Apple & Cranberry Roasted Chicken

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 Apple & Cranberry Roasted Chicken:

Apple & Cranberry Roasted Chicken is a delightful and festive dish that beautifully combines the savory flavors of roasted chicken with the sweet and tart notes of apples and cranberries. This dish is perfect for special occasions, family gatherings, or holiday feasts, offering a comforting and visually stunning centerpiece that is sure to impress your guests.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The star of this dish is, of course, the whole chicken, which is typically seasoned to perfection before roasting. The chicken is often rubbed with a blend of herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper, which infuse the meat with aromatic flavors. This seasoning not only enhances the taste of the chicken but also creates a deliciously crispy skin as it roasts in the oven.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What sets this dish apart is the addition of fresh apples and cranberries, which are used to create a flavorful stuffing that complements the chicken beautifully. The apples, usually a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, are diced and tossed with fresh or dried cranberries. This combination adds a burst of color and flavor, as well as a delightful contrast to the savory chicken.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As the chicken roasts in the oven, the heat causes the apples and cranberries to soften and release their juices, creating a fragrant and flavorful sauce that drips down over the chicken. The combination of the sweet apples and tart cranberries caramelizes beautifully, creating a luscious glaze that coats the chicken and adds depth to the dish.

 

 

 

 

The roasting process typically takes about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on the size of the chicken. During this time, the kitchen fills with the mouthwatering aroma of roasting chicken, mingled with the sweet scent of apples and cranberries, creating an inviting atmosphere that sets the stage for a memorable meal.

Ingredients:
  • 1 whole chicken (3-4 lbs)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 medium apples, cored and sliced
  • 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
  • 1/2 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)

 

Directions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large roasting pan or ovenproof dish.
Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it in the prepared roasting pan. Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and season it generously with salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Rub the seasonings all over the chicken, making sure to get under the skin where possible.
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. The liquid will help keep the chicken moist and add flavor to the dish.
Roast the Chicken:
Roast the chicken in the preheated oven 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 chicken (usually the thigh).
Baste the chicken with the pan juices halfway through the cooking time to keep it moist.
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, and serve the chicken with the roasted apples, cranberries, and onions on the side. Spoon some of the pan juices over the chicken for extra flavor.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Kcal: 400 kcal

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