Discover the taste of autumn with our Apple Cranberry Roasted Chicken recipe. It’s a one-pan meal that pairs tender chicken thighs with a mix of apples and cranberries. It’s ideal for holiday meals or a cozy dinner at home.
The secret to this dish’s flavor is its balance. The chicken is seasoned with salt, pepper, and rosemary before roasting. At the same time, apples and cranberries simmer in a sweet glaze made of brown sugar, apple cider, and chicken broth. This glaze caramelizes around the chicken as it cooks.
Key Takeaways
- One-pan meal that’s perfect for holiday dinners or weeknight meals
- Combines tender, juicy chicken thighs with a sweet-tart apple and cranberry mixture
- Balanced flavors from a simple seasoning blend and a caramelized glaze
- Easy to prepare with just 15 minutes of hands-on time
- Yields 4 servings, making it a great option for families or small gatherings
The Perfect Fall Comfort Dish: An Introduction
As autumn arrives, the air grows crisp and leaves turn colors. A hearty dish is just what you need to warm up. This apple cranberry roasted chicken recipe is a perfect blend of fall flavors. It combines the sweetness of apples with the tartness of cranberries.
This dish is not just tasty; it’s also a comforting treat. It’s great for holiday meals or a cozy dinner at home.
Why This Recipe Works for Holiday Meals
This apple cranberry roasted chicken is perfect for holidays. Its festive flavors and easy prep make it a great choice. The mix of Honeycrisp apples and cranberries offers a unique taste that’s both familiar and exciting.
This dish captures the essence of fall and winter. It’s a true celebration of the season’s flavors.
Benefits of Combining Apples and Cranberries
- Apples and cranberries are packed with antioxidants and fiber, making this dish healthy.
- The sweetness of apples and tartness of cranberries create a balanced flavor.
- The red cranberries and golden apples make the dish visually appealing.
“This apple cranberry roasted chicken is the perfect marriage of sweet and tart, with a stunning presentation that’s sure to impress your guests.”
Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a holiday feast, this chicken is a hit. It’s versatile and delicious, making everyone want seconds.
Essential Ingredients and Kitchen Tools
To make the perfect Apple Cranberry Roasted Chicken, you need the right ingredients and tools. The main ingredient is bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They make the meat juicy and flavorful.
Honeycrisp apples add a sweet and tart taste. Fresh cranberries bring a burst of tartness.
You also need white wine and chicken broth for the sauce. Fresh herbs like thyme and parsley add aromatic flavors. A large, high-sided skillet is essential for cooking. It must work on the stovetop and in the oven.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs | 6 pieces |
| Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, and sliced | 2 medium |
| Cranberries, fresh or frozen | 1 cup |
| White wine | 1/2 cup |
| Chicken broth | 1/2 cup |
| Fresh thyme leaves | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | 1/4 cup |
With these ingredients and a large, high-sided skillet, you’re ready to make a stunning Apple Cranberry Roasted Chicken. It will impress your guests for sure.
Preparing the Apple Cranberry Mixture
The secret to this Apple Cranberry Roasted Chicken is in the fruit mixture. It’s made by mixing tart cranberries, crisp apples, and a bit of sweetness. This blend perfectly matches the savory chicken.
Selecting the Right Apples
For the apples, Honeycrisp is the best choice. They’re sweet and tart, and keep their shape well. You can also use Gala apples, which are great too.
Fresh vs. Frozen Cranberries
You can use fresh or frozen cranberries. Fresh ones are in season from September to January. Frozen ones don’t need thawing before use.
Creating the Perfect Glaze
The glaze is made from brown sugar, cornstarch, soy sauce, and white wine. It thickens and caramelizes, making the chicken and fruit sticky-sweet. This dish is perfect for fall and will wow your guests.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Dried Cranberries | 1 cup |
| Chopped Apples | 1 cup |
| Brown Sugar | 1/4 cup |
| Cornstarch | 1 tablespoon |
| Soy Sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| White Wine | 1/4 cup |
Apple Cranberry Roasted Chicken
This roasted chicken recipe is a true celebration of fall flavors. The chicken thighs are seared to perfection. Then, they’re baked with apples, cranberries, and herbs, making a one-pan dinner that’s both comforting and elegant.
