Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the cranberries begin to burst under heat, the symphony of sweet and tangy aromas fills the kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around. Today, I’m excited to share my take on the Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken—a dish that effortlessly marries juicy, tender meat with a mouthwatering maple syrup glaze and vibrant cranberries. Whether you’re planning for a festive holiday feast or simply seeking a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is your secret weapon. With easy brining options and make-ahead capabilities, you’ll have more time to relax while still serving up a delectable centerpiece that’s perfect for sharing. Ready to transform your dinner table into a delightful celebration? Let’s dive into this festive flavor adventure and explore what makes this roast chicken the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Why is This Roast Chicken Irresistible? Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet-tart cranberries and rich maple syrup elevates your roast chicken to gourmet status. Brining Magic: Choosing the brining option ensures that every bite is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor. Versatile Delight: Perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners, this recipe adapts beautifully to any occasion. Time-Saving Prep: With make-ahead options for the brine and glaze, you can enjoy stress-free cooking without sacrificing taste. Eye-Catching Presentation: The vibrant colors of cranberries and lemon slices not only taste incredible but create a stunning centerpiece for your table. Whether paired with tasty sides like Bbq Chicken Mac or served alongside a crisp salad, this dish is sure to impress family and friends! Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken Ingredients Delicious flavors await with this flavorful dish! For the Chicken Organic Whole Chicken (5-10 lbs) – The star of the show; choose fresh for the best flavor. Salted Butter (½ cup) – Adds richness; substitute with unsalted for more control over salt levels. Extra Virgin Olive Oil (2 Tbsps) – For sautéing; offers healthy fats that enhance taste. Black Pepper (2 tsps) – A must-have seasoning; freshly ground provides superior flavor. For the Seasoning Smoked Paprika (2 tsps) – Delivers a mild smokiness; regular paprika can work if you prefer less. Garlic Powder (2 tsps) – Infuses a delightful depth; feel free to swap with fresh garlic for a punchier flavor. Dried Thyme (2 tsps) – Complements the chicken beautifully; rosemary makes a fine alternative. Sea Salt (pinch) – Always essential for seasoning your meat to perfection. For Stuffing Garlic Cloves (4, crushed) – Elevates the aromatic quality; fresh is recommended for a bold taste. Onions (2, quartered) – Adds sweetness while roasting; any onion variety works great here. Lemons (2, halved + sliced) – Brightens the dish; limes can be used as a substitute. For the Glaze Pure Maple Syrup (1 ½ cups) – The perfect sweet-tart base for your glaze; honey can be a viable alternative but may change flavor slightly. Whole Cranberries (1 cup, fresh or frozen) – Introduces delightful tartness; cranberry sauce can substitute in a pinch. Organic Cranberry Juice (½ cup) – Boosts the glaze’s flavor; ensure it’s 100% juice for authenticity. Red Pepper Flakes (½ tsp, optional) – Add a touch of heat; it’s optional if you prefer milder flavors. For the Roasting Organic Chicken Stock (1 cup) – Keeps the chicken moist during roasting; vegetable stock is a great alternative if needed. Black Pepper (pinch) – Enhances overall flavor, ensuring your chicken is perfectly seasoned. With these ingredients assembled, you’re ready to create a mouthwatering Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken that will make any gathering memorable! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken Step 1: Brine the Chicken (optional) In a large pot, combine water, salt, and brown sugar, bringing the mixture to a boil until dissolved. Stir in aromatics like garlic and lemon zest, then allow the brine to cool completely. If you choose to brine, submerge the whole chicken in this flavorful mixture for 12–18 hours to ensure juicy, tender meat. Step 2: Prep the Chicken Once the brining is complete or if you’re skipping this step, remove the chicken from the brine (if used) and rinse under cold water. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and let it air-dry for 30 minutes. This will help achieve crispy skin when the Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken is cooking. Step 3: Preheat Oven Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while you prepare the chicken. Grease a large baking dish or a Dutch oven with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Your oven should be ready to create the perfect roasting environment as you continue with the steps. Step 4: Make Seasoned Butter In a bowl, mix softened butter with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create a seasoned butter. Rub this fragrant mixture generously underneath the skin and all over the outside of the chicken, ensuring every part is coated for maximum flavor. Step 5: Stuff the Chicken Take quartered onions, crushed garlic cloves, and halved lemons, and place them inside the cavity of the chicken. Pour powerful organic chicken stock into the bottom of the baking dish to create a moist cooking environment. This step enhances the taste and aroma of your roasting Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken. Step 6: Roast Chicken Carefully place the chicken in the preheated oven and roast it