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Apple & Cranberry Roasted Chicken

Apple & Cranberry Roasted Chicken for Cozy Fall Feasts

This Apple & Cranberry Roasted Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for cozy fall feasts.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds) Choose a quality bird for optimal taste.
For the Fruit
  • 2 apples, cored and sliced Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are ideal.
  • 1 cup cranberries (fresh or frozen) Fresh preferred for brighter flavor.
For Seasoning
  • 1/2 onion, sliced Imparts sweetness and depth.
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed Infuses chicken with flavor.
  • salt and pepper To taste.
For Basting
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Adds moisture and helps crisp the skin.
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted Enhances richness and browning.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped Or 1 teaspoon dried.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped Or 1 teaspoon dried.
For Moisture
  • 1/2 cup apple cider or chicken broth Keeps chicken moist.

Equipment

  • Large roasting pan
  • Small bowl
  • pastry brush

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and pat the whole chicken dry using paper towels.
  2. Generously sprinkle salt and pepper inside the cavity and all over the skin of the chicken.
  3. Stuff the chicken cavity with half of the sliced apples, half of the cranberries, the onion, and smashed garlic cloves.
  4. Scatter the remaining apple slices and cranberries evenly across the bottom of a large roasting pan.
  5. Whisk together the olive oil, melted butter, chopped rosemary, and thyme in a small bowl.
  6. Place the seasoned chicken atop the fruit mixture and pour the apple cider or chicken broth around it.
  7. Roast the chicken uncovered for 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before carving.
  9. Carve the chicken and serve it garnished with fresh herbs and a spoonful of the roasted fruits.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 220mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Pat dry well for crispy skin and flavor absorption. Baste halfway through roasting and use a meat thermometer to prevent under- or over-cooking.

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