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Maple Cranberry Roast Chicken Recipe

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4.1 from 50 reviews

This Maple Cranberry Roast Chicken recipe features a whole organic chicken brined for tenderness, rubbed with a savory smoked paprika butter, and roasted to golden perfection. The star is a sweet and tangy maple cranberry glaze that enhances the moist, flavorful meat, making it perfect for a festive occasion or comforting family dinner.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (excluding brining time)
  • Yield: 12 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Brine

  • 1 organic whole chicken (About 5-10 lbs)
  • 2 cups water (for brine)
  • Salt (for brine, quantity as per blog post)*
  • Brown sugar (for brine, quantity as per blog post)*
  • Additional cold water (8-10 cups if needed, for brine)
  • Neck and gizzards removed from chicken
  • 1 lemon or lime (for rinsing chicken)

Butter Seasoning Rub

  • 1/2 cup salted butter, softened (or unsalted if preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme

Roasting Aromatics and Liquids

  • 4 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 2 onions, quartered (white, yellow, or red)
  • 2 lemons, halved + sliced
  • 1 cup organic chicken stock

Maple Cranberry Glaze

  • 1 1/2 cups pure maple syrup
  • 1 cup whole cranberries, fresh or frozen
  • 1/2 cup organic cranberry juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • Pinch of black pepper

Instructions

  1. Brining the Chicken (Optional): Combine 2 cups water, appropriate salt, and brown sugar in a large pot over medium-high heat, stir until sugar dissolves, and boil for 5-6 minutes. Remove from heat and add additional cold water to cool the brine completely. Clean the chicken by removing neck and gizzards, rinse with water and lemon or lime juice. Pat dry and place the chicken in a brining bag, submerge with brine and herbs, seal, and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
  2. Preparing the Chicken Post-Brine: Remove the chicken from the brine, pat dry thoroughly, and allow it to air-dry for 30 minutes to 1 hour to aid in crisp skin formation.
  3. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish or Dutch oven and set aside.
  4. Make the Butter Seasoning: In a bowl, combine softened butter, olive oil, smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme, mixing until smooth and fully blended.
  5. Season the Chicken: Using your fingers, carefully loosen the skin of the chicken and rub the seasoned butter mixture under the skin and all over the surface for maximum flavor infusion.
  6. Arrange Chicken and Aromatics: Place the buttered chicken breast-side up in the prepared pan. Stuff the cavity with crushed garlic, quartered onions, and halved lemons. Scatter some around the chicken as well. Tie the chicken’s feet together with twine for even roasting. Pour the chicken stock around the chicken to keep it moist during roasting.
  7. Roast the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the oven and roast for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Check after 1 hour, basting the skin with pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
  8. Prepare the Maple Cranberry Glaze: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine maple syrup, cranberries, cranberry juice, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a boil for 1-2 minutes then reduce heat to low and let simmer an additional 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  9. Glaze the Chicken: Halfway through roasting, pour half of the maple cranberry glaze over the chicken and sides. Continue roasting for another 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. In the last 10 minutes, brush the remaining glaze on the chicken to build a glossy, flavorful finish.
  10. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving. This allows juices to redistribute for moist and tender meat.
  11. Enjoy: Carve the chicken, serve with pan juices and extra glaze as desired. Bon appétit!

Notes

  • Brining is optional but recommended for juicier, more flavorful chicken.
  • If brining, ensure the brine is completely cooled before adding the chicken to avoid bacteria growth.
  • Tying the chicken legs together helps the bird roast evenly.
  • You may add sprigs of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage inside the cavity for enhanced flavor.
  • Use fresh or frozen cranberries interchangeably for the glaze.
  • Check doneness with a meat thermometer for best results; chicken is safe at 165°F internal temperature.
  • Allowing the chicken to rest after roasting ensures juicier slices.
  • Butter can be substituted with unsalted if preferred and salt adjusted accordingly.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus optional 8+ hours for brining)
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/maple-cranberry-roast-chicken-recipe/