Delicious Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes Recipe

There’s something undeniably cozy about pulling a pan of Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes out of the oven on a chilly evening, and I’d love to share that feeling with you. I remember the first time I made this sweet and savory chicken dish. It was a rather frantic weeknight—kids running circles around the kitchen and me juggling way too many things at once. Yet somehow, this Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes recipe saved the day. The aroma of the oven-baked chicken and vegetables filled the entire house with such warmth that even the busiest evening felt like a special occasion.

This dish quickly became a family favorite, not just because it’s delicious but because it’s so forgiving. The chicken cranberry sauce glaze creates this beautiful balance between tartness and sweetness that pairs perfectly with the roasted carrots and sweet potatoes. I’ve had my fair share of kitchen mishaps—like overcooking the chicken once or trying a complicated cranberry glaze recipe that was more science experiment than dinner—but this recipe is a keeper. It has that lovely rustic charm that fits perfectly into our hectic routine without requiring hours of prep or fancy ingredients.

What I adore about Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes is how the sweet and savory notes harmonize effortlessly, making it a meal that even the pickiest eaters in my family actually look forward to—yes, even the kids! This balance is key, and the roasted carrots and sweet potatoes add that natural sweetness and slight caramelization that rounds out the dish beautifully. You could say it’s like a hug on a plate, comforting and full of homestyle goodness.

I first perfected this recipe during a long weekend when I wanted to bring something fresh to the table beyond the usual roast chicken. It’s since become my go-to oven-baked chicken and vegetables meal, especially during fall and winter when cranberries are in season. I even found a lovely community sharing cranberry ideas and dishes, like this insightful cranberry glazed carrots recipe that inspired one of my twists here. If you’re anything like me, juggling family life while trying to serve up nourishing meals, you’ll find that this Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes fits right into your rhythm.

I hope you’ll enjoy making this with me. It’s not just a recipe; it’s a moment of calm, a burst of flavor, and a little family tradition in the making. Ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into making this heartwarming dish? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

Ingredients for Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes

Okay, now that we’re excited about Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need for this sweet and savory chicken dish that’s jam-packed with flavor.

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I always use fresh chicken breasts from my local market—they tend to be juicy and perfect for oven-baking)
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (fresh are lovely when in season, but frozen works just as well and is usually more budget-friendly)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (this adds the perfect depth to the chicken cranberry sauce)
  • 1/4 cup honey (for that sticky, glossy cranberry glaze recipe touch)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (gives a little zing to the glaze)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but it adds such a cozy warmth)
  • 4 large carrots, peeled and cut into sticks (use organic carrots if you can—great flavor and kids appreciate the natural sweetness)
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (sweet potatoes are a dream in this oven-baked delight)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for garnish (these fresh herbs really help lift the dish off the page)

When making Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes, you can often find fresh cranberries at your local grocery store in the fall or winter. Frozen cranberries are an excellent year-round backup. I’ve learned from experience that making your own chicken cranberry sauce from scratch really changes the flavor game compared to store-bought sauces—you get that bright tang that cuts through the sweetness perfectly.

Here’s a Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes trick I learned from my mom: prep your veggies the night before. Peel and chop the carrots and sweet potatoes in advance, then store them in a sealed container in the fridge. It shaves a ton of time off busy weeknights. And if you’re looking to save a few pennies without sacrificing flavor, frozen pre-cut sweet potatoes can be a helpful shortcut here. Just toss them in with the carrots and roast as usual.

Remember, leftovers are a reality in most kitchens, so keep any extra cranberry glaze in a little jar in the fridge—it’s wonderful for drizzling over sandwiches or even stirring into yogurt for a breakfast twist. Plus, if you love dishes like this, you might enjoy pairing it with a chicken soup with potatoes recipe that’s equally comforting.

How to Make – Step-by-Step

Alright friend, let’s get down to business and make that Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes shine in your kitchen. Don’t worry if you haven’t cooked something like this before—this recipe is straightforward and forgiving.

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Get that oven nice and hot to get a lovely roasted finish on your chicken and veggies.
  • Prepare the cranberry glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and cinnamon over medium heat. Stir gently as the cranberries pop and break down into a sauce—this usually takes about 10 minutes. If you want a super smooth glaze, give it a quick blitz with a hand immersion blender or in your food processor.
  • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. I learned the hard way with Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes to never skimp on seasoning. It’s the backbone of flavor here.
  • Toss the carrots and sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Spread them out evenly so they roast rather than steam.
  • Place the chicken breasts on the same sheet amidst the veggies (talk about minimal cleanup). Brush each piece generously with the cranberry glaze.
  • Pop it all into the oven and roast for about 25–30 minutes, turning the chicken and vegetables halfway through and brushing the chicken again with more glaze. This oven-baked chicken and vegetables method helps everything cook evenly and soak up that tangy-sweet flavor.
  • Check for doneness. Your Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes should smell heavenly—like a blend of sweet cranberries and warm spices with that roast veg aroma. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

While it’s baking, you can prep a quick side salad or tidy up leftover dishes. This timing usually fits nicely into my after-work rhythm, and kids love sneaking little bites off the sheet once it’s out of the oven.

For more tips on roasting and glaze techniques, I love to peek at ideas like this cranberry glazed carrots recipe over at Palatable Pastime. It’s a great reminder of how versatile cranberry glaze can be.

