Let me take you on a flavor adventure I won’t forget: the first time I tasted Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes. There I was, in my bustling kitchen, on a quest to shake up dinner with a bold, autumn chicken meal that sings with brightness and heartiness. The tangy-sweet glaze hit my tongue with a surprising zing, perfectly balanced by the caramelized roasted carrots and earthy sweet potato side dish. That moment, every bite telling a story, sealed it for me — this is a glazed chicken dinner that demands to be made again and again.
This Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a full-on flavor party that screams Cuba Queen’s bold flavor philosophy. It’s about no-nonsense flavor bombs that upgrade your dinner routine to celebration-worthy status. The cranberry glaze packs a punch that flirts with sweet, tart, and savory. Those tender carrots and sweet potatoes roast to golden perfection, soaking up every bit of the glaze for a mouthwatering combo. The layers of flavor here are what keep taste testers begging for more.
I’ve brewed countless versions of this autumn chicken meal, tweaking and testing to nail each flavor note. Nothing boring or weak—just pure satisfaction on a plate. This recipe is a shining star for anyone who craves that perfect balance of sweet and savory, with enough texture plays to keep every forkful exciting. Trust me when I say, this Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes will be your new go-to for bold dinners that don’t quit.
Ready to dive into this flavor explosion? I’m sharing every juicy secret and proud moment from my kitchen to yours. Can’t wait for you to taste the magic!
Ingredients You Need for This:

This Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! Here’s the lineup that fuels this bold, crowd-pleasing meal:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (choose these for max juicy flavor)
- 2 cups fresh cranberries (frozen work too but fresh bring that extra punch)
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup (the game-changer instead of ordinary sugar)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (adds that tang that wakes up the glaze)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (smokiness takes the glazed chicken dinner to the next level)
- 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into thick sticks (roasted carrots have to be meaty and caramelized)
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (this sweet potato side dish steals the spotlight with its natural sweetness)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (for roasting and searing, don’t cheap out)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: A few fresh thyme sprigs or rosemary for fresh herb magic
The secret to epic Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes is using pure maple syrup instead of ordinary sugar — it’s not just sweetness; it’s depth and a subtle woodsy flavor that pairs perfectly with cranberries. You’ll find the best ingredients for this Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes at your local farmer’s market or well-stocked grocery stores specializing in fresh produce. Pro power tip: Pick carrots with their bright orange hue and firm texture — they’ll roast to perfection and keep that balanced texture that your palate craves.
If you’re on a budget, frozen cranberries still pack a punch for this cranberry chicken recipe. Grab organic if you can; they’re less tart and have better flavor complexity. For olive oil, don’t settle for the cheap stuff — this ingredient hits multiple parts of your dish from searing chicken thighs to roasting veggies with crisp edges.
Store your sweet potatoes in a cool, dark place until ready. Prep your carrots and sweet potatoes in advance and toss them lightly with olive oil and salt, so they’re ready to join your glazed chicken dinner at a moment’s notice. This setup shaves off time and keeps the kitchen rhythm flowing smooth.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Ready to turn these ingredients into a food celebration? Here’s the step-by-step Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes playbook.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This heat is crucial — trust me, it’s the sweet spot that gives the roasted carrots and sweet potatoes those irresistible caramelized edges.
- Make the cranberry glaze:
- Toss fresh cranberries, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika into a saucepan.
- Cook on medium heat, stirring frequently for about 10 minutes. You want those berries to burst and transform into a thick, shiny glaze.
- Once thickened, give it a quick taste. Balance is king here—if it’s too tart, add a splash more maple syrup.
- Prep your chicken:
- Pat dry those chicken thighs and season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken skin-side down until the skin crisps and turns golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
- Flip and cook the other side for 3 minutes.
- Add your veggies:
- Arrange carrots and cubed sweet potatoes around the chicken in the skillet.
- Drizzle with remaining olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
- Pour half the cranberry glaze over the chicken and veggies — this is where your Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes transforms into pure magic.
- Roast in the oven:
- Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes. Pro tip: For the best glazed chicken dinner, baste the chicken and veggies with more glaze every 10 minutes. This layering creates that sticky, shiny finish people rave about.
- Check veggies for softness and chicken for an internal temp of 165°F.
- Final glaze and serve:
- Remove skillet from oven and spoon remaining glaze over everything generously.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so flavors meld perfectly and juices settle.
Don’t stress — your Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes is going to be incredible. When it comes out of the oven, your kitchen will smell like fall’s boldest flavor bomb: a combo of tart cranberry sweetness and roasted carrot earthiness with that warm sha-paprika kiss. While it’s roasting, I recommend grabbing your camera — this is Instagram gold, folks!
For another take on sweet potato action, if this recipe rocks your world, you NEED to try my chili garlic sweet potatoes for some spicy-sweet vibes that contrast brilliantly with this glazed chicken dinner.
