Looking for the perfect holiday recipe to wow your guests? Look no further than Cranberry-Orange Glazed Roast Chicken! This festive dish combines the sweetness of cranberries with the bright zest of oranges, creating a deliciously tangy glaze that perfectly complements the savory flavors of roasted chicken. Whether you’re preparing for a Christmas feast or a New Year’s celebration, Cranberry-Orange Glazed Roast Chicken is sure to be the star of the show. Let’s dive into the simple steps to make this flavorful and elegant holiday centerpiece.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry-Orange Glazed Roast Chicken Recipe:
- Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory: The cranberry-orange glaze provides the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and savory, elevating the flavors of your roast chicken.
- A Showstopping Holiday Dish: Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or an intimate dinner, Cranberry-Orange Glazed Roast Chicken will make your holiday table look extraordinary.
- Easy Yet Impressive: This recipe is simple enough for beginners but impressive enough for seasoned cooks. The glaze gives the chicken a beautiful finish and incredible flavor.
- Leftover Perfection: The leftover Cranberry-Orange Glazed Roast Chicken is just as delicious the next day. Use it for sandwiches, wraps, or salads!
Ingredients for Cranberry-Orange Glazed Roast Chicken:
For the Roast Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 orange, halved (for stuffing and basting)
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 onion, quartered
For the Cranberry-Orange Glaze:
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed)
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cranberry-Orange Glazed Roast Chicken:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
To ensure your Cranberry-Orange Glazed Roast Chicken is perfectly roasted, start by prepping the chicken.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the ideal temperature to create a crisp skin and juicy, tender meat.
- Clean and Dry the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure the skin crisps up nicely while roasting. This step is essential for a beautifully roasted Cranberry-Orange Glazed Roast Chicken.
- Season Generously: Rub the chicken with olive oil and season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. For maximum flavor, be sure to season under the skin as well.
- Stuff the Cavity: Stuff the chicken with one half of the orange, rosemary sprigs, and onion quarters. This adds flavor and moisture to the Cranberry-Orange Glazed Roast Chicken.
Step 2: Make the Cranberry-Orange Glaze
The glaze is what makes this dish truly shine. A perfect combination of tart cranberries, fresh orange juice, and warm spices.
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, brown sugar, orange zest, cinnamon, cloves, and a pinch of salt.
- Simmer Until Thickened: Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Roast the Chicken
Now, let’s get the Cranberry-Orange Glazed Roast Chicken in the oven and cook it to perfection.
- Place Chicken on a Rack: Place your chicken on a roasting rack in a baking pan. If you don’t have a rack, a bed of vegetables like carrots and celery works just as well.
- Initial Roast: Roast the chicken for 45 minutes, uncovered. This allows the skin to start crisping up.
- Apply the Glaze: After 45 minutes, brush the chicken generously with the Cranberry-Orange Glaze. Don’t forget to reserve some glaze for serving later.
- Finish Roasting: Roast for an additional 30-40 minutes, basting every 10 minutes with the remaining glaze. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. This ensures your Cranberry-Orange Glazed Roast Chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Resting your chicken allows the juices to redistribute and keeps it moist.
- Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is roasted, let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. This step is crucial for retaining moisture.
- Carve and Plate: Carve the chicken and arrange it on a serving platter. Drizzle the remaining Cranberry-Orange Glaze over the chicken for an added burst of flavor.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, orange slices, and whole cranberries for a festive presentation.
Serving Suggestions for Cranberry-Orange Glazed Roast Chicken:
- Side Dishes: Pair your Cranberry-Orange Glazed Roast Chicken with classic holiday sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts with pecans, or a vibrant winter salad.
- Wine Pairing: A light Pinot Noir or crisp Chardonnay will beautifully complement the sweet and tangy glaze.
Tips for Success:
- Let the Chicken Rest at Room Temperature: Let your chicken sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before roasting to ensure even cooking.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To prevent overcooking, always check the chicken’s internal temperature. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Crispy Skin: For extra crispy skin, broil the chicken for 3-5 minutes at the end of the roasting process. Just be sure to keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
FAQ:
- Can I use turkey instead of chicken? Absolutely! The Cranberry-Orange Glazed Roast Chicken glaze works wonderfully on turkey. Just adjust the cooking time according to the size of the bird.
- Can I make the glaze ahead of time? Yes! The glaze can be prepared up to 3 days ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat before using on your Cranberry-Orange Glazed Roast Chicken.
- What can I do with leftovers? Leftover Cranberry-Orange Glazed Roast Chicken is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, and salads. The glaze also makes a delicious topping for pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Conclusion:
This Cranberry-Orange Glazed Roast Chicken is a showstopper that will impress your guests at any holiday gathering. With its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, it’s a dish that will become a tradition in your holiday recipe collection. Ready to make this beautiful and flavorful roast chicken? Try it out this season, and let us know how it turned out in the comments below!
Cranberry Benefits & Uses:
Learn more about the health benefits of cranberries on the USDA website.
Holiday Meal Ideas:
For more festive dinner ideas, check out our Holiday Recipes Collection.
Wine Pairing Suggestions:
Pair your meal with the perfect wine, like Pinot Noir or Chardonnay, by visiting Wine Enthusiast’s Wine Pairing Guide.”
Culinary Techniques:
For more tips on roasting poultry, visit America’s Test Kitchen.
