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Festive Chicken Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • Bone-in skin-on chicken thighs or whole chicken
  • Fresh or frozen cranberries
  • Orange zest and juice
  • Unsalted butter
  • Olive oil
  • Chicken stock
  • Garlic powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Fresh rosemary
  • Fresh sage
  • Fresh thyme
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Optional: Grand Marnier liqueur
  • Optional: Carrots and onions for roasting

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, mix together the garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and fresh herbs. Rub this mixture all over the chicken, making certain it's well coated.
  • For added flavor, you can stuff some citrus slices and fresh herbs inside the cavity if using a whole chicken.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the cranberries, orange zest, and orange juice. If desired, add a splash of Grand Marnier for an extra festive flavor. Set aside this mixture to use later.
  • Place the marinated chicken in a roasting pan and drizzle with olive oil and melted unsalted butter. If using a whole chicken, elevate it on a rack or a bed of chopped carrots and onions for even cooking.
  • Pour the chicken stock around the chicken in the roasting pan, then spread the cranberry and orange mixture over the top of the chicken.
  • Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil, making sure it's tented to allow for steam to circulate. Place the pan in the preheated oven and roast for about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the size of the chicken, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Remove the foil during the last 20 minutes of cooking to allow the skin to brown and crisp up. Once done, let the chicken rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving.
  • Use the pan drippings to create a delicious gravy by whisking in some flour or cornstarch to thicken it, if desired.