One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This one-pan cranberry rosemary chicken is a perfect blend of savory and sweet flavors, ideal for a cozy dinner. Tender chicken thighs are marinated in a vibrant cranberry rosemary mixture, then baked and broiled to crispy perfection. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that packs big flavor with minimal effort.

A round bronze plate is filled with a base layer of light beige quinoa mixed with brown rice, creating a fluffy textured bed. On top, there are four golden-brown roasted chicken thighs arranged evenly, with their crispy skin showing caramelized edges. Bright red cranberries are scattered over the chicken pieces, adding a glossy and fresh pop of color. Small green rosemary sprigs are placed decoratively on the cranberries and chicken, giving a fresh and natural touch. Nearby, a bronze bowl with matching quinoa and rice blend is garnished with a sprig of rosemary, and two boxes of Near East Quinoa and Brown Rice Blend sit on the white marbled surface, with a red cloth hanging to the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup fresh cranberries
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 2 tablespoons coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves
  • ¼ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
  • 6 medium bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (approximately 3 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • ½ cup fresh cranberries
  • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • Sprigs of fresh rosemary (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Blend ⅓ cup fresh cranberries, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons coconut aminos, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 3 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves, and ¼ cup dry white wine in a food processor or blender until smooth to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place the 6 chicken thighs skin-side up in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, coating each piece evenly.
  3. Step 3: Cover the baking dish tightly with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate. Marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours.
  4. Step 4: When ready to cook, remove the baking dish from the fridge and let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes, covered.
  5. Step 5: Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Uncover the baking dish and use a spoon or spatula to scrape marinade off the chicken tops into the dish, being careful not to tear the skin.
  6. Step 6: Brush 1 tablespoon olive oil evenly over the chicken thighs. Season generously with salt. Scatter ½ cup fresh cranberries and 4 sprigs of rosemary around the chicken in the baking dish.
  7. Step 7: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes. Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a thermometer. Continue baking as needed, checking every few minutes, until the temperature reaches 160ºF.
  8. Step 8: Remove the dish from the oven and preheat the broiler to High. Remove and discard the rosemary sprigs from the baking dish.
  9. Step 9: Brush 1 tablespoon maple syrup over the chicken skin. Place the dish under the broiler. Broil closely until the skin crisps and browns, taking care not to burn.
  10. Step 10: Remove from the oven and spoon the cranberries and marinade over the chicken thighs. Let rest 3 to 5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
  11. Step 11: Transfer chicken to plates, spoon additional cranberries and marinade on top, garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

  • Substitute chicken broth for dry white wine to keep the dish alcohol-free without losing flavor.
  • For extra crispy skin, pat chicken dry before marinating and do not cover the dish during the last 10 minutes of baking.
  • Use frozen cranberries if fresh are unavailable; just thaw before blending.
  • Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the marinade for a more complex tangy note.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300ºF until warmed through to maintain skin crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy skin.

How to Serve

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish with six golden-brown baked chicken thighs, each with a crispy skin and small red cranberries scattered on top. The chicken pieces sit in a light brown sauce with visible mustard seeds and are garnished with green rosemary sprigs placed between and under the chicken. The dish is placed on a wooden surface with a few loose cranberries around it and parts of two clear glasses visible at the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used but adjust the baking time, as they will cook faster. Start checking doneness at around 15 minutes.

Is it necessary to broil the chicken at the end?

Broiling crisps the skin beautifully and adds a caramelized finish, but you can skip it if you prefer softer skin. The chicken will still be delicious.

Print

One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken Recipe

This One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken is a flavorful and tender dish featuring juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant blend of fresh cranberries, rosemary, garlic, and a hint of maple syrup. The chicken is baked until perfectly cooked, then broiled to crisp the skin and topped with a luscious cranberry glaze, making it an elegant yet easy meal for any occasion.

  • Author: Leo
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including 30 minutes marinating and resting time)
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cranberry Rosemary Marinade

  • ⅓ cup fresh cranberries
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 2 tablespoons coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves
  • ¼ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)

For the Chicken Thighs

  • 6 medium bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (approximately 3 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • Salt to taste

For Garnish and Final Cooking Steps

  • ½ cup fresh cranberries
  • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • Sprigs of fresh rosemary for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cranberry Rosemary Marinade: Combine ⅓ cup fresh cranberries, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons coconut aminos, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 3 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves, and ¼ cup dry white wine in a food processor or blender. Pulse until the mixture is smooth and fully combined into a flavorful marinade.
  2. Arrange Chicken Thighs: Place the 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs skin-side up in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Cover the baking dish with a lid or tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours to absorb the flavors.
  4. Bring to Room Temperature: Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it stand covered at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
  5. Preheat and Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 375º Fahrenheit. Uncover the dish, then use a spoon or spatula to gently scrape the marinade off the tops of the chicken thighs into the baking dish without tearing the skin.
  6. Season and Add Garnishes: Brush 1 tablespoon of olive oil evenly over the chicken skin. Season generously with salt. Scatter ½ cup fresh cranberries and 4 sprigs of rosemary around the chicken in the dish.
  7. Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Continue baking, checking every few minutes, until the chicken reaches 160º Fahrenheit internally.
  8. Broil for Crispy Skin: Remove the baking dish from the oven and discard the rosemary sprigs in the dish. Preheat the broiler to High. Brush 1 tablespoon maple syrup over the chicken skins. Place the dish under the broiler, watching carefully, until the skin crisps and browns without burning.
  9. Glaze and Rest: Remove the dish from the oven and immediately spoon the cranberries and marinade over the chicken thighs, covering them completely. Let the chicken rest 3 to 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and temperature to reach 165º Fahrenheit.
  10. Serve: Transfer the chicken to serving plates. Spoon additional cranberries and marinade from the baking dish over the top. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs if desired, and serve immediately for a warm, aromatic meal.

Notes

  • Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs keeps the meat juicy and flavorful during baking.
  • Be careful during broiling to watch the chicken skin so it becomes crispy and browned but not burnt.
  • Marinating overnight enhances the depth of flavor but 30 minutes is sufficient if you’re short on time.
  • Substitute dry white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option.
  • Coconut aminos can be replaced with soy sauce for a more traditional umami flavor.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165º Fahrenheit.

Keywords: Chicken thighs, cranberry, rosemary, one-pan, baked chicken, holiday chicken, savory and sweet chicken, easy chicken recipe

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