One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken

If you’re looking for a dish that brings warmth and joy to your dinner table, then the One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken is just what you need. This recipe is one of my absolute favorites because it combines the savory goodness of chicken with the bright, festive flavors of cranberries and rosemary. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings where you want to impress without spending all day in the kitchen.

What I love most about this dish is how easy it is to prepare. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, you can focus on enjoying your meal with loved ones. So, whether you’re planning a cozy dinner or a special holiday feast, this one-pan wonder will surely be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple preparation: You can have this delightful dish ready in no time with just one pan!
• Family-friendly: The flavors are mild yet delicious, making it perfect for both kids and adults.
• Festive flair: The combination of cranberries and rosemary adds a lovely seasonal touch.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prep it ahead of time and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat!
• Aromatic goodness: Your kitchen will smell amazing while this chicken bakes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the key to making this One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken so delightful. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the 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 grape juice (or chicken broth)

For the Chicken

• 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

Variations

This recipe is flexible and allows for personal twists! Here are some fun ideas to make it your own:

• Swap the protein: Use bone-in chicken legs or even turkey thighs if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Add vegetables: Toss in some carrots or Brussels sprouts for extra color and nutrition.
• Change up the herbs: Try thyme or sage instead of rosemary for a different flavor profile.
• Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes for a hint of heat if you like a little kick!

How to Make One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by mixing together the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Combine your fresh cranberries, olive oil, coconut aminos, maple syrup, minced garlic, rosemary leaves, and grape juice. This marinade not only infuses flavor into the chicken but also keeps it juicy during cooking.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken thighs in a large resealable bag or bowl. Pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are well coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes—this step is crucial as it allows those wonderful flavors to penetrate the meat.

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven

While your chicken marinates, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven ensures that your chicken gets perfectly crispy skin while keeping the meat tender inside.

Step 4: Arrange in the Pan

In a large baking dish or sheet pan, drizzle some olive oil on the bottom. Lay out your marinated chicken thighs skin-side up. Scatter any leftover marinade around them along with additional cranberries and rosemary sprigs. This not only looks beautiful but also enhances flavor as everything cooks together.

Step 5: Bake It Up!

Pop your pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The combination of roasting and caramelizing creates mouthwatering flavors that will fill your home with an irresistible aroma.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

Once done, remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Plate up those gorgeous chicken thighs with some of that fragrant cranberry sauce drizzled on top. Gather around your table and enjoy every delicious bite with family and friends!

Pro Tips for Making One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken

Creating this delicious One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken is a breeze, especially with these helpful tips!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cranberries and rosemary will brighten your dish and enhance its flavor profile, making it more vibrant and aromatic.

• Marinate for extra flavor: If you have a little extra time, marinating the chicken in the oil, coconut aminos, maple syrup, and garlic mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking will deepen the flavors and make the chicken even more tender.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: To ensure even cooking and browning of the chicken, make sure there’s enough space in the pan. If necessary, use two pans to avoid steaming instead of roasting.

• Baste during cooking: Halfway through cooking, spoon some of the delicious pan juices over the chicken. This keeps it moist and enhances flavor while it finishes cooking.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing your chicken to rest for about 5-10 minutes after cooking helps redistribute the juices. This results in a juicier end product that’s perfect for slicing.

How to Serve One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken

This festive dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a joy to present! Here are some delightful ways to serve your One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken that will impress your guests or family.

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors of the chicken.
• Zest of an orange: Grated orange zest brings a bright citrus note that balances beautifully with the cranberries and rosemary.
• Pomegranate seeds: These jewel-like seeds add a burst of sweetness and a lovely crunch, enhancing both texture and presentation.

Side Dishes

• Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a comforting pairing that soaks up all those flavorful juices from the chicken.

• Roasted Brussels sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts offer a slight bitterness that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cranberry sauce, making it a well-rounded side dish.

• Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad loaded with colorful veggies provides freshness and texture. It’s also an excellent way to include more fiber in your meal!

• Honey-glazed carrots: Sweet, tender carrots drizzled with honey complement the savory notes of the chicken while adding natural sweetness to your plate.

With these garnishes and side dish ideas, you’ll create an inviting table setting that’s perfect for any festive occasion!

Make Ahead and Storage

This One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare it ahead of time or store leftovers for quick, delicious meals throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep well for up to 3 days.
• Be sure to include some of the sauce and cranberries to maintain flavor.

Freezing

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before freezing.
• Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label it!

Reheating

• Thaw the frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 25 minutes.
• Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.

FAQs

If you have questions about this recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries.

Can I make One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken with boneless chicken thighs?

Yes, you can substitute boneless chicken thighs; just reduce the cooking time slightly as they cook faster than bone-in thighs.

What side dishes go well with One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. The flavors complement each other beautifully!

How do I know when my One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken is done cooking?

Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. The juices should run clear without any pinkness.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh in One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken?

Fresh cranberries work best for this recipe due to their tartness and texture, but if you must use dried cranberries, reduce the quantity and adjust sweetness accordingly.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this delightful One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken! It’s a festive dish that’s not only flavorful but also incredibly easy to whip up. Perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners, it’s sure to impress everyone at your table. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—happy cooking!