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Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken

Savory Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken for Cozy Dinners

This Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken melds sweet maple syrup and tart cranberries for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner Ideas
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 whole chicken (4-5 pounds) choose a high-quality bird for best flavor
For the Cranberry Glaze
  • 2 cups cranberries fresh or frozen
  • ½ cup maple syrup pure maple syrup preferred
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted for a luscious glaze
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard adds tanginess
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar balances sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon salt enhances flavors
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper fresh cracked for seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme pairs well with chicken
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary fragrant and woodsy
For Flavor Enhancements
  • 1 onion, quartered adds moisture
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced infuses savory flavor
  • 1 orange zest adds brightness
For Garnish
  • fresh parsley optional garnish

Equipment

  • Roasting pan
  • mixing bowl
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cranberries, maple syrup, melted butter, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, thyme, rosemary, minced garlic, and orange zest. Mix thoroughly to create the glaze.
  3. Pat your whole chicken dry with paper towels and place it in a large roasting pan. Ensure the chicken is clean and has no giblets.
  4. Pour half of the cranberry mixture over the chicken and rub the glaze into the skin.
  5. Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the quartered onion.
  6. Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and roast the chicken for 1 to 1 hour and 15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  7. About 15 minutes before the chicken is finished, pour the remaining cranberry mixture over the chicken.
  8. Once done, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.
  9. Carve the chicken into serving pieces and serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley and spoon some roasted cranberries and sauce over each piece.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure to pat the chicken dry for crispy skin. Apply glaze in layers for the best flavor. Always check internal temperature for doneness.

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