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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for roasting the chicken evenly.
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.
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.
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.
Stuff Chicken Cavity: Place the quartered onion inside the chicken cavity, which will add aromatic flavor and moisture during cooking.
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.
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.
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.
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