Go Back
A table laden with Christmas food for a holiday feast.

Festive Herb-Crusted Roast Chicken with Cranberry Glaze

This festive herb-crusted roast chicken features a savory herb rub and a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze, perfect for a holiday meal. The chicken is roasted to perfection, resulting in tender meat and crispy skin.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 950
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Herb-Crusted Chicken
  • 1 whole chicken
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme finely chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
Cranberry Glaze
  • 1/2 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 2 tbsp orange juice
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
Garnish (Optional)
  • fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs

Equipment

  • Roasting Pan
  • Small Bowl
  • Small Saucepan

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
  2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, chopped rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, then rub the mixture all over the chicken.
Roasting
  1. Place the chicken in a roasting pan and roast for 60-75 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  2. While the chicken roasts, combine cranberry sauce, orange juice, and brown sugar in a saucepan and heat until the sugar dissolves.
  3. During the last 15 minutes of roasting, brush the chicken generously with the cranberry glaze.
Finishing
  1. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
  2. Garnish with fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs if desired before serving.

Notes

Resting the chicken after roasting is crucial for moisture and tenderness. For an extra crispy skin, pat the chicken very dry before applying the herb rub. You can adjust the amount of brown sugar in the glaze to your preferred sweetness. Serve with your favorite holiday side dishes like mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.