe ideas to inspire your Easter chicken dinner menu:
Main Dishes
- Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken with Ranch Dip
- Chicken Cordon Bleu with Herbed Rice
- Lemon-Thyme Roasted Chicken and Potatoes
- Baked Chicken Parmesan with Tomato Cream Sauce
- Honey-Bourbon Glazed Ham with Garlic Roasted Chicken
- Chicken and Dumplings
- Chicken Pot Pie with Flaky Biscuit Topping
- Grilled BBQ Chicken Quarters
Side Dishes
- Honey Glazed Carrots
- Asparagus with Lemon-Garlic Butter
- Cheddar Scalloped Potatoes
- Macaroni and Cheese Casserole
- Parmesan Green Beans
- Dinner Rolls from Scratch
- Coleslaw with Zesty Dressing
- Pasta Salad with Veggies
Desserts
- Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Lemon Meringue Pie
- Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
- Pecan Pie Bars
- Hot Cross Buns
- Easter Sugar Cookies
With so many options for preparation, flavors, and recipes, chicken can be a delicious and versatile choice when planning your Easter holiday menu this year.
Conclusion
While lamb and ham are traditional Easter centerpieces, chicken also has a place at the Easter table. There are no religious prohibitions or strong symbolic meanings attached to serving chicken on Easter Sunday. The convenience, affordability, mild taste, and versatility of chicken make it a go-to option for many families celebrating Easter.
Chicken can be cooked in endless ways and served alongside classic Easter sides and desserts. Recipes can be tailored to satisfy relatives with specific tastes, food allergies, or dietary needs. Whether roasted whole, baked, fried, or grilled, chicken makes a fine choice when planning your Easter menu.
At the end of the day, Easter dinner should focus on celebrating the holiday’s themes of rebirth, hope, and joy with your loved ones. The actual food on the table comes second to the act of coming together. Regardless of whether lamb, ham, or chicken is served, the meal offers a chance to spend quality time together and reflect on faith, family, and new beginnings.
