As autumn coziness envelops us, the scent of roasted vegetables and warm spices draws us to the kitchen. Today, let’s elevate our weekday meals with this Maple-Glazed Roast Chicken with Apples and Cranberries. This easy one-skillet recipe is not just a culinary delight; it also helps us embrace the flavors of fall while delivering tender, juicy chicken topped with a sweet maple glaze and complemented by the tartness of cranberries and the warmth of apples. It’s a delightful crowd-pleaser, perfect for those busy weeknights or when we want to impress our guests with minimal fuss. Plus, you can easily switch up the chicken cuts or fruits, making it as flexible as it is delicious. Ready to dive into a dish that brings comfort and joy all in one bite? Let’s get cooking!
Why is this recipe a fall favorite?
Simplicity at Its Best: This one-skillet wonder combines juicy chicken with sweet maple glaze and tart cranberries, making dinner a breeze!
Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to substitute chicken cuts or use canned cranberries to suit your pantry.
Flavor Explosion: Each bite offers a delightful blend of flavors that perfectly capture the essence of fall.
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners, it’s sure to impress both family and guests.
Quick & Easy: With minimal prep time, you can whip up this dish in under an hour, allowing you to relax and enjoy the cozy vibes. Consider pairing it with Crockpot Garlic Potatoes or Thai Peanut Chicken for a complete meal!
Cranberry Glazed Chicken Ingredients
For the Chicken
- Chicken Thighs – Bone-in options are juicier and more flavorful, but boneless thighs or skin-on breasts work well too.
- Salt and Pepper – Essential for bringing out the savory flavors; adjust seasoning to your taste.
For the Glaze
- Maple Syrup – This delivers both sweetness and that delightful sticky glaze; honey can be used as a substitute for a different flavor profile.
- Balsamic Vinegar – Adds depth to the glaze; can substitute with apple cider vinegar if preferred.
- Garlic Clove – Infuses the glaze with robust flavor; omit if you have a garlic allergy.
For the Fruits
- Fresh Cranberries – Introduce a wonderful tartness; you can use drained canned cranberries as a convenient alternative.
- Apples – 3 medium, peeled, cored, and sliced; Honeycrisp or Gala are great choices for sweetness, but any firm variety will work.
For Cooking
- Olive Oil – Used for searing the chicken, providing a nice flavor; feel free to substitute with any neutral oil you prefer.
- Butter – Adds richness and depth to the searing process, enhancing the overall flavor of your Maple-Glazed Roast Chicken with Apples and Cranberries.
For Garnish
- Fresh Rosemary – A fragrant herb that elevates the dish; dried rosemary can be used in a pinch, though fresh is recommended for its vibrant notes.
Now that you have gathered all the essential Cranberry Glazed Chicken ingredients, let’s move into the mesmerizing cooking process!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots & Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This seasoning boost will enhance the flavor of the Cranberry Glazed Chicken as it cooks. Set the seasoned chicken aside while you prepare your cooking skillet.
Step 2: Sear Chicken
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, carefully add the chicken thighs to the skillet. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until they develop a lovely golden-brown crust. This step brings out the chicken’s rich flavor and seals in the juices, making for a succulent dish.
Step 3: Arrange Vegetables and Fruits
After searing, remove the skillet from heat. Nestle the sliced carrots and sweet potatoes around the chicken thighs, followed by the fresh cranberries and apple slices. Sprinkle chopped fresh rosemary over the top to add aromatic notes. This assortment not only makes the dish colorful but also integrates the fruits and veggies into the aromatic cooking process enhancing the flavors of your Cranberry Glazed Chicken.
Step 4: Roast Chicken
Place the skillet into your preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. Check for doneness by ensuring the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer. The sweet potatoes should be tender when pierced with a fork, indicating they are cooked through and complementing the beautifully roasted chicken and fruits.
Step 5: Prepare the Maple Glaze
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan over medium heat, add another tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, then pour in ¼ cup of balsamic vinegar and ½ cup of maple syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly, adding a delicious glaze to our Cranberry Glazed Chicken.
Step 6: Glaze Chicken
After the chicken has finished roasting, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Drizzle the prepared maple glaze generously over the chicken, ensuring it coats the thighs and seeps into the vegetables. This final touch adds sweetness and an enticing gloss to your dish, enhancing the overall presentation and flavor of the Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots & Sweet Potatoes.
Cranberry Glazed Chicken Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own with delightful twists and substitutions!
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Different Chicken Cuts: Swap bone-in thighs for boneless skin-on breasts or even drumsticks. Each choice offers a unique flavor and texture!
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Apple Variety: Experiment with different apple types such as Granny Smith for tartness or Fuji for extra sweetness. The flavor profile can shift beautifully based on your selection.
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Cranberry Alternatives: If fresh cranberries aren’t available, drained canned cranberries work well. For something unique, try pomegranate seeds or even cherries for a different tartness.
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Flavor Boost: For added citrus zing, mix in a little orange zest into the maple glaze; it brightens the dish beautifully and complements the sweetness!
