Print

Baked Cranberry Rosemary Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 109 reviews

This Baked Cranberry Rosemary Chicken recipe features juicy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant blend of fresh cranberries, rosemary, garlic, and a hint of maple syrup. The chicken is slow-baked to perfection, then broiled for a crispy, caramelized skin. Paired with a tangy cranberry rosemary sauce, this dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade Ingredients

  • 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 wine (or chicken broth)

Chicken and Baking Ingredients

  • 6 medium bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (approximately 3 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • ½ cup fresh cranberries
  • 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • Sprigs of fresh rosemary (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cranberry Rosemary Marinade: Add ⅓ cup fresh cranberries, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons coconut aminos, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 3 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves, and ¼ cup dry white wine to a food processor or blender. Blend or pulse until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
  2. Arrange the Chicken Thighs: Place 6 medium bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs skin-side up in a single layer in a baking dish. Pour the prepared marinade evenly over the thighs to ensure complete coverage.
  3. Marinate: Cover the baking dish with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 24 hours, allowing the flavors to infuse the chicken.
  4. Bring to Room Temperature: Remove the baking dish from the refrigerator and let it stand, covered, at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
  5. Preheat Oven and Prepare Chicken: Towards the end of the 30-minute resting period, preheat the oven to 375º Fahrenheit. Uncover the baking dish and use a spoon or spatula to gently scrape any marinade off the tops of the chicken thighs back into the dish, taking care not to tear the skin.
  6. Season and Add Fresh Ingredients: Brush 1 tablespoon olive oil evenly across the chicken thighs. Season generously with salt to taste. Sprinkle ½ cup fresh cranberries and 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary around the chicken in the baking dish.
  7. Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven, uncovered. Bake for 20 minutes, then begin checking the internal temperature every few minutes until it reaches 160º Fahrenheit.
  8. Broil for Crispy Skin: Remove the baking dish from the oven and preheat the broiler to high. Remove the rosemary sprigs from the dish and discard. Brush 1 tablespoon maple syrup over the chicken thighs’ skin. Place under the broiler and broil carefully until the skin is crispy and browned but not burnt.
  9. Add Cranberries and Marinade: Remove the dish from the oven and spoon the cranberries and marinade over the tops of the chicken thighs, fully covering them. Let the chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes.
  10. Serve: After resting, ensure the chicken’s internal temperature has reached 165º Fahrenheit. Transfer the thighs to serving plates, spoon additional cranberry marinade over them, garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Check the chicken frequently during broiling as the skin can quickly go from crispy to burnt.
  • For a gluten-free option, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
  • Marinating longer than 24 hours is not recommended as the acid in the marinade can break down the meat texture.
  • Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide juiciness and flavor; boneless or skinless will change the cooking time and texture.
  • This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Keywords: cranberry chicken, baked chicken thighs, rosemary chicken, holiday chicken recipe, maple syrup chicken, easy baked chicken

Find it online: https://thehungrymason.com/baked-cranberry-rosemary-chicken-recipe/