One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken

One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken is a delightful dish that brings festive winter flavors to your dining table. This easy recipe is perfect for gatherings, holiday dinners, or a cozy family meal. The combination of fresh cranberries and aromatic rosemary creates a unique flavor profile that will impress your guests and warm your heart. With minimal cleanup, this one-pan wonder makes cooking a breeze while delivering a deliciously satisfying experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation – This dish comes together quickly, requiring only 15 minutes of prep time before it cooks to perfection in one pan.
• Flavorful Ingredients – The blend of cranberries and rosemary infuses the chicken with a vibrant taste that’s both sweet and savory.
• Versatile Serving Options – Perfect for special occasions like Christmas dinner, holiday gatherings, or even weeknight meals.
• Minimal Cleanup – Cooking everything in one pan means less time spent washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
• Nutritious Meal – Packed with protein from the chicken thighs and enriched with vitamins from the cranberries, this dish is wholesome and satisfying.

Tools and Preparation

To make One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken efficiently, having the right kitchen tools can make all the difference. These tools will help you create this flavorful dish with ease.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Why These Tools Matter

• Large skillet or sauté pan – Provides ample space for cooking the chicken evenly while allowing room for other ingredients.
• Sharp knife – Ensures easy chopping of garlic and herbs, essential for enhancing flavor.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Help achieve precise ingredient quantities, ensuring balanced flavors in your dish.

Ingredients

A quick and easy one-pan chicken dish that’s full of vibrant, festive winter flavor.

For the Chicken

• 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)
• 6 medium bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (approximately 3 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
• salt (to taste)

For Garnishing

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

How to Make One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, combine the following:
1. Add ⅓ cup fresh cranberries, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons coconut aminos, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 3 cloves minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves.
2. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

1. Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or zip-top bag.
2. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
3. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavors.

Step 3: Preheat Your Pan

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, allowing it to heat until shimmering.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

1. Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve leftover marinade) and season with salt.
2. Place chicken thighs skin-side down in the hot skillet.
3. Sear for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown before flipping to cook on the other side.

Step 5: Add Remaining Ingredients

1. Once both sides are seared, pour in reserved marinade along with ¼ cup dry white grape juice (or chicken broth).
2. Scatter additional ½ cup fresh cranberries, and top with remaining rosemary sprigs over the chicken.

Step 6: Simmer and Serve

1. Reduce heat to low, cover with a lid, and let simmer for about 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
2. Drizzle with an extra tablespoon of maple syrup just before serving for added sweetness if desired.

Enjoy your One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken as part of your next festive gathering or cozy family dinner!

How to Serve One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken

Serving One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken is a delightful experience that elevates any meal. The vibrant flavors and enticing aroma of this dish make it perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners.

Pair with Seasonal Vegetables

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until crispy.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes flavored with garlic provide a comforting side.
• Sautéed Green Beans – Quickly sauté green beans in olive oil with garlic for a fresh green side.

Create a Festive Salad

• Winter Spinach Salad – Combine fresh spinach, walnuts, cranberries, and feta cheese for a refreshing contrast.
• Cranberry Walnut Salad – This mix of mixed greens, dried cranberries, and walnuts adds sweetness and crunch.

Offer Bread Options

• Crusty Artisan Bread – Serve slices of warm bread to soak up the delicious sauce from the chicken.
• Garlic Breadsticks – Soft, buttery breadsticks infused with garlic make for a tasty accompaniment.

How to Perfect One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken

To master the art of cooking One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken, consider these essential tips:

• Bold seasonings – Use fresh herbs like rosemary to enhance the flavor profile of your dish.
• Proper browning – Ensure the chicken thighs are seared properly before baking for better texture and flavor.
• Even cooking – Arrange chicken evenly in the pan to ensure all pieces cook through uniformly.
• Adjust sweetness – Modify the amount of maple syrup based on your preference for sweetness in the sauce.
• Resting time – Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving; this helps retain juices.

Best Side Dishes for One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken

Pairing side dishes with One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken enhances your dining experience. Here are some great options that complement its flavors perfectly:

1. Herb Quinoa – Fluffy quinoa cooked with herbs makes a nutritious base for your meal.
2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Sweet potatoes roasted until tender provide a lovely sweetness that pairs well with chicken.
3. Cauliflower Rice – A low-carb alternative that can be flavored with spices and herbs for added taste.
4. Creamy Coleslaw – A crunchy slaw adds freshness and contrasts nicely with the rich chicken dish.
5. Baked Macaroni and Cheese – Comfort food at its best; creamy mac and cheese is always a hit!
6. Mixed Grain Salad – A hearty salad made with farro or barley mixed with seasonal vegetables brings texture and nutrition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls to ensure a delicious outcome.

• Boldly measuring ingredients: Proper measurements are crucial. Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, especially for liquids and spices.
• Boldly skipping marination: Allowing the chicken to marinate enhances flavor. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before cooking for the best result.
• Boldly overcrowding the pan: Ensure there’s enough space in the pan for even cooking. If necessary, cook in batches to maintain proper heat.
• Boldly ignoring resting time: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps retain juices and improves tenderness.
• Boldly using low-quality ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality chicken make a significant difference. Invest in good ingredients for the best flavor.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before refrigerating.
• Label containers with the date to keep track of freshness.

Freezing One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
• Make sure to remove as much air as possible from bags before sealing.
• Consider portioning into single servings for easy thawing.

Reheating One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken

• Boldly using the oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Boldly using the microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat on medium power for about 2-3 minutes. Check and stir occasionally.
• Boldly using stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a skillet, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed. Stir occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken?

One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken is a flavorful dish featuring tender chicken thighs cooked with fresh cranberries and rosemary in one pan, making it perfect for easy cleanup.

Can I use different cuts of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute bone-in, skin-on thighs with boneless breasts or drumsticks based on your preference.

How can I customize this recipe?

Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or Brussels sprouts alongside the chicken for more color and nutrition.

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

Pair it with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad to complete your meal.

Conclusion

One-Pan Cranberry Rosemary Chicken is not only simple but also bursting with festive flavors that make it ideal for holiday dinners or any special occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different sides or veggies, making it a perfect choice for everyone at the table!

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