Cozy Apple & Cranberry Roasted Chicken Recipe for Fall Dinners

Baking a succulent apple and cranberry roasted chicken brings unexpected flavor combinations to your dinner table.

Seasonal ingredients blend perfectly in this delightful main course.

Juicy chicken transforms with sweet-tart fruit notes that surprise and delight.

Warm spices complement the natural richness of the meat.

Crisp autumn flavors dance across every tender bite.

Fresh herbs and carefully selected produce make this dish shine.

Why Apple & Cranberry Roasted Chicken Is a Festive Feast

• Savor Complex Flavor Combinations: Blend sweet apples and tart cranberries with herb-seasoned chicken creates a delightful taste profile that elevates a classic roasted chicken dish.
• Craft a Showstopping Centerpiece: Perfect for holiday gatherings, dinner parties, or family celebrations where you want to impress guests with a stunning main course that looks professionally prepared.
• Master Simple Culinary Technique: Requires minimal cooking skills while delivering maximum flavor, making it an excellent recipe for home cooks looking to expand their roasting abilities without complicated steps.
• Enjoy Healthy Protein-Packed Meal: Lean chicken combined with fresh fruit provides a nutritious dinner option packed with protein, vitamins, and delicious seasonal ingredients that feel both comforting and wholesome.

Ingredients for Apple & Cranberry Roasted Chicken

• Whole Chicken: A classic roasting bird that provides tender and flavorful meat for the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
• Thyme, Rosemary: Fragrant herbs that add depth and a woodsy aroma to the roasted chicken.

• Apples: Sweet and crisp fruit that infuses moisture and subtle sweetness into the chicken's cavity.
• Dried Cranberries: Tart and concentrated fruit that adds a burst of tangy flavor to the stuffing.
• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil that helps create a golden, crispy skin and keeps the chicken moist during roasting.

How to Roast Apple & Cranberry Chicken Perfectly

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, creating the perfect toasty environment for your roasted chicken.

Step 2: Spice and Season the Bird

Generously coat the chicken with a delightful blend of salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary, massaging the herbs into every nook and cranny of the meat.

Step 3: Create a Fruity Stuffing

• Sliced crisp apples
• Dried cranberries

This combination will infuse the chicken with sweet and tangy flavors during roasting.

Step 4: Prepare for Roasting

Transfer the seasoned and stuffed chicken into a roasting pan, then drizzle olive oil over the entire surface to help create a golden, crispy skin.

Step 5: Roast to Perfection

Place the chicken in the preheated oven and roast for 1 to 1 1/2 hours. The chicken is ready when it reaches a rich golden brown color and the internal temperature indicates it’s fully cooked.

Step 6: Let the Chicken Rest

Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes. This crucial step helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Carve the chicken and plate it up, ready to enjoy the delicious blend of herbs, fruits, and perfectly roasted meat.

Pro Tips for Apple & Cranberry Roasted Chicken

• Select a whole chicken with firm, plump skin for the best roasting results.
• Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
• Use fresh herbs if possible, as they provide more intense flavor compared to dried herbs.
• Allow the chicken to rest after roasting, which helps redistribute juices and keeps the meat tender and moist.
• For a gluten-free option, ensure all herbs and ingredients are certified gluten-free before preparing the dish.

Flavorful Variations on Apple & Cranberry Roasted Chicken

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace thyme and rosemary with oregano, basil, and za'atar. Add lemon slices inside the cavity with olives for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Maple Chicken: Substitute dried cranberries with fresh jalapeños and swap olive oil with maple syrup. Sprinkle cayenne pepper and cinnamon for a sweet-heat combination.
• Autumn Harvest Chicken: Include chopped butternut squash and pears alongside apples and cranberries. Season with sage and nutmeg for a rich, seasonal taste.
• Citrus Garlic Chicken: Stuff the cavity with orange and tangerine slices, whole garlic cloves, and fresh thyme. Drizzle with orange-infused olive oil for a bright, zesty approach.

Suggested Pairings for Apple & Cranberry Roasted Chicken

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp Chardonnay or light Pinot Noir to complement the sweet and savory notes of the roasted chicken, balancing the apple and cranberry flavors with elegant acidity.
• Craft Side Dish Match: Prepare a wild rice pilaf or roasted root vegetables that echo the earthy herbs and fruity undertones, creating a harmonious plate that enhances the chicken's complex profile.
• Create Rustic Bread Companion: Serve a crusty artisan sourdough or herb-infused focaccia to soak up the delicious pan juices, adding texture and providing a delightful contrast to the tender roasted meat.

Storage Tips for Apple & Cranberry Roasted Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the meat remains moist and safe to eat.
• Wrap chicken pieces tightly in aluminum foil or freezer-safe plastic wrap. Place in a sealed freezer bag, removing excess air. Frozen chicken stays good for up to 4 months.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.

FAQs on Apple & Cranberry Roasted Chicken

• Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh thyme?

Yes, you can substitute dried thyme for fresh. Use about one-third the amount of dried thyme compared to fresh thyme to maintain the right flavor intensity.

• What type of apples work best for this recipe?

Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These varieties hold their shape during roasting and provide a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature should reach 165°F to ensure the chicken is safe to eat and properly cooked.

Apple & Cranberry Roasted Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent roasted chicken with apple and cranberry glaze brings Mediterranean warmth to your dining table. Elegant seasonal ingredients blend perfectly, creating a memorable meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 whole chicken

Fruits:

• 1 apple, cored and sliced
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) dried cranberries

Seasonings and Oils:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) black pepper
• 1 teaspoon (2 grams) dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon (2 grams) dried rosemary

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 375°F, ensuring an even cooking environment for the roasted chicken.
2. Generously coat the entire chicken with a blend of salt, freshly ground black pepper, aromatic thyme, and fragrant rosemary, massaging the herbs into the skin for maximum flavor infusion.
3. Create a delectable stuffing by carefully filling the chicken’s cavity with thinly sliced crisp apples and tangy dried cranberries, which will impart moisture and subtle sweetness during roasting.
4. Transfer the seasoned chicken to a sturdy roasting pan, then delicately drizzle high-quality olive oil over the surface to promote golden, crispy skin.
5. Carefully place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and cook for approximately 1 to 1½ hours, monitoring the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked and reaches a safe 165°F.
6. Once removed from the oven, allow the chicken to rest undisturbed for 10 minutes, enabling the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and ensuring a succulent, tender result.
7. Carve the chicken with precision, arranging the pieces on a serving platter, and present the aromatic, herb-infused roasted chicken to eager diners.

Notes

• Choose organic, free-range chicken for richer flavor and more tender meat.
• Pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy, golden-brown skin that seals in juices.
• Truss the chicken with kitchen twine to help it cook evenly and maintain a beautiful shape during roasting.
• For a gluten-free and low-carb option, swap dried cranberries with fresh pomegranate seeds or chopped fresh herbs for added brightness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 375 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg