Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this show-stopping Maple Cranberry Roast Chicken recipe! Imagine a juicy, golden-brown chicken infused with the sweetness of maple syrup and the tartness of fresh cranberries, all perfectly balanced to create a truly unforgettable flavor experience. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 1 hour, this American-inspired dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in with the family. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into this simple yet impressive recipe and impress your loved ones with a culinary masterpiece!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Remove the chicken from refrigeration and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels. This helps achieve crispy, golden skin during roasting.
- In a small bowl, mix maple syrup, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a glaze. Whisk until ingredients are well combined.
- Gently loosen the chicken's skin with your fingers, being careful not to tear it. Spread half of the maple mixture directly under the skin, ensuring even coverage.
- Place fresh cranberries around the chicken in the roasting pan. Brush the exterior of the chicken with the remaining maple glaze.
- Truss the chicken legs with kitchen twine to promote even cooking and maintain a compact shape.
- Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for approximately 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured at the thickest part of the thigh.
- Baste the chicken with pan juices every 20 minutes to enhance moisture and flavor development.
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and serve with the roasted cranberries as a complementary side.
Tips
- To ensure a stress-free and successful cooking experience, keep the following tips in mind: * Make sure to let the chicken sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking. * Don't skip the step of patting the chicken dry with paper towels - this helps achieve that coveted crispy skin! * Baste the chicken with pan juices every 20 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful. * Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. * Consider trussing the chicken legs with kitchen twine to promote even cooking and a compact shape.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 110mg
