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Apple Cranberry Roasted Chicken - Easy Dinner Recipe

Apple Cranberry Roasted Chicken – Easy Dinner Recipe

Description

Welcome to a deliciously comforting recipe that’s sure to warm up your kitchen and hearts! This Savory Roasted Chicken with Apples and Cranberries combines the juicy, tender flavors of a whole roasted chicken with the fresh sweetness of apples and tart cranberries, creating a stunning centerpiece for any meal. If you’re looking to add a cozy, fall-inspired dish to your table, look no further. Let’s dive into this fantastic Apple Cranberry Roasted Chicken recipe!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole chicken (about 4–5 pounds), cleaned and patted dry
  • 4 large apples, cored and quartered (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended for best flavor)
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries, rinsed and patted dry
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, or 1 tablespoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Substitutions:

  • For a sweeter touch, try using maple syrup instead of honey.
  • Chicken thighs or breasts can be used instead of a whole chicken; adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • Substitute fresh rosemary for thyme for an earthy, aromatic twist.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures an even, golden roast for the chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Honey Mustard Mixture

  • In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, and fresh thyme leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tip: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for an extra tangy flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

  • Place the chicken in a large roasting pan, pat it dry, and brush half of the honey mustard mixture evenly over the chicken, coating it thoroughly.

Step 4: Arrange the Apples and Cranberries

  • Arrange the apple quarters and fresh cranberries around the chicken in the roasting pan. Drizzle the remaining honey mustard mixture over the apples and cranberries, coating them for extra flavor.

Step 5: Roast the Chicken

  • Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and roast for 1 hour and 30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is golden brown.

Tip: Baste the chicken with pan juices halfway through cooking for a moist, flavorful finish.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

  • Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving. Serve with the roasted apples and cranberries for a beautifully balanced meal.

Equipment

Notes

  • Season Generously: Ensure that the honey mustard mixture is well-seasoned for optimal flavor.
  • Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Experiment with Herbs: Add rosemary or sage for a twist on the traditional flavor.

Find it online: https://optimalrecipes.com/apple-cranberry-roasted-chicken-easy-dinner-recipe/