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One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken Recipe

One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken Recipe

4.9 from 23 reviews

This One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken recipe offers a deliciously tangy and aromatic meal featuring juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant blend of fresh cranberries, rosemary, garlic, and maple syrup. Baked to perfection and finished under the broiler for crispy skin, this dish combines savory and sweet flavors in a simple, easy-to-make one-pan preparation ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cranberry Rosemary Marinade: Add 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 into a food processor or blender. Blend or pulse until the mixture is smooth and fully combined into a marinade.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Arrange 6 medium bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs skin-side up in a single flat layer in a baking dish. Pour the prepared marinade evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the dish with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 24 hours for more flavor.
  3. Bring Chicken to Room Temperature: Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it stand covered at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. This helps the chicken cook evenly.
  4. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375º Fahrenheit. Uncover the baking dish, use a spoon or spatula to scrape the marinade off the tops of the chicken thighs back into the dish, taking care not to disturb the skin.
  5. Season and Add Cranberries: Brush 1 tablespoon olive oil evenly on top of the chicken thighs, season generously with salt, then sprinkle ½ cup fresh cranberries and 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary into the marinade around the chicken.
  6. Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, check the chicken’s internal temperature using a meat thermometer and continue baking as needed until it reaches 160º Fahrenheit.
  7. Preheat Broiler and Remove Rosemary: Once the chicken reaches 160º F, remove the dish from the oven and set aside. Preheat the broiler to High. Remove and discard the rosemary sprigs from the dish.
  8. Broil to Crisp the Skin: Brush the tops of the chicken thighs with 1 tablespoon maple syrup, then place the dish under the preheated broiler. Broil carefully, watching closely, until the skin is crisp and golden brown but not burnt.
  9. Rest and Glaze Chicken: Remove the chicken from the broiler and immediately spoon the cranberries and marinade from the dish over the thighs, covering them completely. Let the chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes while the internal temperature rises to 165º Fahrenheit.
  10. Serve: Transfer the rested chicken thighs to serving plates. Spoon additional cranberries and marinade over the top. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs if desired, and serve immediately for best flavor.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken longer (up to 24 hours) will intensify the flavors.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165º F internal temperature.
  • When broiling, watch carefully to prevent burning the skin, as maple syrup can caramelize quickly.
  • Substitute dry white wine with chicken broth if avoiding alcohol.
  • Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide better flavor and moistness compared to boneless or skinless.
  • Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes to complement the meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry chicken, rosemary chicken, one-pan chicken, baked chicken thighs, holiday chicken recipe