Presentation:

When it comes to serving this Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes, presentation is part of the party. People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this dish at family dinners or casual gatherings — it looks as good as it tastes. Here’s how to make it an eye-catcher:
- Start by plating one or two chicken thighs front and center. Arrange roasted carrots and sweet potato cubes like a colorful garden around the chicken.
- Drizzle any leftover cranberry glaze on top — that shiny hit draws the eye and amplifies flavor layers.
- Add a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary on each plate for that fresh pop and aroma boost.
Pair this glazed chicken dinner with a crisp green side salad or creamy mashed potatoes for contrast. I once served this Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes at a fall party, and my guests raved about the combination of sweet and savory, shouting, “Where has this autumn chicken meal been all our lives?”
For a festive touch, place the plates on rustic wood cutting boards or colorful platters. Use small bowls for any extra glaze on the side — because everyone deserves a little extra drizzle. Creative leftover transformations? Chop the roasted carrots and sweet potatoes for an epic cranberry chicken salad or toss with quinoa for a powerhouse Autumn bowl.
This Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes shines in seasonal variations, too. I’ve swapped out carrots for roasted parsnips or added shallots for an extra caramelized punch — which reminds me of fresh shallots’ magic in autumn flavors as seen in shallots — Blog — Foraged Dish.
FAQs:
Let’s get real with the top questions you’ve asked about Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes:
Q: Can I make this Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes spicier?
Absolutely! Add a pinch of cayenne to your cranberry glaze or sprinkle chili flakes over your roasted carrots. This flavor adventure takes a delicious turn when heat meets sweet tartness — and for a spicy kick, check out my sweet chili chicken bowl recipe.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh cranberries for my cranberry chicken recipe?
Frozen cranberries work just fine. Defrost them slightly before cooking so they break down into a glaze better. No fresh? No problem — this glazed chicken dinner still shines.
Q: How do I know when my Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes is perfectly done?
Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temp at 165°F. The carrots and sweet potatoes should be fork-tender with golden edges. Your kitchen will smell like victory!
Q: Can I prep parts of this recipe ahead?
For sure! You can make the cranberry glaze a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Chop your veggies in advance, too. On cooking day, everything comes together lightning fast.
Q: What’s the best pairing for this glazed chicken dinner?
Try a side salad with a bright vinaigrette or creamy garlic mashed potatoes. For more bold ideas, peek at this Apple cider glazed chicken drumsticks with roasted vegetables, which shares that cozy vibe perfect for cooler nights.
Q: Can I swap chicken thighs for breasts?
You can, but thighs hold moisture and flavor better under the cranberry glaze. If using breasts, keep a close eye during roasting to avoid drying out.
Q: Any tips if I want to make this even more autumnal?
Add diced apples to the roasting pan or sprinkle cinnamon into the cranberry glaze. For grilled fans, Copeland’s grilled chicken & yams with mashed sweet potatoes is a brilliant inspiration for that smokey fall vibe!
Conclusion:
This Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes is everything Cuba Queen stands for — bold, unapologetic flavor that turns everyday meals into celebrations. It’s an autumn chicken meal that dances between tart and sweet with layers of roasted goodness, designed to thrill your senses and impress your crew.
My Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes Power Tips:
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the juiciest bite and crisp skin.
- Don’t skip basting with the cranberry glaze during roasting — it makes all the difference.
- Swap maple syrup for a local honey if you crave a complex floral sweetness.
I’ve made this recipe in these epic variations: a spicier version with chili flakes that lights up the glaze, a herby twist using fresh rosemary and thyme, and a luxe version with shallots stirred into the carrots and sweet potatoes for caramelized magic. The classic maple-boosted version still gets the biggest applause and smiles at my dining table.
Make this Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes your signature bold dinner and watch how it turns simple nights into flavor-packed memories. I believe in your kitchen success — this recipe is failproof with a little love and attention. Don’t forget to tag me or drop a line sharing your version of this delicious glazed chicken dinner. Your flavor journey starts here — now go make some unforgettable meals!
And hey, if you love this cranberry chicken recipe’s vibe, check out my maple glazed chicken with sweet potatoes for another flavor-bomb winner to spice up your rotation.
Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes
This Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots and Sweet Potatoes offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors, making it an easy and wholesome dinner option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cups carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
- 2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, and Dijon mustard. Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst and sauce thickens, about 8-10 minutes. Set aside.
- Place carrots and sweet potatoes on a baking sheet. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Roast for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Remove vegetables from oven, push to one side. Place chicken breasts on the tray and brush each with half the cranberry glaze.
- Return to oven and bake for another 20-25 minutes, brushing chicken with remaining glaze halfway through, until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in half the cranberry glaze for 30 minutes before cooking. Serve with a side of steamed green beans for a complete meal.