The sweet apples and tart cranberries perfectly complement the savory chicken. This makes the dish a standout choice for holiday meals or cozy fall dinners. The result is a harmonious balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more.
| Nutrition Facts | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 666 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 20 g |
| Protein | 37 g |
| Fat | 49 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Cholesterol | 222 mg |
| Sodium | 329 mg |
| Potassium | 588 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 14 g |
| Vitamin A | 216 IU |
| Vitamin C | 8 mg |
| Calcium | 26 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
The secret to this one-pan dinner is in the ingredients and flavors. It uses 2 pounds of juicy chicken thighs. First, they’re seared on the stovetop for a golden-brown crust. Then, they’re baked with the apple and cranberry mixture in the oven.
This allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender and succulent.
“This recipe is a true celebration of the best fall flavors, combining the richness of roasted chicken with the sweetness of apples and the tartness of cranberries. It’s a dish that will delight your senses and leave you craving more.”
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Learning to make oven-roasted chicken with apples and cranberries is easy. It results in a delicious dish. Follow these steps to make your chicken dish a hit.
Preparing the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken with salt and black pepper. Heat 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high. Sear the chicken, skin-side down, for 5-6 minutes until it’s golden.
Flip the chicken and sear the other side for another 5-6 minutes.
Roasting Techniques
After searing, place the chicken skin-side up in the skillet. Add the apple-cranberry mixture and 1/2 cup of chicken broth or water. Put the skillet in a preheated 425°F oven.
Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Temperature and Timing Guide
- Sear the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side over medium-high heat.
- Roast the chicken in the oven at 425°F for 20-25 minutes.
- Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
By following these steps, you’ll get tender and flavorful chicken. It’s a comforting fall dinner that will impress everyone.
Making the Wine and Broth Sauce
Enhancing your apple cranberry roasted chicken’s taste is all about the sauce. This simple yet flavorful pan sauce is the perfect match. It adds richness and a touch of acidity, balancing the sweetness of the apples and cranberries.
The secret to this sauce is sautéing shallots and garlic in the chicken drippings. This brings out the aromatic flavors. Then, deglazing the pan with white wine concentrates the pan sauce flavors, making them more intense.
After the wine reduces, chicken broth is added. This creates a rich, velvety pan sauce that complements the chicken. The sauce adds moisture and balances the sweetness of the apples and cranberries, creating a harmonious taste.
“The secret to a great pan sauce lies in the browned bits at the bottom of the pan – that’s where all the flavor is hidden.”
With just a few steps, you can turn chicken drippings into a stunning pan sauce. This will take your apple cranberry roasted chicken to new heights. Impress your guests with this flavorful, flavor-enhancing sauce.
Tips for Achieving Crispy Chicken Skin
For a perfect fall dinner, crispy, golden chicken skin is essential. Follow a few simple tips to make your Apple Cranberry Roasted Chicken even more delicious.
Temperature Control Methods
Temperature control is crucial for crispy skin. Start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning. This removes excess moisture that can stop the skin from crisping.
Searing the chicken in a hot pan before roasting also helps. It renders the fat and starts the crisping process.
For roasting, use high heat. Aim for an oven temperature of 425°F. This high heat will make the skin golden brown and crunchy.
Basting Techniques
Basting the chicken with pan juices during roasting promotes crispy skin. As the chicken cooks, juices collect in the pan. Spooning these juices over the chicken helps the skin caramelize and get crispy.
Try air-drying the chicken in the fridge for 18-24 hours before cooking. This method dehydrates the skin, making it even crisper.
By using the right temperature and basting techniques, you can get perfect crispy skin on your Apple Cranberry Roasted Chicken. Serve it with your favorite sides for a cozy fall meal.
Herb and Seasoning Combinations
The Apple Cranberry Roasted Chicken recipe combines fresh herbs and savory seasonings. This mix makes the dish’s flavor stand out. At its core, fresh thyme is used throughout and as a garnish.
Fresh parsley is added as a finishing touch. It brings a bright, herbaceous note. This contrasts well with the apples’ sweetness and the cranberries’ tartness.
The seasoning blend is carefully chosen. It includes kosher salt, black pepper, and a bit of soy sauce. These flavor enhancers and seasoning blend complement the fresh herbs. They let the natural flavors of the ingredients shine.
“The key to the success of this recipe lies in the careful selection and balance of the herbs and seasonings, which allow the natural sweetness of the apples and the tartness of the cranberries to take center stage.”
With these fresh herbs and seasoning blend, the Apple Cranberry Roasted Chicken recipe is a hit. It’s perfect for fall dinners and holiday meals.
Side Dish Pairing Suggestions
The Apple Cranberry Roasted Chicken is a full meal by itself. But, it gets even better with the right side dishes. Here are some tasty ideas to make your dinner complete.
