Apple & Cranberry Roasted Chicken
Ingredients:
1 whole chicken 3-4 lbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 medium apples, cored and sliced
1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
1/2 cup apple cider or chicken broth
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, quartered
Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for garnish, optional
Directions:
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375F 190C. Grease a large roasting pan or ovenproof dish.
Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and place it in the prepared roasting pan.
Drizzle the chicken with olive oil, then season generously with salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Rub the seasonings all over the chicken, including under the skin if possible, for maximum flavor.
Add the Apples and Cranberries:
Scatter the sliced apples, cranberries, minced garlic, and quartered onion around the chicken in the roasting pan.
Pour the apple cider or chicken broth and honey or maple syrup over the apples and cranberries and around the chicken. This will add moisture and enhance the flavors of the dish.
Roast the Chicken:
Place the pan in the preheated oven and roast for about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165F 75C in the thickest part of the chicken typically the thigh.
Halfway through cooking, baste the chicken with the pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
Rest and Serve:
Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs if desired, and serve with the roasted apples, cranberries, and onions on the side. Spoon some of the flavorful pan juices over the chicken when serving.
Nutritional Information:
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Approx. 400 kcal per serving Servings: 4-6 servings
#AppleCranberryChicken #RoastedChicken #FallRecipes #ComfortFood #HolidayMeals