Oh, friends, let me tell you about *the* perfect fall dish! When the leaves start turning and there’s a chill in the air, my heart craves something warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor. And that’s exactly why I’m SO excited to share my Maple Glazed Roast Chicken with Apples and Cranberries Recipe.
I’ve been tweaking this recipe for years (seriously, YEARS!), and trust me, it’s a winner. The combo of sweet maple syrup, tart cranberries, and savory chicken is just… *chef’s kiss*. My family begs for it every Thanksgiving, and honestly, I make it all autumn long. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a hug on a plate!
Why You’ll Love This Maple Glazed Roast Chicken with Apples and Cranberries Recipe
Okay, let’s get real – you *need* this recipe in your life! Why? Check it:
- Super easy to make (promise!)
- Insanely flavorful. Seriously, WOW.
- Perfect for those cozy fall vibes
- It’s even gluten-free! Win-win!
Quick and Easy Maple Glazed Roast Chicken with Apples and Cranberries Recipe
Time is precious, right? That’s why I LOVE this Maple Glazed Roast Chicken with Apples and Cranberries. It’s seriously quick to throw together. I’m talking minimal prep time! You’ll be amazed how easily it comes together, even on a busy weeknight. Less time in the kitchen, more time enjoying those gorgeous fall evenings!
Flavorful and Festive Maple Glazed Roast Chicken with Apples and Cranberries Recipe
Okay, the flavors? Forget about it! The maple syrup gives the chicken this gorgeous sweetness that’s just *amazing* with the tart cranberries. And the apples? Oh my gosh, they get all soft and caramelized… Then you get that little hint of rosemary. It’s like a party in your mouth, I swear! So festive and cozy!
Ingredients for Maple Glazed Roast Chicken with Apples and Cranberries Recipe
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need. Don’t worry, most of it’s probably already in your kitchen!
- 4 medium bone-in chicken thighs (about 1-1/2 lbs)
- Salt and pepper (to taste, obvi!)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (1/4-in thick,ish!)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (yep, more!)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (the REAL stuff, trust me!)
- More salt and pepper (just in case!)
How to Prepare Maple Glazed Roast Chicken with Apples and Cranberries Recipe
Okay, let’s get cooking! Don’t be scared; this Maple Glazed Roast Chicken with Apples and Cranberries is easier than it looks. I promise! First things first: preheat your oven to 375°F (that’s crucial!). Now, let’s get started:
Searing the Chicken for the Maple Glazed Roast Chicken with Apples and Cranberries Recipe
First, pat those chicken thighs dry with a paper towel (this helps them get nice and crispy!). Season them generously with salt and pepper. Now, grab a skillet (oven-safe is ideal, but don’t sweat it if you don’t have one!). Melt the butter with the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, sear the chicken for about 2-3 minutes per side. You just want a little color here, not fully cooked!
Roasting the Maple Glazed Roast Chicken with Apples and Cranberries Recipe
Alright, now take the pan off the heat. Arrange those apple slices, cranberries, and rosemary sprigs all around the chicken. It’s okay if it looks a little crowded! Pop the whole thing into your preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for the chicken to hit 165°F (use a meat thermometer!), the apples to be tender, and the cranberries to burst. Yum!
Making the Maple Glaze for the Maple Glazed Roast Chicken with Apples and Cranberries Recipe
While the chicken’s roasting, let’s whip up that gorgeous maple glaze. In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the minced garlic and saute until it smells amazing (about 30 seconds – careful not to burn it!). Now, stir in the balsamic vinegar and maple syrup. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens up nicely. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mmm!
Serving the Maple Glazed Roast Chicken with Apples and Cranberries Recipe
Okay, chicken’s done? Awesome! Take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, drizzle that luscious maple glaze all over the chicken, apples, and cranberries. Serve it up hot and enjoy every single bite! Seriously, this Maple Glazed Roast Chicken with Apples and Cranberries is fall perfection!
Tips for the Best Maple Glazed Roast Chicken with Apples and Cranberries Recipe
Want to take this Maple Glazed Roast Chicken with Apples and Cranberries from good to *amazing*? Here are a few of my top secrets:
- Meat thermometer is your BFF: Seriously, don’t guess! Make sure that chicken hits 165°F for food safety *and* juicy results.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! If your skillet’s too small, use a bigger one or even a roasting pan. You want the apples and cranberries to roast, not steam.
- Use REAL maple syrup: The fake stuff just doesn’t have the same depth of flavor. Trust me on this!
- Let it rest: Tent the chicken with foil for about 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven. This lets the juices redistribute, making it even more tender.
Follow these little tips, and you’ll have a Maple Glazed Roast Chicken with Apples and Cranberries that’s out of this world!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Maple Glazed Roast Chicken with Apples and Cranberries Recipe
Let’s talk ingredients! Wanna mix things up a bit with this Maple Glazed Roast Chicken with Apples and Cranberries?
- Apples: Honeycrisp are my go-to, but Granny Smith or Fuji work great too! Use whatever you’ve got!
- Cranberries: Fresh are best, but frozen totally work in a pinch. Just don’t thaw them first! Dried cranberries? Eh, not my first choice, but if that’s all you have, soak ’em in warm water for a bit to plump ’em up!
- Maple Syrup: Gotta be the real deal! It makes *all* the difference.
Easy swaps to keep things interesting!
Frequently Asked Questions About Maple Glazed Roast Chicken with Apples and Cranberries Recipe
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few things folks often ask about this Maple Glazed Roast Chicken with Apples and Cranberries. Don’t be shy if you have more!
Can I use frozen cranberries for this Maple Glazed Roast Chicken with Apples and Cranberries Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries are a lifesaver when fresh ones aren’t around. Just toss ’em in straight from the freezer – no need to thaw! They might release a little more juice, but it’ll all cook down beautifully. So, yeah, go for it!
What temperature should my chicken be for the Maple Glazed Roast Chicken with Apples and Cranberries Recipe?
Safety first, people! You want that chicken to hit 165°F (74°C) internally. Use a meat thermometer – it’s the only way to be sure! Stick it into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone, of course. Nobody wants salmonella!
Can I make this Maple Glazed Roast Chicken with Apples and Cranberries Recipe ahead of time?
You sure can! If you’re prepping for a big meal, roast the chicken and apples/cranberries ahead of time. Then, just before serving, reheat it in the oven. Make the glaze fresh, though – it tastes best that way! Easy peasy!
Nutritional Information for Maple Glazed Roast Chicken with Apples and Cranberries Recipe
Okay, a quick note: nutrition info can vary *a lot* depending on brands and such. So, this is just an estimate, okay? Enjoy!
Rate this Maple Glazed Roast Chicken with Apples and Cranberries Recipe!
Hey, if you loved this Maple Glazed Roast Chicken with Apples and Cranberries recipe (and I *know* you will!), please give it a rating and leave a comment below! I’d love to hear what you think!
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Maple Glazed Roast Chicken: 3 Secrets to Deliciousness
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy this Maple-Glazed Roast Chicken with Apples and Cranberries. It is a flavorful and festive dish.
Ingredients
- 4 medium bone-in chicken thighs (1–1/2 lbs)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced in 1/4-in thick slices
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 2-3 minutes on both sides.
- Remove pan from heat and arrange apples, cranberries, and rosemary around chicken. Roast at 375F for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165F, apples are tender, and cranberries burst.
- While chicken bakes, make the sauce: In a small skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil then saute garlic until fragrant. Stir in vinegar and syrup. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Once chicken is done, drizzle with maple sauce. Serve.
Notes
- Use different types of apples for varied flavor.
- Adjust the amount of maple syrup to your liking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