Complementary Vegetable Options
- Roasted root vegetables, like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, add to the chicken’s savory taste.
- A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the main dish.
- Sautéed Brussels sprouts or green beans add color and crunch.
- Roasted asparagus or broccoli bring vibrant, healthy veggies to the table.
Grain and Starch Recommendations
- Wild rice or quinoa soak up the tasty pan sauce.
- Roasted potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes offer a comforting, starchy side.
- Buttery garlic mashed potatoes pair classically with the chicken.
- Herbed couscous or orzo add a light, fluffy touch.
These side dishes enhance the Apple Cranberry Roasted Chicken’s flavors. They make for a balanced dinner that’s great for meal planning. It’s perfect for a comforting, autumnal meal.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Enjoy the delightful flavors of this Apple Cranberry Roasted Chicken even after the initial meal. With proper storage and reheating techniques, you can savor the leftovers for up to 3 to 4 days. Here’s how to keep your dish fresh and delicious:
Store the leftover Apple Cranberry Roasted Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken and the accompanying sauce can be kept for 3 to 4 days, ensuring food safety and optimal leftovers enjoyment.
When it’s time to reheat, simply place the chicken and sauce in a covered baking dish. Warm it in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 25 minutes. The sauce may thicken slightly during storage, so you may need to add a splash of broth or water to restore the original consistency.
For the best meal prep experience, consider portioning out individual servings of the roasted chicken and sauce. This makes reheating a breeze and ensures you always have a delicious, home-cooked meal on hand.
| Storage Duration | Reheating Temperature | Reheating Time |
|---|---|---|
| 3-4 days in the refrigerator | 350°F | 25 minutes |
By following these simple food safety guidelines, you can enjoy the delicious Apple Cranberry Roasted Chicken for days to come. Savor the flavors of this comforting dish whenever the craving strikes!
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Options
Meal planning and batch cooking can be a big help. They make preparing a tasty Apple Cranberry Roasted Chicken easier. This dish is great for saving time and effort.
Advance Preparation Tips
Start early to make meal prep stress-free. Prepare the fruit mix of apples and cranberries a day before. You can also season the chicken and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
This lets the flavors mix well. Your dish will be full of autumn flavors.
Freezing Instructions
This Apple Cranberry Roasted Chicken freezes well. Cook it until just before baking, then cool it. Then, freeze it for up to 3 months.
It’s perfect for meal planning and saving time. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.
Using these batch cooking tips makes enjoying this dish easy. It lets you spend less time in the kitchen. Try these make-ahead and freezer-friendly ideas to make cooking simpler and more enjoyable.
Conclusion
This Apple Cranberry Roasted Chicken recipe is a true fall recipe. It combines the cozy flavors of the season. Roasted chicken, sweet apples, and tart cranberries make a perfect dish for holidays or cozy nights.
The secret to this dish is the balance of flavors and the perfectly cooked chicken. Follow the detailed instructions and use the tips to get a juicy, crispy-skinned bird. The Apple-Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce and wine and broth sauce add richness and depth.
Looking for a main course for your holiday dinner or a cozy meal on a chilly fall evening? This Apple Cranberry Roasted Chicken recipe is perfect. It’s a delightful fall recipe that will satisfy your taste buds and warm your heart.
FAQ
What are the key ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients are 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. You’ll also need 1 cup of frozen or fresh cranberries and 2 Honeycrisp apples. The dish also includes white wine, chicken broth, and fresh herbs like thyme and parsley.
Why is this dish ideal for holiday meals?
This apple cranberry roasted chicken is perfect for holidays. It has festive flavors and is easy to make. The apples and cranberries add sweetness and tartness, making it nutritious too.
Can I use fresh or frozen cranberries?
You can use either fresh or frozen cranberries in this recipe. It’s flexible and works well with both options.
How do I achieve crispy skin on the chicken?
To get crispy skin, pat the chicken dry before seasoning. Then, sear it before roasting at 425°F. Basting with pan juices during roasting helps too.
What herbs and seasonings are used in this recipe?
Fresh thyme is the main herb, used in cooking and as a garnish. Fresh parsley is used as a finishing touch. The seasoning blend includes kosher salt, black pepper, and a bit of soy sauce for flavor.
What side dishes pair well with this roasted chicken?
Roasted root vegetables or a green salad pair well. For starches, try wild rice, quinoa, or roasted potatoes. They soak up the sauce nicely.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the fruit mixture a day in advance. Store it in the fridge. Season the chicken up to 24 hours before cooking. For freezing, prepare until baking, then cool and freeze for up to 3 months.