Go Back
chef Ali

Easy Apple & Cranberry Roasted Chicken

In just a few straightforward steps, you’ll combine bold flavors and let the oven do the heavy lifting, producing juicy chicken with a sticky, blissful glaze. Follow along and you’ll be serving up a showstopper in no time!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 445
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups apples, cored and quartered
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 onion, quartered

Equipment

  • Meat thermometer
  • Mixing bowl
  • Roasting pan
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a large roasting pan, place the whole chicken and surround it with quartered apples, cranberries, and onion.
  3. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and vegetables. Season with salt, pepper, rosemary, and thyme. Rub the seasonings into the skin of the chicken.
  4. Pour in a little bit of water or chicken broth (about 1/2 cup) into the bottom of the pan to keep the chicken moist.
  5. Roast in the preheated oven for about 1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear
  6. Baste the chicken occasionally with the pan juices to keep it flavorful and moist.
  7. Once done, remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes before carving. Serve with the roasted apples and cranberries.

Notes

You can substitute fresh cranberries with dried ones; soak them in hot water for about 10 minutes to rehydrate.
For an added kick, include a pinch of cayenne pepper in the cranberry sauce.
Pair this dish with a side of wild rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Don’t forget to share your experience and tag me on social media with your tasty creations! Happy cooking!