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Herbal Infusion: Don’t hesitate to switch up the herbs! Thyme or sage can replace rosemary, giving your dish an entirely new aromatic experience.
The flexibility of the Maple-Glazed Roast Chicken allows you to curate a meal that matches your family’s preferences. Pair it with Crockpot Garlic Potatoes for a hearty side or complement it with the rich flavors of Caramelised Soy Chicken. Your dinner will be a winner!
Expert Tips for Cranberry Glazed Chicken
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Season Generously: Don’t skimp on salt and pepper; proper seasoning enhances the overall flavor of the Cranberry Glazed Chicken, ensuring it’s savory and delicious.
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Perfect Searing: Sear chicken until golden brown; this step locks in moisture and flavor. Skipping it could lead to less juicy chicken.
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Check Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption—don’t rely solely on cooking time.
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Adjust Cooking Times: Boneless thighs or breasts require less time to cook than bone-in; adjust your roasting time to avoid dryness.
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Fresh vs. Canned: If using canned cranberries, be sure to drain them well to prevent excess moisture, which can affect the texture of your dish.
Make Ahead Options
These Maple-Glazed Roast Chicken with Apples and Cranberries are perfect for busy weeknights! You can season the chicken and marinate it in the maple glaze for up to 24 hours ahead of time, allowing the flavors to infuse beautifully. Additionally, you can slice the apples and prepare the cranberries a day in advance; just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. When you’re ready to cook, simply follow the roasting instructions and finish with the homemade glaze. This way, you can enjoy succulent, flavorful chicken with minimal effort, making busy evenings a little less hectic and just as delicious!
Storage Tips for Cranberry Glazed Chicken
Fridge: Store any leftover cranberry glazed chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: Freeze portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before freezing for best results.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. This helps retain the chicken’s moisture and texture while warming the delicious glaze.
Leftovers: Pair leftover cranberry glazed chicken with salads or grain bowls for a quick lunch option that brings the cozy flavors of fall back into your week!
What to Serve with Maple-Glazed Roast Chicken with Apples and Cranberries
Cozying up to this flavorful dish is only part of the fun; let’s create a complete meal that dazzles your taste buds!
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Perfectly buttery and smooth, these potatoes soak up the maple glaze beautifully, bringing together comforting flavors.
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Sautéed Green Beans: Bright and crisp, they add freshness and a pop of color to your plate. Their slight crunch perfectly complements the tender chicken.
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Cranberry Sauce: A tangy, homemade sauce celebrates the dish’s flavors and adds a striking contrast to the sweetness of the glaze.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These golden-brown delights provide a nutty, caramelized taste that contrasts wonderfully with the sweet apple and cranberry notes.
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Rice Pilaf: Fluffy and fragrant, rice pilaf absorbs the delicious juices, enhancing each bite of chicken while providing a delightful texture.
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Apple Crisp: Rounding off the meal with a sweet, warm dessert brings an extra cozy touch, echoing the apple theme in this delicious dinner.
Combining these elements creates a vibrant and seasonal feast, making your table the heart of fall gatherings!
Maple-Glazed Roast Chicken with Apples and Cranberries Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing apples, look for firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala. These types offer the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. Avoid apples with dark spots all over, which may indicate overripeness. You can use any firm apple, but the suggested types really enhance the flavor of the dish.
How should I store leftovers from this Maple-Glazed Roast Chicken?
For optimal freshness, place leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you’re eager to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag; they’ll last for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw in the fridge before reheating!
Can I freeze this Maple-Glazed Roast Chicken?
Yes, indeed! To freeze, first let the chicken cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Be sure to label it with the date! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
What should I do if my chicken isn’t cooking evenly?
Very! If you notice your chicken isn’t cooking evenly, it could be due to the size of the pieces or the distribution in the skillet. Make sure that the chicken pieces are not overcrowded, allowing for proper air circulation and even cooking. You can also rotate the skillet halfway through roasting for more consistent results. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for perfect doneness.
Is this recipe suitable for people with allergies?
Most definitely! If you’re allergic to garlic, you can omit it from the glaze without compromising the overall flavor. Just ensure to include alternatives or substitutions that suit your dietary needs; for instance, use apple cider vinegar instead of balsamic if you’re sensitive to that. Always check ingredient labels for any hidden allergens, especially with packaged products.
How long do I need to sear the chicken to get a golden crust?
To achieve that lovely golden crust, you should sear the chicken thighs for 2-3 minutes on each side. Be patient and resist moving them too much during this time! After the initial browning, remove the skillet from the heat before adding your fresh fruits and placing it in the oven for roasting. This technique really locks in that scrumptious flavor and keeps the chicken juicy!
Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots & Sweet Potatoes Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for about 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Arrange the sliced carrots and sweet potatoes around the chicken, followed by cranberries and apple slices. Sprinkle rosemary over the top.
- Place the skillet in the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- In a saucepan, heat more olive oil and sauté minced garlic. Add balsamic vinegar and maple syrup, simmer until thickened.
- Drizzle the maple glaze over the roasted chicken and serve warm.
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