Description
Baked Cranberry Chicken with Rosemary combines juicy chicken thighs roasted to perfection under a tangy and sweet cranberry glaze infused with fresh rosemary. This easy and nourishing recipe features natural ingredients for a deliciously balanced meal that suits weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 4 sprigs fresh rosemary
Cranberry Glaze
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 3 tablespoons honey (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the cranberry glaze: Combine fresh cranberries, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and natural gelling agent in a small saucepan. Simmer gently until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens into a vibrant, tangy glaze.
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry. Lightly coat them with olive oil, then season evenly with salt and black pepper on all sides to enhance their flavor.
- Arrange and coat: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in a baking dish. Pour the cranberry glaze over them, ensuring each piece is generously covered. Tuck fresh rosemary sprigs between the chicken pieces to infuse aroma during baking.
- Bake to perfection: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the chicken for 35 to 40 minutes until cooked through, with a crispy exterior and the glaze bubbling on top.
- Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes to redistribute juices. Garnish with extra rosemary sprigs if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Allow the chicken to rest after baking for best tenderness and moisture.
- Prepare the cranberry glaze a day ahead to deepen its flavor.
- Roasting on a wire rack can help achieve a crispier underside.
- Maintain steady oven temperature to prevent drying and ensure glaze consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with glaze
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: baked chicken, cranberry glaze, rosemary chicken, tangy chicken, healthy chicken recipe, simple chicken dinner