Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken

If you’ve been hunting for a dinner that feels festive without demanding an entire afternoon in the kitchen, this Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken is about to become your new weeknight hero. It’s sweet, savory, cozy, and—best of all—totally doable even on the days when you’re juggling work, kids, pets, and whatever else life throws your way.

As someone who built Chicken Magic Recipes to help busy home cooks feel confident, I love sharing meals like this—recipes that look fancy but feel easy. And trust me, that first bite of maple-kissed, cranberry-glazed chicken might just make you feel like you’ve stepped into the warmest holiday memory… even if it’s a random Tuesday in March.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken

This dish checks all the boxes we care about as home cooks:

• Flavorful but simple. Sweet maple syrup, tart cranberries, herbs, butter… what’s not to love?
• Hands-off cooking. Most of the magic happens in the oven.
• Whole-family friendly. Kids love the sweetness. Adults love the depth. Win-win.
• Beautiful on the table. This is the kind of chicken that makes guests think you tried too hard. (Don’t worry—we won’t tell.)

I started making this recipe for family gatherings years ago, and after watching my nieces go back for seconds—kids who previously believed chicken only came in nugget form—I knew it deserved a permanent spot on the blog.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything required for your Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken, broken down so prepping feels effortless.

For the Chicken

• 1 whole organic chicken (5–10 lbs)
• 3–4 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• Salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder
• Parsley, basil, red pepper flakes
• Fresh thyme, sage, and rosemary (for stuffing and garnishing)
• Softened salted butter
• Garlic cloves
• Onion (yellow, white, or red)

Veggies (optional but recommended)

• Onions, carrots, garlic cloves—or mix in your favorites for a heartier roast.

Herb + Maple Brine (Optional but Highly Recommended)

If you want unbelievably juicy chicken, take the extra step to brine. It adds depth, amplifies the sweet-savory balance, and gives that gorgeous roasted finish.

Brine Ingredients

• 1 gallon water
• ½ cup sea salt
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 3–5 sprigs each: thyme, rosemary, sage
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• Ice (for cooling the brine)

Brine Directions

1. Make the base: In a large pot, bring water, salt, and brown sugar to gentle heat until dissolved.
2. Add flavor: Stir in garlic, herbs, oregano, black pepper, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
3. Cool completely: Add ice to bring temperature down. (Warm brine + raw chicken = nope!)
4. Soak the chicken: Submerge the bird, cover, and refrigerate 12–18 hours.
5. Prep for roasting: Rinse lightly and pat completely dry—crispy skin depends on it.

Aneta’s Tip: Swap 2 cups of water for cranberry juice or apple cider for deeper, sweeter notes. Your taste buds will thank you.

Cranberry Maple Glaze

This glossy, ruby-red glaze is the star of the whole recipe.

You’ll need:

• Pure maple syrup
• Fresh or frozen cranberries
• Cranberry juice (or chicken stock for a more savory finish)
• A pinch of red pepper flakes

This glaze reduces beautifully, thickening into a sauce that clings to every bite of chicken like it was meant to be there all along.

How to Make Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken

Follow these simple steps and your home will smell like the coziest fall afternoon—no scented candle required.

1. Preheat + Prep

Set your oven to 425°F.
Place a rack in the center and line a roasting pan with veggies if using. These not only add flavor but help keep the chicken elevated.

2. Butter the Bird

Pat your chicken dry (seriously—dryer than your humor after a long week).
Rub softened butter all over the skin, including under the breast skin if you feel fancy.

Sprinkle generously with:

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder
• Parsley
• Basil
• A touch of red pepper flakes

3. Stuff for Flavor

Inside the cavity, tuck in:

• A few onion wedges
• Fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage

This creates steam and aroma from the inside out.

4. First Roast

Place chicken breast-side up. Roast uncovered for 45 minutes.

5. Make the Glaze

While your chicken works its magic, simmer:

• 1 cup cranberries
• ½–1 cup maple syrup
• ¼–⅓ cup cranberry juice (or stock)
• A pinch of red pepper flakes

Cook until berries burst and the mixture thickens slightly.

6. Glaze + Return to Oven

Brush half the glaze over the chicken. Roast another 25–35 minutes, basting occasionally.

7. Final Glaze

Brush remaining glaze over the chicken. Roast 5–10 more minutes, or until it reaches 165°F internally and the skin is glossy, caramelized, and irresistible.

8. Rest + Serve

Let your masterpiece rest 10–15 minutes before carving.
Trust me—resting is the secret to juicy meat.

Tips for the Best Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken

• Dry the chicken well. Moisture = steam. Steam = sad, floppy skin.
• Don’t skip the butter. It’s key to that golden finish.
• Use fresh herbs when possible. They perfume the chicken from inside.
• If your glaze looks too thick: Add a splash of cranberry juice to loosen it.
• If your glaze looks too thin: Simmer 1–2 more minutes. Don’t panic—this is normal!

The first time I made this roast, I got distracted by my dog stealing a carrot off the counter. The glaze simmered too long and turned into cranberry caramel… and honestly? Still delicious. So don’t stress—this recipe is forgiving.

FAQs About Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken

Bring the Magic Home

If you want a dish that feels special without demanding chef-level skills, this Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken is the perfect recipe to bring to your table. Whether you’re feeding picky kids, impressing dinner guests, or treating yourself after a long week, this roast delivers warmth, flavor, and just enough wow-factor to make you proud.

I hope your kitchen fills with the same joy mine does every time I make this. And if your family ends up requesting it for holidays, birthdays, or random Mondays?
Welcome to the Chicken Magic club—where great chicken makes every day a little brighter.

More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love

If this Cranberry Maple Roast Chicken brought a little extra magic to your table, you might enjoy a few more cozy dishes that pair perfectly with the season. Whether you’re planning a holiday menu or just want something warm and comforting for a quiet night in, these recipes keep the flavors festive and the cooking stress-free. Here are some delicious ideas to try next:

• For a show-stopping appetizer that always gets compliments, check out the beautiful Cranberry Brie Crescent Wreath.
• If you love sweet-tart flavors, you’ll adore the Crispy Honey-Roasted Butternut with Cranberries—it’s a perfect side for any roasted chicken dinner.
• When you’re craving something warm and soothing, curl up with a bowl of Creamy White Chicken and Rice Soup.
• And for dessert? The Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie brings all the holiday comfort in one irresistible slice.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d truly love to hear how it turned out for you—please take a moment to leave a star rating and share your review. Your feedback helps others discover their next favorite dish! ⭐️🍽️

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