One Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that brings together the vibrant zing of fresh cranberries and the earthy, fragrant touch of rosemary with juicy, tender chicken all in a convenient cooking method, then you’re going to love this One Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken. It’s everything you want in a cozy, flavorful meal without the fuss of multiple pots and pans, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress friends without the stress. The blend of tart cranberries, aromatic rosemary, and perfectly roasted chicken thighs creates a delightful harmony of flavor that feels both comforting and festive. Trust me, once you try this recipe, the One Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken will become your new go-to for any season.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a handful of simple but vibrant ingredients sets the stage for what makes this One Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken truly shine — each item playing a crucial role in taste, texture, or color. Fresh cranberries bring a burst of tartness, rosemary adds its herbal magic, and the combination of oils and seasonings ensures tender, flavorful chicken with a beautiful golden finish.

• ⅓ cup fresh cranberries: These add that signature natural tartness and jewel-like color that awakens the dish.
• 2 tablespoons olive or avocado oil: Helps blend flavors and crisp the chicken skin to perfection.
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or coconut aminos: Provides savory umami depth to the marinade.
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness to balance the tart cranberries beautifully.
• 3 cloves garlic: Gives a warm, pungent kicker that complements rosemary and chicken.
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves: Infuses the dish with its unmistakable piney, aromatic flavor.
• ¼ cup dry white wine or chicken broth: Adds moisture and subtle complexity to the marinade.
• 6 medium bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: About 3 pounds—these stay juicy and develop irresistible crispy skin.
• Salt to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors perfectly.
• ½ cup fresh cranberries (extra): For adding around the chicken while baking, intensifying the fresh, tangy element.
• 4 sprigs fresh rosemary: To lay around the chicken during roasting for enhanced aroma.
• Additional maple syrup (1 tablespoon): Brushed on top before broiling for a glossy, caramelized finish.

How to Make One Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Rosemary Marinade

Start by combining fresh cranberries, olive oil, soy sauce (or coconut aminos), maple syrup, garlic, rosemary leaves, and white wine or chicken broth in a food processor or blender. Pulse these ingredients until you get a smooth and flavorful marinade. This blend is what lends the chicken its bright, tangy, and slightly sweet character, creating a mouthwatering base for the whole dish.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken thighs skin-side up in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour your luscious cranberry rosemary marinade evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is fully coated. Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours if you want to deepen those flavors even more. This step lets all those irresistible tastes soak deep into the meat so every bite is tender and flavorful.

Step 3: Preheat Oven and Prep for Cooking

About half an hour before cooking, remove the covered chicken from the fridge and let it come to room temperature. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Just before baking, carefully spoon some marinade off the tops of the chicken without disturbing the skin, then brush the skins with olive oil and season generously with salt. Scatter fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs around the chicken to infuse the entire dish with bursts of flavor and aroma.

Step 4: Bake Until Perfectly Cooked

Bake the chicken thighs uncovered for around 20 minutes. Begin checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer after that — the goal is 160 degrees Fahrenheit for juicy, safe-to-eat chicken. Keep a close watch because baking times can vary, but once you hit that temp, your chicken will be perfectly cooked through.

Step 5: Broil for Crispy Skin

Remove rosemary sprigs, then brush maple syrup over the tops of the chicken to add sweetness and help browning. Place the dish under your broiler set to high, watching carefully as the skin crisps and caramelizes. This step is what transforms your chicken skin into a beautifully browned, crispy, and sticky masterpiece. Broiling time ranges from 3 to 10 minutes depending on your broiler, so keep an eye on it!

Step 6: Rest and Serve

After broiling, spoon the pan juices and softened cranberries back over the chicken, cover, and let the thighs rest for 3 to 5 minutes. Resting finishes the cooking process and locks in those juicy flavors. Once rested and reaching 165 degrees Fahrenheit internally, your One Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken is ready to wow at the table.

How to Serve One Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh rosemary sprigs not only enhance the aroma but add a lovely visual touch when garnishing your plate. You can also drizzle a little extra maple syrup over the chicken right before serving for an added shine and sweetness. For a final flourish, consider a few fresh cranberries on the side for bursts of color and tartness that pop against the golden chicken.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple, wholesome sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or roasted root vegetables are perfect cozy companions. For something lighter, steamed green beans or a fresh arugula salad with a citrus vinaigrette cut through the richness beautifully. Even a wild rice pilaf picks up the savory and herbal notes from the chicken superbly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the chicken on a wooden cutting board with rosemary sprigs scattered around for a rustic look that invites guests to dig in family-style. You can also plate individual portions and artistically spoon the cranberry sauce and pan juices over the top. For a festive twist, add edible flowers or pomegranate seeds to brighten the presentation further — perfect for special occasions or holiday dinners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container, making sure to keep some of the cranberry sauce separate if you want the chicken to retain its crispy skin. When ready to eat, simply reheat gently to preserve moisture.

Freezing

This dish freezes well, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal. After cooking and cooling completely, place portions in freezer-safe containers or vacuum seal bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Freeze the marinade separately if you happen to prepare it ahead of time but haven’t cooked the chicken yet.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a preheated oven around 300 degrees Fahrenheit to avoid drying out the chicken, or use a skillet with a lid on low heat to refresh the skin’s crispiness. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the texture perfect.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh for the marinade?

Yes, you can absolutely use frozen cranberries if fresh aren’t available, but keep in mind the texture will be softer and they may release more liquid, which can slightly change the consistency of your marinade.

What if I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs?

Boneless, skinless thighs work just fine, but you’ll skip the broiler step for crisping skin. Instead, focus on caramelizing the maple syrup glaze under the broiler briefly so you still get a sticky, flavorful top.

Can I make this recipe Whole30 or Paleo friendly?

Definitely! Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and maple syrup, swap white wine for chicken broth, and omit maple syrup brushed on at the end or substitute with olive oil to keep it compliant.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes to infuse flavor, but no more than 24 hours. Longer marinating can intensify flavors but might start to affect the chicken’s texture if left too long.

What’s the best way to tell when the chicken is done?

Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat while staying juicy and tender.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with the One Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken. It’s a recipe that makes cooking feel warm and inviting, with elegant flavors that don’t require hours or complicated techniques. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or simply craving a meaningful home-cooked meal, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your repertoire. So grab those ingredients and give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!

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