Description
A cozy and flavorful Apple Cranberry Roasted Chicken recipe featuring bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs roasted alongside sweet apples, tart cranberries, and red onions with a maple-balsamic glaze. This gluten-free main course delivers a perfect balance of savory and fruity elements, ideal for fall or holiday dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Fruit & Vegetables
- 2 apples, sliced
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 small red onion, sliced
Glaze
- 1/4 cup apple cider or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin and season them evenly with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and ground cinnamon.
- Arrange fruit and vegetables: Drizzle olive oil into a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Evenly spread sliced apples, cranberries, and red onion across the bottom to create a flavorful bed for the chicken.
- Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider (or chicken broth), maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar until well combined to form a tangy-sweet glaze.
- Assemble and roast: Pour the glaze over the fruit and onion mixture. Nestle the seasoned chicken pieces on top, skin side up, to allow the skin to crisp during roasting. Place the skillet in the oven and roast uncovered for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Finish and garnish: Once cooked, spoon some of the pan juices over the chicken to enhance flavor and moisture. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken for the best flavor and moisture retention.
- If using boneless chicken, reduce cooking time to 25–30 minutes to prevent overcooking.
- Pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.
