If you’re looking for a dish that brings warmth and joy to your table, then this One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken is just what you need! With the festive flavors of cranberries and rosemary, this recipe perfectly captures the spirit of winter gatherings. It’s not only easy to prepare but also makes for an impressive centerpiece at family dinners or holiday feasts.

This chicken dish is one of my favorites because it’s a breeze to make and requires minimal cleanup—perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the hassle. The combination of sweet and savory flavors will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy Preparation: With just one pan, you can whip up a mouthwatering meal in no time!
Family-Friendly Flavor: The delightful mix of cranberries and herbs appeals to both kids and adults.
Perfect for Special Occasions: This dish shines at holiday dinners or festive gatherings.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare the marinade ahead of time for stress-free cooking later.
Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with fresh flavors, this recipe keeps your meals healthy and satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that the ingredients for this One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken are simple and wholesome. Each one adds its own unique touch to create a vibrant dish that’s bursting with flavor. 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, minced
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves

For the Chicken

¼ cup dry white grape juice (or chicken broth)
6 medium bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (approximately 3 pounds)
1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
Salt (to taste)

For Garnish

½ cup fresh cranberries
4 sprigs fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon maple syrup

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

Swap the protein: Try using chicken breasts or even turkey thighs for a different take on this dish.
Add some veggies: Toss in seasonal vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts to make it even heartier.
Change up the sweetness: Substitute honey for maple syrup if you’re looking for a different flavor profile.
Experiment with herbs: If rosemary isn’t your favorite, thyme or sage would work beautifully too!

How to Make One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by mixing together your marinade ingredients: fresh cranberries, olive oil, coconut aminos, maple syrup, minced garlic, and rosemary leaves. This combination creates a perfect balance of sweet and savory that will soak into the chicken as it cooks. Don’t skip this step; marinating helps infuse every bite with flavor!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken thighs in a large bowl or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Ensure each piece is well-coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but if you have more time, let it sit longer! This allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your marinated chicken thighs skin-side down. Searing gives them a crispy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the juicy meat. Cook until golden brown on one side before flipping them over.

Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients

After searing, pour in your dry white grape juice (or chicken broth) around the chicken pieces along with any remaining marinade. Scatter additional cranberries and rosemary sprigs atop for an extra pop of color and flavor. This step not only adds moisture but creates a lovely sauce that will elevate your dish.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer your skillet to a preheated oven set at 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The aroma filling your kitchen during baking will be irresistible!

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Plate up those beautiful chicken thighs with some of that luscious sauce drizzled over them. You can garnish with more fresh cranberries and rosemary if desired! Enjoy this comforting One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken with loved ones—it’s sure to become a cherished favorite!

Pro Tips for Making One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken

This dish is not only delicious but also simple to make, and a few helpful tips can elevate your cooking experience!

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cranberries and rosemary will enhance the flavor profile significantly, providing that vibrant festive taste you crave during the holiday season.
Let the chicken marinate: If time allows, marinate the chicken in the olive oil, coconut aminos, maple syrup, and garlic mixture for at least 30 minutes. This helps infuse the flavors deeper into the meat.
Sear the chicken first: Starting with skin-side down in a hot pan allows the skin to get crispy and golden brown. This adds texture and locks in moisture for juicy chicken.
Baste during cooking: Basting the chicken with the pan juices halfway through cooking keeps it moist and flavorful while adding a beautiful glaze from the cranberry sauce.
Use a meat thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked chicken thighs, check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This avoids overcooking and ensures juiciness.

How to Serve One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken

Presenting this dish beautifully can make it even more enjoyable! Here are some ideas to serve it up with flair.

Garnishes

Fresh rosemary sprigs: Adding a few sprigs on top of your finished dish not only looks appealing but also enhances that aromatic rosemary scent.
Extra cranberries: Scatter some extra fresh cranberries around the plate for a pop of color and a hint of tartness that complements the sweetness of the chicken.

Side Dishes

Roasted Brussels sprouts: These savory bites balance out the sweetness of the chicken, offering a delightful crunch with every bite.
Garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are always a hit! They provide a comforting base that pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of this dish.
Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad with diced vegetables can add freshness and texture, making your meal feel vibrant and nutritious.
Green beans almondine: Sautéed green beans tossed with toasted almonds offer both elegance and a lovely nutty flavor that complements your main course beautifully.

Enjoy creating this festive dish! Your loved ones will surely appreciate both its flavors and presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

This One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken is perfect for meal prep! With its delicious flavors and simple ingredients, you can easily make it ahead of time. Here’s how to store and enjoy your leftovers!

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It will keep well for up to 3 days.
Make sure to include any sauce or cranberries for extra flavor when reheating.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken, let it cool completely before storing.
Place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container, making sure to remove as much air as possible.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat from the refrigerator, simply place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through (about 20-25 minutes).
For frozen chicken, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, or use the microwave on defrost setting, then finish in the oven for best results.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken that might help you out!

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of bone-in?

Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs can be used in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time, as boneless thighs may cook faster than bone-in.

What can I serve with One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. Enjoy it with your favorite sides!

How long does One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this delicious dish will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy and warmth in making this One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken! It’s a wonderful dish that brings festive flavors to your table and is perfect for gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. Don’t hesitate to try it out—I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do. Happy cooking!

One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken

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Author: Madison
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

If you’re searching for a dish that combines warmth and delightful flavors, look no further than One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken. This recipe marries the sweetness of fresh cranberries with the aromatic essence of rosemary, creating a dish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners. Easy to prepare and even easier to clean up, this one-pan meal is bound to impress your guests as a centerpiece on your table. The balance of sweet and savory will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Ingredients

Scale

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, minced
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves
¼ cup dry white grape juice (or chicken broth)
6 medium bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (approximately 3 pounds)
Salt (to taste)

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Instructions

Prepare the marinade by mixing cranberries, olive oil, coconut aminos, maple syrup, minced garlic, and rosemary.
Marinate chicken thighs in the mixture for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil and sear the marinated chicken thighs skin-side down until golden brown.
Pour in grape juice or broth and add any remaining marinade along with extra cranberries and rosemary.
Bake for about 30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Serve hot, garnished with extra cranberries and rosemary.