Can’t stop thinking about this incredible Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken I made the other day. It’s quickly become my go-to weeknight dinner that the whole family devours in minutes. The combination of juicy chicken, tart cranberries, and aromatic rosemary is just out of this world. I first stumbled upon this Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken recipe a couple months ago when I was in a serious dinner rut. I had guests coming over that night and was desperate to find a show-stopping meal that wasn’t going to keep me in the kitchen all evening. That’s when I remembered seeing this Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken recipe and figured I’d give it a try. I’m so glad I did because it turned out to be an absolute hit! The chicken came out perfectly cooked, the cranberries provided the perfect pop of flavor, and the rosemary just tied everything together. My guests kept raving about how delicious it was and asking for the recipe. Needless to say, Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken has been a staple in my household ever since.
Why This Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken
The secret to this Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken recipe is in the simple yet ingenious cooking method. By roasting the chicken, cranberries, and rosemary all together on a single sheet pan, you end up with incredibly flavorful, tender chicken that’s perfectly complemented by the sweet-tart cranberries and fragrant rosemary. It’s a one-and-done meal that comes together with minimal effort but tastes like it came straight from a high-end restaurant. Plus, the sheet pan format makes for easy clean-up – just pop it in the oven and let the oven do all the work!
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken – For best results, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or a mix of thighs and drumsticks. The dark meat stays juicier and more flavorful during the roasting process.
- Cranberries – Fresh or frozen cranberries work equally well in this recipe. They provide a delightful pop of tart, fruity flavor.
- Rosemary – Fresh rosemary sprigs are key for maximum aroma and flavor. The woody, earthy notes of rosemary pair beautifully with the chicken and cranberries.
- Garlic – Minced garlic adds depth and complexity to the dish. It also helps the chicken develop a delicious caramelized crust.
- Olive Oil – A drizzle of high-quality olive oil helps the chicken and veggies roast to perfection.
- Salt and Pepper – Simple seasonings are all you need to let the natural flavors shine.
Step-by-Step Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken Instructions
Preparing Your Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken
This Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken is an easy, hands-off recipe that takes just about an hour from start to finish. All you need is a large rimmed baking sheet and a few simple ingredients. The result is a showstopping dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or easy weekend entertaining.
1- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels, then arrange them skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Scatter the fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs around the chicken.
3- In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this garlic-oil mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
4- Roast the Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken for 40-45 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork. The cranberries should be softened and shriveled, and the rosemary will be fragrant and crispy.
5- Let the Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
6- Serve the Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken immediately, spooning any pan juices over the top. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
- For extra flavor, you can toss the cranberries in a bit of brown sugar before adding them to the pan.
- Be sure to use bone-in, skin-on chicken for the juiciest, most flavorful results.
- Keep an eye on the chicken and cranberries towards the end of cooking to prevent burning.
- Let the Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken rest for at least 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 is the perfect main dish for a cozy fall or winter meal. It pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes, buttery mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside wild rice or quinoa. A crusty baguette or Parker House rolls are also delicious for sopping up the flavorful pan juices. As for beverages, a crisp white wine or a seasonal craft beer would be excellent accompaniments.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken and cranberries on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
You can also easily make this dish ahead of time. Prepare the recipe as directed, then let the Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken cool completely. Cover the baking sheet tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, remove the foil and reheat in a 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes until hot.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken
Creative Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken Variations
For a festive twist, try adding diced apple or pear to the Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken. The sweetness pairs beautifully with the tart cranberries. You could also swap in different herbs like thyme or sage in place of the rosemary. And if you’re a fan of citrus, try adding some grated orange or lemon zest to the garlic-oil mixture.
Making Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken Diet-Friendly
To make this Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken gluten-free, simply omit the breadcrumbs or any other gluten-containing ingredients. For a low-carb or keto version, skip the cranberries and serve the chicken and rosemary over roasted vegetables instead of potatoes or rice. For a dairy-free and vegan option, use olive oil or a neutral plant-based oil in place of the butter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh in this Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken recipe. You don’t even need to thaw them – just add the frozen cranberries straight to the baking sheet.
Q: How long does the Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken take to cook?
A: This recipe takes about 40-45 minutes to roast at 400°F. The chicken should be cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F, and the cranberries should be softened and shriveled.
Q: Can I make the Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken ahead of time?
A: Yes, this is a great make-ahead dish. Prepare the recipe as directed, then let the chicken and cranberries cool completely. Cover the baking sheet tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply remove the foil and reheat in a 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
Q: How many people does this Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken recipe serve?
A: This recipe serves 4-6 people, depending on your appetites and what you’re serving it with. The amounts can easily be doubled or tripled to feed a larger crowd.
Q: What should I do if the chicken skin doesn’t get crispy?
A: For extra crispy chicken skin, try patting the chicken pieces very dry with paper towels before seasoning and roasting. You can also try broiling the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to really crisp up the skin.
Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 4
Description
Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Juicy chicken thighs are baked with tart cranberries, fragrant rosemary, and a flavorful sauce for a healthy and comforting meal.
Ingredients
– 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
– 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. – In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, arrange the chicken thighs skin-side up.
3. – In a small bowl, mix together the cranberries, rosemary, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Scatter the cranberry mixture around the chicken.
4. – Pour the chicken broth around the chicken and drizzle the honey over the top.
5. – Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is crispy.
6. – Serve the Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken immediately, garnished with additional fresh rosemary if desired.
Notes
For a creamier sauce, you can stir in a tablespoon of butter or cream at the end. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken has officially become a weeknight staple in my household, and I have a feeling it’ll do the same for you too. The combination of juicy, flavorful chicken, tart cranberries, and aromatic rosemary is simply irresistible. Plus, the easy one-pan cooking method makes it a total breeze to prepare. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try soon – I guarantee it’ll become a new family favorite!