for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Baste the chicken halfway through with the pan juices, watching for a golden, crispy skin and an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy, and keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. Step 7: Prepare Maple Cranberry Glaze While the chicken is roasting, make the glaze by combining pure maple syrup, fresh or frozen cranberries, and cranberry juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the cranberries burst and the glaze thickens slightly, about 10-15 minutes. Step 8: Glaze Chicken After 1 hour of roasting, brush half of the prepared glaze over the chicken, ensuring it coats evenly. In the last 10 minutes of roasting, brush the remaining glaze on top for a sticky, flavorful finish. This will add a beautiful shiny coating to your glorious Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken. Step 9: Let Rest Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each slice of your Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken is juicy and flavorful. What to Serve with Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken Creating a delightful dining experience around your roast chicken is as easy as pairing a few complementary dishes that enhance the flavors already present. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The richness and creaminess of mashed potatoes provide a comforting contrast to the sweet-tart glaze of the chicken, making each bite even more satisfying. Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: A medley of roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes not only adds vibrant color to your plate but also brings a natural sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with the cranberry maple flavors. Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks: Soft and buttery breadsticks smothered in garlic and parmesan are perfect for sopping up the delicious glaze from the chicken, enhancing your meal experience in every way. Crisp Green Salad: A fresh salad featuring mixed greens, sliced apples, and candied pecans adds a refreshing crunch and lightness to the meal, balancing the rich melt-in-your-mouth chicken. Homemade Applesauce: Sweet and slightly spiced applesauce is the perfect side, offering a fruity counterpart that pairs wonderfully with the roast’s sweetness while lending a nostalgic touch. Mulled Wine or Sparkling Cider: Serve warm mulled wine or refreshing sparkling cider as a drink option to tie in the festive flavor profiles, with the spices complementing the chicken’s glaze beautifully. Let these delicious pairings inspire your next gathering or cozy dinner at home, creating a memorable feast that everyone will cherish! Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken Variations Feel free to play around with this recipe and make it your own, letting your creativity shine! Turkey Swap: Substitute chicken with turkey for a festive showstopper at larger gatherings, perfect for the holidays. Sweetness Adjustment: Alter the sweetness by reducing maple syrup or adding brown sugar to the glaze for a richer flavor. Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs such as rosemary or sage to give the dish a unique twist and aroma. Fresh herbs always pack a flavor punch! Citrus Boost: Use oranges or grapefruits instead of lemons for a delightful citrus flavor that adds a fun twist to your glaze. Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning or glaze for some warmth; it complements the sweetness beautifully. Dairy-Free Option: Swap butter for a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or dairy-free spread to keep it creamy without the dairy. Vegetarian Glaze: If you’re serving a mix of diets, consider making a veggie version using a hearty roasted cauliflower or butternut squash drizzled with a similar cranberry-maple glaze. Stuffed Variation: Consider stuffing the chicken with a mix of fruits and nuts for a delightful sweet contrast, using ingredients like apples, cranberries, and walnuts for flavor. For a solid side dish, don’t forget to check out my recipes for Bbq Chicken Mac or a light creamy Chicken Broccoli Sizzling, perfect for any gathering! Make Ahead Options These Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can brine the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, which not only enhances flavor but ensures juicy meat (just make sure to rinse it well before roasting). Additionally, prepare the maple cranberry glaze up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate it in an airtight container to maintain its vibrant flavor. When you’re ready to cook, season the chicken and stuff it as directed before placing it in the oven. Basting with glaze halfway through roasting enhances taste, ensuring you enjoy a delicious, stress-free meal with minimal effort! How to Store and Freeze Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken Fridge: Store leftover Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days to maintain its flavor and moisture. Make sure it cools completely before sealing. Freezer: Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. This helps prevent freezer burn and keeps it tasty for later. