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Baked Cranberry Rosemary Chicken (One-Pan) Recipe

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This Baked Cranberry Rosemary Chicken recipe features juicy, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs marinated in a tangy cranberry rosemary sauce and baked to crispy, golden perfection. The marinade blends fresh cranberries, garlic, maple syrup, and fresh rosemary, creating a vibrant, sweet-savory flavor profile enhanced by a brief broil for crispy skin. Served with fresh rosemary sprigs and extra cranberries, this one-pan dish is both elegant and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade 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)

Chicken and Baking Ingredients

  • 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: Combine ⅓ cup fresh cranberries, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons coconut aminos, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 3 cloves of garlic, 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves, and ¼ cup dry white wine in a food processor or blender. Blend until the mixture forms a smooth, well-combined marinade.
  2. Arrange Chicken Thighs: Place 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs skin-side up in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour the cranberry rosemary marinade evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Cover the baking dish with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours for fuller flavor.
  4. Bring Chicken to Room Temperature: Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit covered at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to promote even baking.
  5. Preheat the Oven: About 10 minutes before baking, preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC).
  6. Prepare Chicken for Baking: Uncover the baking dish, and carefully scrape the marinade off the tops of the chicken thighs back into the dish without disturbing the skin. Brush 1 tablespoon of olive oil evenly over the tops, season generously with salt, then scatter ½ cup fresh cranberries and 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary around the chicken in the dish.
  7. Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes. After that, check the internal temperature regularly using a meat thermometer. Continue baking until the chicken reaches 160ºF internally.
  8. Preheat Broiler and Prep for Crisping: Remove the dish from the oven once the chicken hits 160ºF. Discard the rosemary sprigs from the baking dish. Preheat the broiler to high.
  9. Broil for Crispy Skin: Brush 1 tablespoon maple syrup over the chicken skin. Place the chicken under the broiler, watching closely, and broil until the skin becomes crispy and browned without burning.
  10. Glaze with Cranberries: Remove the baking dish promptly from the oven. Spoon the cranberries and marinade over the chicken thighs to cover them completely. Let the chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute and the internal temperature to reach 165ºF.
  11. Serve: Transfer the chicken thighs to serving plates, spoon additional cranberries and marinade on top, garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Ensure to monitor the chicken closely under the broiler to prevent burning the skin due to the sugar content in maple syrup.
  • Marinating longer (up to 24 hours) will intensify the flavors, but at least 30 minutes is sufficient for taste and tenderness.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm proper doneness to avoid undercooked poultry.
  • Substitute dry white wine with chicken broth if avoiding alcohol.
  • Fresh rosemary is preferred for the best flavor, but dried rosemary can be used in a pinch—use about one-third the amount.

Keywords: Baked chicken thighs, cranberry chicken recipe, rosemary chicken, one-pan chicken, holiday chicken dish, easy baked chicken, gluten free dinner

Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/baked-cranberry-rosemary-chicken-one-pan-recipe/