Irresistible Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken Recipe

Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas that make your stomach growl in anticipation. Imagine tender chicken glazed to perfection, with the sweet and tangy notes of cranberries and maple syrup dancing together, creating a flavor explosion that will have you dreaming about dinner all day long.

I remember the first time I made this dish for my family; it was Thanksgiving, and I wanted to impress. Little did I know I’d create a culinary masterpiece that would have everyone coming back for seconds—and maybe thirds. This delightful roast chicken is perfect for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings when you want to wow your guests while keeping things simple.

Every time my friends gather for dinner, they practically beg me to whip up this Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken, and who am I to deny them such joy?

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Whole Chicken: Choose a fresh chicken for the juiciest results; consider organic or free-range options for better flavor.

• Maple Syrup: Go for pure maple syrup; it adds depth and richness that imitation syrups just can’t match.

• Cranberry Sauce: Homemade or store-bought works; just ensure it’s not too sweet to balance the flavors.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves enhance the aroma; don’t skimp on this fragrant ingredient.

• Fresh Rosemary: Use fresh rosemary for an earthy note; it complements the chicken beautifully.

• Olive Oil: A drizzle of quality olive oil keeps everything moist while enhancing flavor.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings help elevate all other flavors in the dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken

Prepare Your Oven and Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse the whole chicken under cold water, pat dry with paper towels, and place it in a roasting pan.

Create the Flavorful Glaze: In a mixing bowl, combine maple syrup, cranberry sauce, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and chopped rosemary until well blended.

Coat the Chicken Generously: Brush half of the cranberry-maple glaze all over the chicken using a pastry brush. Make sure every nook and cranny gets a taste of this delicious mixture.

Roast the Chicken: Place the coated chicken in your preheated oven and roast for about 60-75 minutes. Baste with remaining glaze halfway through cooking until golden brown.

Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh without touching bone; aim for 165°F (74°C) before removing from oven.

Rest Before Serving: Allow the chicken to rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This helps maintain its juicy goodness as you slice into it.

Enjoy each step as you create something truly special! The aroma alone will have your neighbors knocking on your door asking what’s cooking.

Now you’ve mastered Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken! Your friends and family will be singing your praises as they devour each succulent bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken to infuse flavors, then roast it at 375°F until golden brown and juicy.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the cranberries for cherries or add a splash of orange juice for extra zest.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Sharing this recipe always makes me reminisce about my first Thanksgiving dinner. I was sweating bullets, but everyone loved it—especially my grandma, who had high standards!

FAQ

Can I make cranberry maple roast chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and reheat before serving.

What side dishes pair well with this roast chicken?

Consider serving roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the savory flavors of roasted chicken with the sweet and tangy notes of cranberry and maple syrup. Perfect for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings, this recipe promises to impress your guests and create lasting memories. With its enticing aroma and succulent taste, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

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Ingredients

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• 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 lbs)
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce (preferably unsweetened)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse the chicken under cold water, pat dry, and place it in a roasting pan.
2. In a bowl, mix maple syrup, cranberry sauce, garlic, salt, pepper, and rosemary until well combined.
3. Coat the chicken generously with half of the glaze using a pastry brush.
4. Roast the chicken for about 60-75 minutes, basting with remaining glaze halfway through cooking.
5. Check doneness with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
6. Let the chicken rest for at least 10 minutes before carving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 75 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/8 of a whole chicken (approximately 200g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 100mg