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Apple & Cranberry Roasted Chicken

There’s something undeniably comforting about a perfectly roasted chicken, especially when it’s infused with the sweet and tangy flavors of apples and cranberries. This Apple & Cranberry Roasted Chicken is a celebration of fall and winter flavors—a juicy, golden-brown chicken surrounded by tender apples, tart cranberries, and aromatic herbs. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a holiday meal or a cozy Sunday dinner.

I first made this dish for a Thanksgiving gathering, wanting to create something that felt festive yet approachable. The aroma of roasting chicken, apples, and cranberries filled the house, and the first bite was pure bliss. The sweet apples and tart cranberries complemented the savory chicken beautifully, and the herbs added a touch of warmth and complexity.

What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a dish that’s both impressive and comforting. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or just looking for a new way to enjoy roasted chicken, this Apple & Cranberry Roasted Chicken is sure to delight.

So, grab your roasting pan and let’s dive into this festive and flavorful masterpiece.

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This Apple & Cranberry Roasted Chicken is a festive and flavorful main course that’s perfect for any occasion. It features a juicy, golden-brown chicken roasted with sweet apples, tart cranberries, and aromatic herbs, creating a dish that’s both comforting and impressive.

The recipe is simple and straightforward, perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a meal that’s both delicious and visually stunning.

What sets this dish apart is its combination of flavors and textures. The sweet apples, tart cranberries, and savory chicken create a harmony that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser—kids and adults alike can’t get enough of it.

If you’re looking for a main course that’s sure to impress, this is it. This Apple & Cranberry Roasted Chicken is a must-try

Exciting Story:

I’ll never forget the first time I made this Apple & Cranberry Roasted Chicken. It was for a Thanksgiving gathering, and I wanted to surprise my family with something festive yet approachable. As the chicken roasted, the aroma of apples, cranberries, and herbs filled the house, and everyone gathered around, eager to see what I was making.

When I brought the chicken to the table, the golden-brown skin and vibrant fruit made it look irresistible. The first bite was pure magic—the juicy chicken paired perfectly with the sweet apples and tart cranberries. My family couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was, and I knew I had a new favorite recipe.

Since that day, this dish has become a staple at every holiday gathering. It’s quick, easy, and always a hit.

Why This Apple & Cranberry Roasted Chicken

Selling Points:

  • Festive and Flavorful: A perfect combination of sweet apples, tart cranberries, and savory chicken.
  • Juicy and Tender: The chicken stays moist and flavorful thanks to the roasting process.
  • Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this recipe accessible to all skill levels.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike, this dish is sure to disappear quickly.
  • Versatile: Great for holiday feasts, Sunday dinners, or a cozy weeknight meal.

What You Need For Apple & Cranberry Roasted Chicken

  • 1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs)
  • 2 apples, cored and sliced
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup chicken broth

How to Make Apple & Cranberry Roasted Chicken

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season inside and out with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with apple slices, cranberries, onion, garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
  3. Roast the Chicken: Place the chicken in a roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil and pour chicken broth into the pan. Surround the chicken with remaining apple slices and cranberries.
  4. Bake: Roast for 1 ½ to 2 hours, basting occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with the roasted apples and cranberries.

Tips For Apple & Cranberry Roasted Chicken

  • Even Cooking: Truss the chicken for even cooking.
  • Basting: Baste the chicken every 30 minutes to keep it moist.
  • Fresh Herbs: Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.

Substitutions and Variations

  • Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
  • Dairy-Free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
  • Different Fruits: Try pears or oranges for a different flavor.
  • Add-Ins: Add carrots or potatoes to the roasting pan for a one-pan meal.

Make a Healthier Version

  • Use skinless chicken for a lower-fat option.
  • Substitute olive oil with avocado oil.
  • Add extra veggies like Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes.

Closing in Todd Wilbur Style:

And there you have it! This Apple & Cranberry Roasted Chicken is a festive and flavorful main course that’s sure to impress. Don’t forget to let us know how your chicken turns out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes for more delicious inspiration.

Frequently Asked Questions For Apple & Cranberry Roasted Chicken:

  1. Can I make this ahead of time?
    Yes, prepare the chicken and refrigerate. Roast when ready.
  2. Can I use a different type of fruit?
    Yes, try pears, oranges, or even dried apricots.
  3. What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
    Use dried herbs, but reduce the quantity by half.
  4. Can I use chicken parts instead of a whole chicken?
    Yes, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  5. How do I store leftovers?
    Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  6. Can I freeze this dish?
    Yes, freeze before roasting. Thaw and roast as directed.
  7. What’s the best way to reheat?
    Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
  8. Can I add other veggies?
    Yes, try carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts.
  9. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
    Baste the chicken regularly and avoid overcooking.
  10. What’s the best way to serve this dish?
    Serve with roasted veggies or a side salad.
  11. Can I make this without stuffing the chicken?
    Yes, place the fruit and herbs around the chicken instead.
  12. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
    Yes, cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Apple & Cranberry Roasted Chicken

0 from 0 votes
Recipe by Alexandra Course: All Word Recipes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal
Total time

0

minutes
Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • 1 1 whole chicken (4-5 lbs)

  • 2 2 apples, cored and sliced

  • 1 cup 1 fresh or frozen cranberries

  • 1 1 onion, sliced

  • 4 cloves 4 garlic, minced

  • 2 sprigs 2 fresh rosemary

  • 2 sprigs 2 fresh thyme

  • 2 tbsp 2 olive oil

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 cup 1 chicken broth

Directions

  • Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season inside and out with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity with apple slices, cranberries, onion, garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
  • Roast the Chicken: Place the chicken in a roasting pan. Drizzle with olive oil and pour chicken broth into the pan. Surround the chicken with remaining apple slices and cranberries.
  • Bake: Roast for 1 ½ to 2 hours, basting occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with the roasted apples and cranberries.

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