Apple & Cranberry Roasted Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This roasted chicken is packed with seasonal flavors, making it perfect for fall and winter. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and rosemary gives the dish a warm, comforting aroma. Plus, the apples and cranberries add a delicious contrast of sweetness and tartness, balancing the savory flavors of the chicken.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 medium apples, cored and sliced
• 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
• ½ cup apple cider or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, quartered
• Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (for garnish, optional)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large roasting pan or ovenproof dish.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it in the prepared roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Rub the seasonings all over the chicken, including under the skin where possible for extra flavor.

3. Add the Apples and Cranberries

Scatter the sliced apples, cranberries, minced garlic, and quartered onion around the chicken in the roasting pan. Pour the apple cider (or chicken broth) and honey (or maple syrup) over the apples, cranberries, and around the chicken to add moisture and flavor.

4. Roast the Chicken

Place the chicken in the preheated oven and roast for about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
Baste the chicken with the pan juices halfway through cooking to keep it moist and flavorful.

5. Rest and Serve

Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs if desired. Serve the chicken with the roasted apples, cranberries, and onions on the side. Drizzle some of the pan juices over the chicken for extra flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Calories: ~400 kcal per serving

Variations

• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a little heat.
• Citrus Flavor: Add orange zest or slices of fresh orange to the pan for a citrusy contrast.
• Herb Butter: Rub the chicken with a mix of butter, rosemary, and thyme for a richer flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of a whole chicken?

Yes, but adjust the cooking time. Chicken breasts will take about 30-40 minutes at 375°F.

2. Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, fresh or frozen cranberries work well. No need to thaw frozen cranberries before roasting.

3. What type of apples work best?

Firm, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji hold their shape well when roasted.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken with the seasoning a few hours in advance for enhanced flavor.

5. Can I use boneless chicken?

Yes, but boneless chicken will cook much faster. Reduce the roasting time to about 30-40 minutes.

6. How do I get crispy skin?

For crispy skin, broil the chicken for the last 5 minutes of roasting.

7. Can I make this dish without apple cider?

Yes, you can substitute with chicken broth or white wine for a different depth of flavor.

8. What sides go well with this dish?

Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

9. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.

10. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, but dried cranberries are sweeter, so reduce the honey or maple syrup slightly.

Conclusion

Apple & Cranberry Roasted Chicken is the perfect dish for a cozy family dinner or holiday feast. The combination of tender, juicy chicken with sweet apples and tart cranberries creates a beautiful balance of flavors. With minimal prep and a stunning presentation, this dish is sure to impress!

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