Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken

Imagine a mouthwatering medley of tender chicken, zesty cranberries, and aromatic rosemary dancing together in perfect harmony on your dinner plate. The juicy chicken absorbs the tangy sweetness of the cranberries, while the rosemary adds a fragrant herbal note that will have your taste buds doing the cha-cha.

Every time I whip up this Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken, I’m transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where laughter mingled with the aroma of her cooking. She always had a knack for turning simple ingredients into magic—like when she tried to convince me that “it’s just chicken” was a valid response to my incessant inquiries about dinner. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.

You’re going to love this recipe for so many reasons! First off, it’s incredibly easy to prepare; even if you’ve never boiled water before, you’ll feel like a culinary genius. The unique flavor profile combines sweet, savory, and tart elements that elevate your weeknight dinner from mundane to magnificent. Plus, its stunning appearance—glistening cranberries atop perfectly browned chicken—will make you feel like you’re serving a five-star dish. And let’s not forget the versatility; you can easily swap in seasonal vegetables or adjust the herbs based on what you have on hand.

Ingredients for Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken

Here’s what you need for this delicious dish:

Chicken thighs These are juicy and flavorful, making them perfect for roasting. Choose bone-in and skin-on for extra crispy texture and richness.

Cranberries Fresh or frozen cranberries work beautifully here. Look for firm, bright berries for the best flavor and color.

Fresh rosemary This herb adds an aromatic punch. Opt for vibrant green sprigs; they should smell earthy and fragrant.

Garlic Minced garlic provides a robust depth of flavor—don’t skip it! Fresh cloves are ideal but pre-minced will also do in a pinch.

Chicken broth Use low-sodium broth to keep control over salt levels in the dish while adding moisture and flavor.

Olive oil A drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances richness and helps achieve that golden-brown finish.

Zest of one lemon The zest brightens the entire dish with a citrusy lift that cuts through the richness of the chicken.

Pepper and salt Essential seasoning! Use freshly cracked black pepper for added zing.

All ingredients with their exact quantities can be found in the recipe card below.

Step-by-Step Preparation Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken

Here’s a simple guide to help you prepare this delicious recipe:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, grab a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish—you want something that can handle all those delicious juices!

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Pat dry your chicken thighs with paper towels—this helps achieve that coveted crispy skin. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic

In your skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once shimmering (but not smoking), add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Keep an eye on it; burnt garlic is not our friend!

Step 4: Brown the Chicken

Carefully place your seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down into the skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Turn them over using tongs and brown the other side for another 5 minutes.

Step 5: Add Cranberries and Broth

Once both sides are beautifully browned, sprinkle fresh cranberries around the chicken in the pan. Pour in one cup of chicken broth and add lemon zest along with chopped rosemary sprigs on top.

Step 6: Bake Time!

Transfer your skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Your kitchen will smell heavenly during this time—try not to eat all the cranberries before serving!

Serve hot with a side of roasted veggies or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all those incredible flavors! Garnish with additional rosemary if you’re feeling fancy and enjoy every succulent bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

For the best Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken, start by seasoning the chicken thoroughly. Sear it skin-side down first for a crispy finish, then toss in fresh rosemary and cranberries to enhance that mouthwatering aroma.

Add Your Personal Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey if you’re feeling festive. You can also use dried cranberries instead of fresh ones for a sweeter twist in your Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken dish.

Storage & Reheating

To keep your Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken juicy, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When reheating, do so gently to avoid drying out the chicken while keeping those flavors intact.

Helpful Chef Tips

Always let the chicken rest after cooking; this helps retain its juices and keeps it tender.

Add a splash of chicken broth while reheating to maintain moisture and flavor.

Don’t overcrowd the pan; give each piece enough space for optimal browning and crispiness.

I remember making Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken during a family gathering, and everyone went back for seconds. It was a delightful surprise to see my little cousin ask for the “fancy chicken”!

Conclusion for Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken

Indulging in the flavors of the Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken brings a delightful experience to your dinner table. The tender chicken, infused with the aromatic essence of rosemary and the tart sweetness of cranberries, creates a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated. Plus, the convenience of a one-pan meal means less cleanup and more time to enjoy with loved ones. Don’t miss out on this culinary delight—gather your ingredients and try this recipe tonight! Your taste buds will thank you.

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FAQs

Can I substitute the chicken with another type of meat in the Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey, beef, or lamb in the Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken recipe. Just ensure you adjust cooking times slightly based on the type of meat you choose to maintain tenderness and flavor.

How do I store leftovers from the Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken?

To store leftovers from your Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop until warmed through.

What sides pair well with Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken?

Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, wild rice, or a simple green salad. These sides complement the dish’s flavors while adding variety to your meal.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried in this recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh rosemary can enhance the flavor profile of your Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken even more than dried herbs. Use about three times more fresh rosemary than dried for optimal flavor.