Are you looking for a meal that is both incredibly delicious and wonderfully simple to prepare? In that case, you have found the perfect solution. This Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots & Sweet Potatoes recipe is a true game-changer for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. It brings together the savory taste of tender chicken with the natural sweetness of roasted vegetables, all coated in a tangy and vibrant Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots & Sweet Potatoes. Consequently, you get a beautiful, one-pan dish that is packed with flavor and nutrients. This recipe not only saves you time on cleanup but also delivers a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Therefore, get ready to impress your family and friends with a dish that looks as good as it tastes.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Sheet Pan Dinner
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this easy yet elegant meal. First and foremost, the convenience is unbeatable. By combining the protein and vegetables on a single sheet pan, you significantly cut down on cooking and cleaning time. In addition, the flavors meld together beautifully as they roast in the oven. The sweet potatoes and carrots become wonderfully tender and slightly caramelized, which perfectly complements the savory chicken. Furthermore, the star of the show is undeniably the Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots & Sweet Potatoes. It provides a sweet and tangy finish that elevates the entire dish from ordinary to extraordinary. This Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots & Sweet Potatoes is also incredibly versatile. While perfect for a cozy fall dinner, it’s also elegant enough to serve during the holidays. As a result, this recipe is a fantastic, reliable option for any time of year.
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Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots & Sweet Potatoes Recipe: The 7 Ultimate Steps for a Perfect Meal
A vibrant and savory one-pan dinner featuring tender chicken thighs glazed in a tangy cranberry sauce, roasted with sweet potatoes, carrots, and red onions for a wholesome, flavorful meal.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Vegetables:
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
1 large red onion, cut into wedges
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cranberry Glaze:
1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, toss sweet potatoes, carrots, and red onion with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the prepared sheet.
3. Pat chicken thighs dry and season all sides with salt and pepper. Arrange on top of vegetables.
4. Roast in the oven for 20–25 minutes, allowing chicken to begin browning and vegetables to soften.
5. Meanwhile, make the cranberry glaze: In a saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Remove pan from oven and brush half the glaze generously over chicken thighs.
7. Return to oven and roast for another 15–20 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and vegetables are tender. Broil for 2–3 minutes if desired for crispier skin.
8. Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Brush with remaining glaze or serve it on the side.
Notes
Swap sweet potatoes with butternut squash or Yukon Gold potatoes for variety.
For a vegetarian version, use roasted tofu or cauliflower instead of chicken.
Cranberry glaze can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3–4 days and reheat in oven at 350°F for best texture.
Perfect holiday main or weeknight dinner that pairs well with salad or stuffing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with vegetables
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Ingredients For Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots & Sweet Potatoes
To create this mouthwatering dish, you will need a handful of simple, fresh ingredients. The combination of these components creates a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and sophisticated. Here is what you will need to gather.
For the Chicken and Vegetables
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
- 1 large red onion, cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Cranberry Glaze
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Step-by-Step Instructions For Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots & Sweet Potatoes
Following this guide will ensure your meal comes out perfectly every time. Each step is designed to be simple and clear, so even novice cooks can achieve fantastic results. Let’s begin making this amazing Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots & Sweet Potatoes recipe.
- Preheat and Prepare: First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This is a crucial step that you won’t want to skip.
- Season the Vegetables and Chicken: Next, in a large bowl, combine the cubed sweet potatoes, sliced carrots, and red onion wedges. Drizzle them with olive oil, and then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated. After that, spread them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and season them generously on all sides with salt and pepper. Place the chicken thighs among the vegetables on the baking sheet.
- Initial Roasting: Now, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes. During this time, the chicken will start to brown and the vegetables will begin to soften. This initial roast is key to developing flavor.
- Prepare the Cranberry Glaze: While the chicken and vegetables are roasting, you can prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the whole berry cranberry sauce, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
- Glaze the Chicken: After the initial 20-25 minutes of roasting, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Using a pastry brush, generously brush about half of the cranberry glaze over the chicken thighs. Ensure you coat them completely for maximum flavor.
- Continue Roasting: Return the baking sheet to the oven and continue to roast for another 15-20 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through, with an internal temperature reaching 165°F (74°C), and the vegetables should be tender and caramelized. For a crispier skin, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch it closely to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Finally, remove the dish from the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. You can brush the remaining glaze over the chicken or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. Arrange the delicious cranberry glazed chicken and roasted vegetables on a platter and enjoy immediately.
Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots & Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Even though this recipe is straightforward, a few expert tips can help you elevate it even further. For instance, you can easily customize the vegetables. If you’re not a fan of sweet potatoes, feel free to substitute them with butternut squash or Yukon Gold potatoes. Similarly, parsnips or Brussels sprouts make a wonderful addition or replacement for carrots. For the best flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The skin gets wonderfully crispy, and the bone helps keep the meat moist and tender. However, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can also be used; just be sure to adjust the cooking time down by about 10-15 minutes to avoid drying them out. According to WebMD, chicken is an excellent source of lean protein. Above all, don’t be afraid to adjust the glaze to your liking. If you prefer it sweeter, add a bit more maple syrup. For a tangier kick, a little extra balsamic vinegar will do the trick.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots & Sweet Potatoes recipe is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. For a truly hearty feast, especially around the holidays, consider serving it alongside a classic comfort food. For example, a scoop of creamy Thanksgiving Mac and Cheese would be a decadent and delicious addition. Another excellent choice would be a flavorful stuffing. This Cranberry Apple Stuffing beautifully complements the cranberry glaze on the chicken, tying the entire meal together. If you want to add some greens to your plate, a simple side salad or some steamed green beans would be perfect. For a more festive vegetable side, these Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts offer a salty and sweet contrast that is simply irresistible.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Fortunately, this Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots & Sweet Potatoes dish stores and reheats very well. If you have any leftovers, allow them to cool completely to room temperature. Afterward, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you are ready to reheat, you can use the microwave for a quick option. However, for the best results, we recommend reheating it in the oven. Simply place the chicken and vegetables on a baking sheet and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps to crisp up the chicken skin again and keeps the vegetables from becoming soggy.
Conclusion About Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots & Sweet Potatoes
In summary, this Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots & Sweet Potatoes recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone seeking a simple, flavorful, and visually appealing meal. The combination of tender chicken, sweet roasted vegetables, and a zesty Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots & Sweet Potatoes creates a dish that is truly unforgettable. It’s an ideal one-pan wonder that minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor, making it perfect for any occasion. We are confident that this cranberry glazed chicken will become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Therefore, give it a try and enjoy a delicious, wholesome meal that the whole family will love. Cranberries themselves are also packed with nutrients, a fact supported by health authorities like Healthline.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots & Sweet Potatoes
Can I use frozen cranberries for the glaze?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen cranberries. You will need to make a homemade cranberry sauce first by simmering the frozen cranberries with a little sugar and water until they burst and the sauce thickens. Then, you can proceed with the glaze recipe as written.
What other cuts of chicken work for this recipe?
While chicken thighs are recommended for their flavor and moisture, this recipe is also delicious with chicken drumsticks or bone-in chicken breasts. You may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts also work, but reduce the cooking time to prevent them from drying out.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can do some prep work in advance. For example, you can chop the vegetables and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. You can also make the cranberry glaze ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, simply assemble everything on the sheet pan and bake.
Are sweet potatoes a healthy choice?
Definitely. Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse. According to the Mayo Clinic, they are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a fantastic and healthy component of this cranberry glazed chicken meal.
