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Cranberry Chicken

This recipe for Cranberry Chicken makes an incredibly easy dinner that is bursting with flavor. The chicken thighs are coated in a cranberry and rosemary puree that keeps it moist and flavorful. 

Chicken thighs are an affordable choice that is full of flavor and easy to keep from drying out. This recipe will quickly become a family favorite holiday meal!

Baked Cranberry Chicken in white baking dish.

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This recipe is loaded with flavor between the dark meat of the chicken thighs and the puree that goes over the chicken with cranberries, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and rosemary. 

It's so easy to make! All you need to do is blend the puree ingredients and pour it over the chicken and it’s ready to go in the oven!

I like to keep it simple and serve this chicken with Baked Potatoes and Buttery Homemade Dinner Rolls. And don't forget Butterscotch Pie for dessert.

Ingredient Notes

See the printable recipe card below for all ingredients, specific measurements, and complete instructions.

Ingredients to make Cranberry Chicken set out on counter.
  • Cranberries- Fresh or frozen cranberries will work beautifully for this recipe. 
  • Chicken Thighs- We love this cut of meat because it is affordable and full of flavor. 
  • Rosemary- Crushed rosemary leaves will go in the cranberry puree and fresh rosemary sprigs will bake with the chicken for extra flavor. 
  • Other ingredients for the sauce include olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, chicken broth, salt, and pepper. 

How To Make Cranberry Chicken

This recipe only requires 10 minutes or less of prep time and into the oven it goes! In less than an hour it is ready to be served. 

Start by preheating the oven to 425ºF.

Cranberry Topping Ingredients in food processor.
Blended Cranberry Mixture in food processor.

Blend cranberries, olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, rosemary, and chicken broth until smooth.

Raw Chicken Thighs in baking dish.
Cranberry Mixture poured over chicken thighs in baking dish.

Place the chicken in a casserole dish and pour the cranberry mixture over it. Then I like to garnish it with rosemary sprigs.

Bake for 45 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.

Remove from the oven and serve!

Baked Cranberry Chicken thighs in white baking dish.

Storing and Freezing

Refrigerator: You can store leftover baked cranberry chicken in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days. 

Freezer: After the chicken has finished cooking, let it cool down to room temperature and then transfer the leftovers to an airtight container.

Recipe Tips

  • If you use boneless skinless chicken thighs, check the internal temperature after 25 minutes because they will cook quickly. For skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs, check the temperature after 35 minutes. 
  • Follow FDA guidelines to cook all poultry to minimal safe internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Let the chicken thighs rest for 5-10 minutes after they are baked to ensure they hold their juices. 

Recipe FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries in this recipe?

I don’t recommend dried cranberries because the sauce will not be smooth, and dried cranberries tend to be sweetened.

Should I leave the skin on chicken thighs?

Yes, in this recipe the skin is left on to enhance the flavor and help retain moisture during cooking. 

Serving Cranberry Chicken on a plate with baked potatoes and green salad.

Here are a few more delicious chicken recipes to try!

I can’t wait for you to try this Oven Roasted Cranberry Chicken with Rosemary! It’s sure to become a family favorite with its bold flavors and quick cooking time. 

If you try it, be sure to come back here to rate the recipe and leave a comment. 

Baked Cranberry Chicken thighs in white baking dish.

Cranberry Chicken Recipe

Author: Judy Wilson
These delicious Cranberry Chicken Thighs are coated in a cranberry and rosemary puree that keeps them moist and flavorful. 
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 404 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup cranberries, fresh or frozen
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 Tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
  • 3 cloves of garlic
  • 1 teaspoon fresh or dry rosemary
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • 6 chicken thighs, bone-in skin on
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 sprigs of rosemary

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
  • Combine the cranberries, olive oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, rosemary, and chicken broth in a food processor or blender. Blend until mostly smooth.
  • Place the chicken in a casserole dish and spoon the cranberry mixture over the top. Then garnish with Rosemary sprigs.
  • Bake in a 425-degree heated oven for 45 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and a meat thermometer inserted in the center reads 165 degrees F. 

Notes

You can store leftover baked cranberry chicken in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. 

Nutrition

Calories: 404kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 24gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 142mgSodium: 484mgPotassium: 329mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 119IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg
The nutritional information provided is approximate and should only be used as a general guideline. It is an estimate that will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Did You Make This Recipe? Please Rate, Comment & Share. Thank you!
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Recipe Rating




cindy@countyroad407

Thursday 16th of November 2023

Not only does it sound delicious, it looks aaahhhmazing! Thank you for sharing it with us on Farmhouse Friday. Hope you link up again soon. pinned

Laura @ Our Grand Lives

Thursday 16th of November 2023

Oh my! This looks like the perfect holiday entree! Pinned!

Melynda

Monday 13th of November 2023

I cannot wait to make this! Featured at SSPS #287 today, thanks for sharing with us!

Esme Slabbert

Tuesday 7th of November 2023

Hi Judy, WOW, thank you for this outstanding awesome recipe. Pinned it. Thank you for sharing your links with us at #286 SSPS Linky. See you again next week.

Bernadette

Tuesday 7th of November 2023

This looks like a perfect dinner for the season.

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