GiftCard Partners, Inc., Wellesley

Just as certainly as the world turns, hundreds of chickens are turning at 450 Boston Market locations throughout the country. The comfort-food outpost has been slow-roasting its birds on rotisseries since its opening in 1985, a method that results in evenly cooked, moist chickens reminiscent of meals at home. Timing is a key part of the process: the staff puts a new, freshly seasoned chicken on the rotisserie each hour, ensuring that customers always get a piping hot plate.

Of course, the chicken benefits from a cast of supporting sides, including mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, and baked apples with cinnamon—not to mention the famous cornbread. Diners can order their meals as individual or family platters, then dig in at the restaurant or at home. Boston Market also preps pre-made dishes for the holidays, which are ready to serve once they've been heated up.