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Roasted Cranberry Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.1 from 37 reviews

These roasted cranberry chicken thighs offer a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and sweet flavors, making an ideal fall dinner. Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are rubbed with a garlic-spice blend, then baked alongside tart cranberries, lemon slices, rosemary, and onions until golden and juicy.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Spice Rub

  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil

Fruit and Vegetables

  • 1 cup cranberries
  • 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 yellow onion, sliced
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 3-4 rosemary sprigs

Liquids

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven and Cranberries: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a baking dish and set aside. In a small bowl, toss the cranberries with white wine vinegar and brown sugar until they are well-coated and glossy. Let this mixture sit to allow flavors to meld.
  2. Prep and Season the Chicken: Pat chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. In another small bowl, combine paprika, salt, pepper, minced garlic, and olive oil to form a rub. Massage this mixture evenly over each chicken thigh, then place them skin-side up in the prepared baking dish. Scatter sliced onions evenly over the chicken.
  3. Add Fruit, Herbs, and Broth: Arrange lemon slices around the chicken. Spoon the cranberry mixture, including some of the juice, over and around the chicken and onions. Break rosemary sprigs in half and tuck them in among the ingredients. Pour the chicken broth over everything to keep the dish moist and flavorful during roasting.
  4. Roast the Chicken: Place the baking dish uncovered in the preheated oven. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F and the tops are golden brown. The cranberries will soften and release their tangy sweetness, complementing the savory chicken.
  5. Serve: Once roasted, remove from oven and let rest briefly before serving. Pair the cranberry chicken thighs with mashed potatoes, rice, or stuffing for a complete and satisfying fall meal.

Notes

  • Patting the chicken dry is essential for achieving crispy skin.
  • Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for best flavor and juiciness.
  • Fresh rosemary adds great aroma, but dried rosemary can be used in a pinch.
  • Check internal temperature to avoid undercooking or drying out the chicken.
  • This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or a wild rice pilaf.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American