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes, to retain its delicious texture. Enjoying Leftovers: Transform leftover chicken into delightful sandwiches or salads for a quick meal that’s just as satisfying as the first time around! Expert Tips for Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken Brining Benefits: Skip the brine if short on time; however, using it yields a juicier chicken. Consider marinating overnight with spices instead. Crispy Skin: Ensure the chicken is thoroughly dried before oiling and seasoning to achieve that irresistible crispy skin. Constant Monitoring: Check the chicken frequently during roasting, especially after the first hour, to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. Glaze Application: Apply the glaze evenly in the last stages of roasting for a beautiful finish, but avoid adding it too early to prevent burning. Use a Thermometer: Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F for safe and delicious Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken. Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right chicken? Absolutely! When selecting your organic whole chicken, look for one that feels heavy for its size, with firm flesh and a pleasant, clean smell. Avoid chickens with dark spots or an overly soft texture, as these could indicate spoilage. A weight of 5-10 lbs is ideal for this recipe, ensuring enough meat to feed your family. What is the best way to store leftover roast chicken? Very simple! Place leftover Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Ensure the chicken has cooled completely before sealing it up to maintain its moisture. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil for short-term storage. Can I freeze the roast chicken? Absolutely! To freeze your Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then tuck it into a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. What should I do if my chicken skin isn’t crispy? No worries! If your chicken skin isn’t crispy, it could be due to moisture. Ensure that your chicken is thoroughly dried before applying any oil or seasoned butter. Also, try roasting it at a slightly higher temperature (like 425°F) for the last 20-30 minutes, which can help crisp it up beautifully. Can I modify the recipe for dietary restrictions? Absolutely! This recipe is already gluten-free and dairy-free! If needed, you can customize it further by using a dairy-free butter alternative or swapping out the maple syrup for agave syrup for a lower glycemic index option. Always check for any specific allergies, especially concerning the ingredients like garlic or spices. How long should I rest the chicken before carving? I recommend letting your Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken rest for 20 minutes after roasting. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that each slice is juicy and flavorful. If you carve too soon, you risk losing those delicious juices, resulting in dryer meat. Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken: Your Holiday Flavor Hero Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken combines juicy meat with a sweet-tart glaze, perfect for any festive occasion. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes minsResting Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins Servings: 6 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 450 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken1 whole Organic Whole Chicken (5-10 lbs) Choose fresh for the best flavor.½ cup Salted Butter Substitute with unsalted for more control over salt levels.2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil For sautéing, offers healthy fats that enhance taste.2 tsp Black Pepper Freshly ground provides superior flavor.For the Seasoning2 tsp Smoked Paprika Delivers a mild smokiness.2 tsp Garlic Powder Feel free to swap with fresh garlic for a punchier flavor.2 tsp Dried Thyme Rosemary makes a fine alternative.pinch Sea Salt Essential for seasoning your meat to perfection.For Stuffing4 Garlic Cloves Crushed; fresh is recommended for a bold taste.2 Onions Quartered; any onion variety works great here.2 Lemons Halved + sliced; limes can be used as a substitute.For the Glaze1½ cups Pure Maple Syrup Honey can be a viable alternative.1 cup Whole Cranberries Fresh or frozen.½ cup Organic Cranberry Juice Ensure it's 100% juice for authenticity.½ tsp Red Pepper Flakes Optional for added heat.For the Roasting1 cup Organic Chicken Stock Vegetable stock is a great alternative if needed.pinch Black Pepper Enhances overall flavor. Equipment Large PotBaking dish or Dutch ovenmeat thermometer Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Cranberry Maple Roast ChickenIn a large pot, combine water, salt, and brown sugar. Bring to a boil until dissolved. Stir in aromatics, cool completely, and if brining, submerge the chicken for 12–18 hours.Remove the chicken from the brine and rinse under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels and let air-dry for 30 minutes.Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a large baking dish with olive oil.Mix softened butter with olive oil, spices, sea salt, and black pepper to create seasoned butter. Rub generously on the chicken.Stuff the chicken with onions, garlic, and lemons. Pour chicken stock into the bottom of the baking dish.Roast the chicken for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, basting halfway through, until skin is golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).Make the glaze by combining maple syrup, cranberries, and juice in a saucepan. Simmer until cranberries burst, about 10-15 minutes.After 1 hour of roasting, brush half of the glaze on the chicken. Apply the remaining glaze during the last 10 minutes.Remove from the oven and let rest for 20 minutes before carving. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 38gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg NotesThis recipe is perfect for festive occasions and can also be transformed into sandwiches or salads with leftovers. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