If you ever find your chicken cranberry sauce too tart, just add a pinch more sugar or honey to balance things out—it’s a flexible recipe that allows for your family’s tastes.

And if you want a warm-up meal idea with a similar cozy vibe, you might enjoy this spicy garlic chicken stir fry with rice for days when you need something quick but still satisfying.

Serving

Plated Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes meal ready to serve

The best part of Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes is how it brings everyone to the table happy and full. The kids love our Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes when I serve it alongside a simple side of steamed green beans or a lightly dressed arugula salad to cut through the sweetness.

For festive occasions like family dinners or holiday gatherings, this dish really shines. It looks so beautiful plated—the vibrant orange roasted carrots and sweet potatoes nestled beside the glossy cranberry-glazed chicken with fresh rosemary sprigs on top. Presentation brings that extra “wow” factor without any fancy effort.

If you’re wondering about side pairings, creamy mashed potatoes or a wild rice pilaf make excellent partners because their mild flavors complement the cranberry glaze recipe without competing. We also enjoy a simple, crisp side of sautéed broccoli or the garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes and broccoli for lighter, green options.

If you have extra Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes, I like to shred the leftovers and toss them into a hearty chicken salad or mix into a hearty bowl of roasted carrots and sweet potatoes for a flavorful meal the next day. My friends always ask for this Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes recipe when they come over—guess that’s the best compliment!

It’s such a crowd-pleaser for fall and winter months, and I’ve even experimented with adding a cinnamon stick to the glaze for an extra cozy twist during holidays. You might enjoy checking out this recipe for cranberry-glazed roasted butternut squash and Brussels sprouts; it’s a nice inspiration to change up your veggies.

FAQs

I get a lot of questions about Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes, so here’s the scoop on the most common ones from readers and friends:

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs are juicier and work beautifully with the chicken cranberry sauce glaze. Just keep an eye on cooking times since thighs may need a few extra minutes.

Q: Is frozen cranberry okay for the glaze?
Yes, frozen cranberries work great and often come at a better price. Just thaw before making your cranberry glaze recipe for the best results.

Q: My carrots and sweet potatoes sometimes get mushy. How can I avoid that?
Try cutting them into similar-sized pieces and make sure they’re spread out on the baking sheet to roast, not steam. You can even roast the veggies a little ahead of time or at higher heat before adding the chicken.

Q: Can I make this ahead and freeze it?
I like to freeze the cranberry glaze separately in small portions. The oven-baked chicken and vegetables are best fresh but do reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.

Q: How do I get the cranberry glaze to be thick enough?
Simmer the cranberry sauce down slowly. If it’s not thick enough after cooking, you can add a small cornstarch slurry to get a nice coating consistency.

Q: What if I don’t like sweet potatoes?
No worries! You can swap with butternut squash or even roasted potatoes. All fantastic with the sweet and savory chicken dish flavors.

Q: Any tips for making this kid-friendly?
My trick is to blend the cranberry glaze a bit smoother and brush lightly on veggies, so it doesn’t overwhelm the natural sweetness. Pair with a dipping sauce if needed.

For more helpful tips on dealing with oven-baked chicken and vegetables, you might like this handy guide I found here.

My Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes recipe truly holds a special place in my kitchen and heart. It’s that delicious sweet and savory chicken dish that brings comfort and smiles even on the busiest days. I love how it’s rooted in simple ingredients but carries a festive flair that turns an ordinary meal into something memorable.

My Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes Pro Tips:
Always season your chicken well before glazing—it makes a world of difference!
Prep your veggies the night before to save loads of time on hectic evenings.
Don’t be shy about adjusting the sweetness level in your cranberry glaze to suit your family’s taste buds.

I’ve tried a few variations with this recipe—adding a splash of orange juice to the cranberry glaze for brighter notes, swapping sweet potatoes for butternut squash, and including fresh thyme instead of rosemary. Each version has its fans; my husband loves the orange twist, while my daughter declares the original hands-down winner.

If you’re a fan of homey comforts and easy, flavorful meals, I encourage you to make this Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes your own. It’s one of those dishes that welcomes tweaks and makes you feel like the kitchen hero without too much fuss.

I hope that as you try this recipe, it brings a little extra comfort and joy to your table—after all, that’s what cooking for family is all about. Give it a go, and don’t forget to sneak a bite of that tangy, sweet chicken cranberry sauce—it might just become your new craving.

If you enjoyed this Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes, you might also like this garlic herb chicken with cherry tomatoes and broccoli recipe, perfect for when you want something fresh and green alongside your roasted veggies.

Happy cooking, dear friend!

Print

Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots Sweet Potatoes

This Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Carrots and Sweet Potatoes combines savory and sweet flavors for a wholesome and vibrant meal perfect for dinner.

  • Author: Zoubida
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, honey, and balsamic vinegar. Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes. Set aside.
  3. Toss carrots and sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Spread on a baking sheet.
  4. Drizzle remaining olive oil over chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper.
  5. Place chicken breasts on the baking sheet with vegetables.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
  7. Remove from oven and brush chicken with cranberry glaze.
  8. Return to oven for another 5 minutes to set glaze.
  9. Garnish with fresh thyme and serve warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in half the cranberry glaze for 1 hour before cooking.

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