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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bring to Room Temperature: Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it stand covered at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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