Name: Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken: A Festive Flavor Explosion
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 80 min
Total time: 110 min
Ingredients: 1 whole Chicken (Substitution: Game hens work for smaller gatherings.); to taste Salt; to taste Pepper; 1 cup Cranberry Sauce (Substitution: Homemade cranberry sauce brings a fresh twist.); 1 tablespoon Orange Zest (Substitution: Lemon zest gives an alternate flavor.); 2 tablespoons Fresh Rosemary (Substitution: Dried rosemary, halve the amount.); 1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme (Substitution: Dried thyme, halve the amount.)

As the holiday season approaches, I often find myself daydreaming about the comforting meals that bring friends and family together. One dish that has quickly become my festive favorite is Cranberry Orange Spatchcock Chicken. With its juicy, tender meat and a luscious glaze that harmonizes sweet and tangy notes, this recipe not only impresses but also makes your kitchen feel like a warm holiday haven. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity; spatchcocking the chicken allows for quicker cooking and even browning, making it an excellent choice for both a celebratory feast and a cozy weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s gluten-free and dairy-free, accommodating various palates with ease! Are you ready to create a centerpiece that will have everyone coming back for seconds? Let’s dive into this delicious adventure!

Why is this dish a holiday favorite?

Irresistible Flavor: The Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken combines sweet and tart notes that create a delightful flavor explosion, making it a hit at any gathering.

Easy Preparation: Spatchcocking simplifies the cooking process, ensuring even cooking and perfect crispiness without requiring advanced culinary skills.

Versatile for Occasions: Whether it’s for a festive holiday feast or a cozy family weeknight dinner, this dish shines in every setting.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: With its stunning presentation, this chicken is sure to impress your guests and make them ask for the recipe.

Need some delicious sides to complement your meal? Try serving this alongside Roasted Sweet Potatoes or a fresh Winter Salad for a colorful table.

Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken Ingredients

• Get ready for a flavorful feast!

For the Chicken

Whole Chicken – The star of the show, this creates a juicy centerpiece that everyone will love. Substitution: For smaller gatherings, game hens work wonderfully!
Salt and Pepper – Always essential for elevating and enhancing the flavors of your dish.

For the Glaze

Cranberry Sauce – Delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and tart, elevating the dish with rich flavors. Substitution: Homemade cranberry sauce brings a fresh twist!
Orange Zest – Adds a bright, citrusy aroma that lifts the overall flavor profile. Substitute: Lemon zest gives a unique and refreshing alternate flavor.
Fresh Rosemary – This herb introduces a fragrant experience in your glaze, enhancing the festive vibe. Substitute: If fresh rosemary isn’t on hand, use dried rosemary—just halve the amount!
Fresh Thyme – Complements the rosemary beautifully with its earthy notes. Substitute: Dried thyme works if you have it, also cut the amount in half.

Enjoy building your Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken with these simple yet impactful ingredients!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by unwrapping your whole chicken and patting it dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture, ensuring crispy skin. Place the chicken on a cutting board with the backbone facing up, which prepares it for the spatchcocking process. Ensure you have a sharp pair of kitchen scissors or a knife ready for the next step.

Step 2: Spatchcocking the Chicken
Using your sharp kitchen scissors, carefully cut alongside the backbone of the chicken to remove it, letting the backbone fall away. Discard this or save it for a future stock. Now, flip the chicken breast side up, and using your palms, press down firmly on the breastbone until you hear a pop, flattening the chicken for even cooking.

Step 3: Make the Glaze
In a medium-sized bowl, combine cranberry sauce, orange zest, chopped fresh rosemary, and fresh thyme. Stir these ingredients together until well mixed, creating a luscious glaze that will infuse your chicken with a delightful sweet and tangy flavor. Set this aside, as it will be used to enhance your spatchcocked chicken.

Step 4: Season and Glaze the Chicken
Now, generously season the spatchcocked chicken with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance the flavor. Using a brush or spoon, basting the chicken with your prepared cranberry orange glaze, ensuring it’s well-coated for a rich taste. This is where the recipe really begins to shine, as the glaze promises a beautiful caramelization.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the glazed chicken on a baking sheet or roasting pan. Bake for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown, and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. Keep an eye on it; you’ll want that enticing golden color!

Step 6: Resting the Chicken
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring your Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken remains juicy and tender when it’s time to carve. Don’t skip this step—your patience will pay off in flavor!

What to Serve with Cranberry Orange Spatchcock Chicken

As the inviting aromas of your cranberry orange glazed chicken waft through the kitchen, let’s explore delightful side dishes that enhance this festive meal.

Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The velvety texture of mashed potatoes complements the juicy chicken perfectly, soaking up the delicious glaze.
Honey-Roasted Carrots: These sweet and tender carrots bring a pop of color and natural sweetness that balances the dish’s flavors beautifully.
Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: Crispy Brussels sprouts add a savory crunch, their earthiness enhancing the chicken’s vibrant glaze.
Winter Kale Salad: A refreshing mix of kale, cranberries, and toasted nuts provides a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken, while citrus dressing ties it all together.
Sautéed Green Beans: Lightly sautéed green beans maintain a snap that complements the chicken’s rich texture—the freshness is simply delightful!
Mulled Wine: This warm, spiced drink adds a cozy touch to your holiday dinner, enhancing the festive atmosphere while perfectly accompanying the layered flavors of the chicken.

Preparing these sides will surely create a warm and inviting meal that your loved ones will cherish every bite!

Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken Variations

Feel free to get creative with this recipe and personalize it to suit your taste buds!

Dairy-Free: Use almond milk or coconut milk butter in place of any dairy-based alternative, ensuring a vegan-friendly dish.
By opting for dairy-free, you can still enjoy rich flavors without compromise.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to your glaze for a subtle heat boost.
The kick of spice will turn up the excitement with every bite!
Herb Infusion: Swap fresh rosemary and thyme with Italian herbs like oregano and basil for a Mediterranean flair.
This variation will transport your taste buds to sunny coasts with its aromatic notes.
Cranberry Twist: Mix in some orange marmalade or apricot preserves into the cranberry sauce for a unique flavor fusion.
This not only enhances sweetness but also adds a delightful textural element to the glaze!
Fruit Medley: Incorporate chopped apples or pears into the glaze for an extra fruity surprise.
These additions create layers of flavor that will impress your guests and brighten up the dish!
Citrus Variation: Substitute the orange zest with grapefruit or lime zest for a refreshing twist.
This change will awaken your senses and add a zesty brightness to your dish!
Roasting Partner: Serve with roasted seasonal vegetables, like Brussels sprouts and carrots, for a colorful, nutritious side.
These veggies not only complement the chicken but they also create a beautiful presentation on your holiday table.

Try pairing this chicken with a fresh Winter Salad or a comforting helping of Roasted Sweet Potatoes to create a delightful, harmonious meal!

How to Store and Freeze Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken

Fridge: Store any leftover Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and flavorful.

Freezer: You can freeze the glazed chicken for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating: For best results, reheat the chicken in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. This helps maintain its crispy skin and juicy tenderness.

Thawing: When ready to enjoy again, thaw the frozen chicken in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the texture intact and ensures even heating.

Make Ahead Options

These Cranberry Orange Spatchcock Chicken preparations are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can spatchcock the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating to maintain freshness. Additionally, the cranberry orange glaze can be made up to 3 days ahead—simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, remove the chicken from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before seasoning and glazing. This ensures an even cook and deliciously crispy skin. By prepping ahead, you save valuable time and can enjoy restaurant-quality results with minimal effort!

Expert Tips for Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken

Use Sharp Scissors: Spatchcocking is much easier with sharp kitchen scissors, ensuring a clean cut and safer handling when preparing the chicken.
Monitor Temperature: Keep an eye on the internal temperature, making sure it reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part for perfectly cooked, juicy meat.
Resting Period: Don’t rush! Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist.
Crispy Skin Hack: For ultra-crispy skin, pat the chicken dry thoroughly before seasoning and glazing, as excess moisture can prevent browning.
Glaze Evenly: Use a brush to glaze the chicken thoroughly, ensuring every nook is coated—this will result in a beautiful caramelization and enhanced flavor!

Having these expert tips will make your Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken a complete showstopper at any gathering!

Cranberry Orange Spatchcock Chicken Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing a whole chicken, look for one with a plump and firm texture. The skin should be smooth and pale without any dark spots. Opt for organic or free-range chickens when possible, as they usually offer superior flavor and quality.

What is the best way to store leftovers?
Very! Store any leftover Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the chicken has cooled completely before sealing to maintain freshness. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the oven for best results.

Can I freeze the spatchcocked chicken?
Of course! You can freeze the glazed chicken for up to 3 months. To do this, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture and flavor.

How do I troubleshoot if my chicken isn’t crispy?
If your chicken skin isn’t as crispy as you hoped, there are a few things to check. First, ensure the chicken was thoroughly dried before seasoning and glazing. Excess moisture can prevent crisping. Also, make sure your oven is preheated to the right temperature (425°F/220°C) for optimal browning. If the skin is still not crisping up, you can broil it for the last few minutes of cooking for added crunch!

Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! This Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for many dietary preferences. If you’re serving guests with allergies, always double-check the ingredients in your cranberry sauce and any additional sides, and consider homemade options to ensure they’re safe and enjoyable for everyone!