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One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken Recipe

5 from 88 reviews

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.

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