Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken offers a beautiful balance of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a cozy dinner or holiday gathering. The combination of fresh cranberries and warm spices creates a deliciously glazed chicken with a hint of citrus zest.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 pounds)
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 onion, quartered
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 orange
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cranberries, maple syrup, melted butter, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, thyme, rosemary, minced garlic, and orange zest. Stir well and set aside.
3. Step 3: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it in a large roasting pan. Make sure the chicken is cleaned and any giblets are removed.
4. Step 4: Pour half of the cranberry mixture over the chicken, rubbing it into the skin for flavor. Keep the remaining mixture for later.
5. Step 5: Place the quartered onion inside the cavity of the chicken to add aroma while roasting.
6. Step 6: Roast the chicken in the oven for 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the thigh.
7. Step 7: About 15 minutes before the chicken is done, pour the remaining cranberry mixture over it to allow the glaze to caramelize.
8. Step 8: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes to retain the juices.
9. Step 9: Carve the chicken and serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Spoon some of the roasted cranberries and sauce over the chicken for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh cranberries for a more vibrant tartness, or frozen if fresh aren’t available—they work just as well.
• For an extra citrus kick, add a few slices of orange inside the cavity along with the onion.
• Try substituting rosemary and thyme with sage for a different herb profile.
• Let the chicken rest covered loosely with foil to keep it warm and moist before serving.

Storage

Store leftover roast chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to retain moisture. The cranberry glaze may thicken when chilled, so stir gently before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken parts instead of a whole chicken?

Yes, chicken thighs or breasts can be used. Adjust the roasting time accordingly, usually about 30-40 minutes at 425°F (220°C), until cooked through.

Can I prepare the cranberry mixture ahead of time?

Absolutely. The mixture can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld.

Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 56 reviews

• Author: Harper
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Diet: Halal

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Description

This Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken features a beautifully roasted whole chicken glazed with a tangy and sweet cranberry and maple syrup sauce. Infused with aromatic herbs, garlic, and orange zest, this recipe combines classic comfort with festive flavors, perfect for a special family dinner or holiday gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Aromatics

• 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 pounds)
• 1 onion, quartered
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest of 1 orange
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Cranberry Maple Glaze

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for roasting the chicken evenly.
2. Prepare Cranberry Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine fresh or frozen cranberries, maple syrup, melted butter, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, minced garlic, and orange zest. Stir thoroughly to create a flavorful glaze and set aside.
3. Prepare Chicken: Pat the whole chicken dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp during roasting. Place the chicken in a large roasting pan. Make sure it is cleaned properly with any giblets removed.
4. Coat Chicken: Pour half of the cranberry mixture over the chicken, rubbing it into the skin to infuse the flavors well. This step helps the glaze bind to the skin for a rich flavor.
5. Stuff Chicken Cavity: Place the quartered onion inside the chicken cavity, which will add aromatic flavor and moisture during cooking.
6. Roast Chicken: Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and roast the chicken for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the thigh.
7. Glaze and Caramelize: About 15 minutes before the chicken is done, pour the remaining cranberry mixture over the chicken. Return it to the oven to allow the glaze to caramelize, developing a beautiful sheen and deeper flavor.
8. Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Resting helps retain the juices and keeps the meat tender and moist.
9. Serve: Carve the chicken and serve it warm. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and spoon some of the roasted cranberries and sauce over the slices for an added burst of flavor.

Notes

• Make sure to pat the chicken dry thoroughly for a crispy skin.
• Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
• You can use fresh or frozen cranberries interchangeably depending on availability.
• Allowing the glaze to caramelize properly adds a lovely color and depth to the flavor.
• Letting the chicken rest before carving helps keep the meat juicy.
• Garnishing with fresh parsley adds color and a fresh herbal note to the final dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: roast chicken, cranberry maple chicken, holiday chicken recipe, autumn chicken, roasted poultry, festive dinner