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Step 2: Season the chicken

Mix 2 tbsps of olive oil, rosemary, thyme, garlic, and lemon zest in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Now, rub the mixture all over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated. 

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Step 3: Cook the chicken

Take an oven-safe skillet. Add 2 tbsp of olive oil and heat on medium heat. Once it begins to heat, add the chicken skin side down. Cook for about five minutes, or until it turns golden. 

Flip and cook again for 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet. 

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Step 4: Cook the vegetables

Now, in the same skillet, add 2 tbsp of butter along with the carrots, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the vegetables for five minutes. Keep stirring until they soften. 

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Step 5: Add the wine and lemon juice

Pour in the wine, deglazing the pan (i.e., make the sauce by adding the wine). Scrape up any browned bits off the bottom. Simmer the wine for 5 minutes, until it reduces slightly. Remove the skillet from the heat and add the chicken to the bed of carrots. Squeeze the lemon juice.

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Step 6: Prep the cranberries

In a small bowl, add the cranberries, brown sugar and balsamic vinegar and give it a good toss. Sprinkle the cranberries over the chicken.

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Step 7: Roast the chicken

Transfer the chicken and cranberry skillet to the oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. While the chicken roasts, prepare your mashed potatoes.

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Step 8: Rinse, chop, and boil the potatoes

Rinse the potatoes in a colander under running water to remove all dirt. Now, peel them and chop them into 2-inch cubes. Add the chopped potatoes, 2 cups of water, garlic, and ½ tsp of salt to a pan. Cover the pan and boil on medium heat for 15 minutes or till the potatoes are fork-tender (soft but not falling apart). Drain the water. 

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Step 9: Mash the potatoes

Gently warm the milk and butter together until just steamy (don’t boil). Add this warm mixture to the potatoes. Now, using a vegetable masher, mash till you get a smooth, fluffy texture. Season with salt and pepper. 

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Step 10: Assembling the dish

Remove the roasted chicken and cranberries from the oven. Place it on a plate, along with mashed potatoes on the side. Drizzle the remaining sauce in the skillet on top of the chicken. Serve hot.