I can still remember the first time I made Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken. It was a chilly autumn evening, and I was craving something warm, comforting, and packed with flavor. As I gathered the ingredients and started prepping, the aroma of the rosemary and cranberries wafted through the kitchen, instantly putting me at ease. When I finally pulled the golden-brown chicken out of the oven, I knew I had stumbled upon a true gem of a recipe. The combination of the juicy, tender chicken, the tangy cranberries, and the fragrant rosemary was an absolute delight. From that moment on, Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken has become a regular in my dinner rotation, and I can’t wait to share this family-favorite with you.
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Why This Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken
This Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken recipe is truly a game-changer. The secret lies in the perfect balance of flavors and the simple, yet effective cooking method. By roasting the chicken thighs alongside the cranberries and rosemary, you end up with a dish that is both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. The cranberries provide a tart, fruity element that perfectly complements the savory chicken, while the rosemary adds a wonderful aromatic note that ties everything together. And the best part? This recipe makes 6 servings, so you can easily feed a crowd or enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken, you’ll need:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
- 3 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
These ingredients come together to create a truly mouthwatering dish that your family and friends will love.
Step-by-Step Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken Instructions
Preparing Your Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken
This recipe takes 40 minutes total – 10 minutes for prep and 30 minutes for cooking. You’ll need a large, oven-safe skillet or baking sheet to make this dish. Let’s get started!
1- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the 6 chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season them evenly with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.
2- In a large, oven-safe skillet or on a baking sheet, arrange the 6 chicken thighs skin-side up. Scatter the 12 ounces of fresh or frozen cranberries around the chicken and sprinkle the 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh rosemary over everything.
3- Drizzle the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken and cranberries, making sure to coat everything evenly.
4- Roast the Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
5- Remove the skillet or baking sheet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
6- Serve the Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken warm, spooning the roasted cranberries and any pan juices over the top.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips:
- Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Fresh cranberries are best, but you can use frozen if needed.
- Be sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning to get that nice, crispy skin.
- Resist the urge to overcrowd the pan – give the chicken and cranberries plenty of room to roast.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serving and Storing Your Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken
Perfect Pairings for Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken
This Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with roasted Brussels sprouts, a fresh green salad, or a side of mashed potatoes or wild rice. For beverages, a crisp white wine or a warm, spiced cider would be the perfect accompaniment. This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, as it serves 6 people, with each serving being 1 chicken thigh.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken and cranberries in a baking dish and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. For meal prep, you can assemble the entire dish in advance and keep it refrigerated until ready to bake. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken
Creative Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken Variations
There are so many ways to put a twist on this Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken recipe. For a burst of citrus, try adding some orange zest or a squeeze of fresh orange juice. You could also swap out the rosemary for other fresh herbs like thyme or sage. In the fall, you could incorporate diced apples or pears. And for a touch of sweetness, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup would be a delicious addition.
Making Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken Diet-Friendly
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, and you can easily make it low-carb by serving it with roasted vegetables instead of starchy sides. For a vegan version, replace the chicken with cubed tofu or chickpeas and use a plant-based oil instead of olive oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
A: While fresh cranberries are ideal, you can use dried cranberries if needed. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be a bit different. Start with 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and adjust to taste.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 6 servings, with each serving being 1 chicken thigh.
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Absolutely! You can use chicken breasts, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted. Start checking for doneness a bit earlier, as chicken breasts tend to cook faster than thighs.
Q: How long will the leftovers keep?
A: Leftover Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken and cranberries in a baking dish and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.
Q: My chicken didn’t get crispy – what did I do wrong?
A: Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning and roasting. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan, as that can prevent the skin from crisping up. If needed, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes to get that perfect golden-brown crust.
Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that combines tender chicken, tart cranberries, and fragrant rosemary for a comforting and flavorful dish.
Ingredients
– 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 cup fresh cranberries
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. 2. In a large, oven-safe skillet or baking dish, arrange the chicken thighs in a single layer.
3. 3. Sprinkle the cranberries and chopped rosemary over the chicken.
4. 4. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and cranberries, then season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
5. 5. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cranberries have softened.
6. 6. Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh rosemary if desired.
Notes
This dish can be easily adjusted to use chicken breasts instead of thighs. For a slightly sweet and tangy glaze, mix 2 tablespoons of honey with 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and brush it over the chicken during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Chicken, Turkey & Pork Mains
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken is a true culinary delight that’s sure to become a new family favorite. With its delicious blend of flavors, simple preparation, and impressive presentation, this recipe is a winner all around. I encourage you to give it a try and experience the cozy, comforting joy of this dish for yourself. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out – I’d love to hear your thoughts!
