Description
This maple-glazed roast chicken is a cozy, flavorful dish perfect for fall dinners and holiday celebrations. With juicy meat, caramelized skin, and a sweet-savory glaze, it’s a seasonal favorite that’s simple yet impressive.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken (4–5 lbs)
- ½ cup pure maple syrup (preferably dark)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 lemon, quartered (optional, for cavity)
- Fresh rosemary and thyme sprigs (for cavity and garnish)
- Root vegetables (optional: carrots, parsnips, or potatoes to roast with chicken)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Stuff the cavity with lemon wedges and fresh herbs if desired.
- In a saucepan, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and minced garlic. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Place the chicken breast-side up in a roasting pan. Brush with a generous layer of maple glaze.
- Roast for about 90 minutes, basting with glaze every 25–30 minutes. Add vegetables around the chicken halfway through if roasting them together.
- Raise oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last 10 minutes to crisp the skin.
- Check for doneness (internal temperature should reach 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh). Remove and let rest for 10–15 minutes before carving.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with seasonal sides.
Notes
- You can make the glaze up to 3 days ahead and store it in the fridge.
- For even more flavor, add a splash of apple cider vinegar or smoked paprika to the glaze.
- Leftovers store well for 3 days and can be used in salads, sandwiches, or soups.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner / Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American