Ham, turkey or chicken? What’s easier on Christmas Day? Everything you need to know to make your choice

What will be your chosen centrepiece this Christmas - traditionalists tend to love a turkey. Photo / Babiche Martens

Everyone has a different opinion and someone has to cook it (often in a hot kitchen) so if you’re looking for the simplest option, Nikki Birrell has some advice to make Christmas Day a little easier.

The choice of what to serve can make or break your festive feast. With the holidays just around the corner, it’s time to decide: ham, turkey, or chicken?

Each option has its own charm, and the right choice depends on your priorities – be it price, tradition or ease.

Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose the perfect Christmas roast for your table.

Ham: Best for price and ease

Ham is a Christmas classic, known for its simplicity and relatively low cost.

Unlike turkey, which requires careful roasting and basting, ham is often pre-cooked, meaning you just need to heat it through and add a glaze if you wish.

A glaze is where you can get personal, with options like a simple jam glaze or perhaps a tamarind and ginger number. There’s plenty to play with - get inspired by one of these four glazes.

This all makes ham ideal for those who want an easy, no-fuss option. It can also be served hot or cold, which makes it versatile for leftovers.

If you’re feeding a crowd and need something that won’t break the bank, ham is your best bet.

Its rich, salty-sweet flavour pairs well with almost any side dish, from potatoes to salads. And the leftovers? They’ll keep you well-fed long after Christmas Day is over.

Choosing ham normally means some helpful leftovers. Photo / Getty Images

Turkey: Best for tradition and showstopping factor

Turkey reigns supreme for traditionalists. While it’s more time-consuming to prepare, the sight of a golden-brown turkey at the centre of the table is iconic. If you’re looking to make a statement or continue a long-standing family tradition, turkey offers that festive ‘wow factor’.

It’s perfect for large gatherings, providing generous portions that can be served with stuffing, cranberry sauce and all the trimmings. However, cooking a turkey requires planning.

It can take hours to roast, and the larger the bird, the more time it will take. (Something about being harder to cook. And how to beat that?) But if you’re up for it, turkey is a surefire way to keep your holiday feast feeling special.

Recipes to try:

• Date and macadamia roast turkey recipe.
• Boned turkey with cranberry, apple and nut stuffing recipe.
• Roast brined turkey with gravy and cranberry relish.

Chicken: Best for ease and flexibility

For those who want a stress-free Christmas without sacrificing flavour, chicken is a fantastic choice.

It’s smaller than turkey, which means it cooks faster and is easier to manage.

You can opt for a whole bird or several smaller chickens, depending on the size of your gathering.

Chicken can be roasted or even cooked on the barbecue - check out this beer can chicken and smoky barbecue sauce recipe - providing more flexibility in how you prepare your meal.

While it may not have the same grandeur as turkey, it’s a solid option for smaller families or anyone looking to simplify their holiday meal.

Chicken also works well if you’re expecting a more casual affair or if you simply prefer something that’s quick and easy to prepare. And to make sure it’s a lovely juicy option, read up here on why brining a roast chicken is the golden ticket.

You can take your Christmas chicken outside for some barbecue action. Photo / Ian Jones

In summary:

• Ham is perfect for those seeking affordability and convenience.
• Turkey is ideal if you want to make a grand statement and honour tradition.
• Chicken is the best option for a straightforward, no-fuss meal that still packs plenty of flavour.

No matter which option you choose, the most important thing is to enjoy the meal – and the company – on Christmas Day. With any of these three, you’re sure to have a delicious celebration.

Herald contributor Nikki Birrell has worked in food and travel publishing for nearly 20 years. From managing your kitchen to cutting costs, she’s shared some helpful advice recently, including where and when to buy your ham, alternative proteins to serve on Christmas Day, and some advice for barbecue season.