Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken Recipe | Easy Holiday Meal

I just made this Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken Recipe, and I can’t wait to tell you how amazing it turned out. The tender chicken thighs soaked up all the sweet-tart cranberry flavors and the earthy notes of rosemary so beautifully. I started this recipe thinking it would be a regular dinner, but the results were restaurant-worthy.

It’s cozy, flavorful, and so easy to prepare — very much like the comforting flavors in this one pan garlic parmesan chicken recipe. Honestly, this dish made me feel like I’d pulled off a holiday feast on a regular weekday!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need — along with why each ingredient works best:

For the Marinade

⅓ cup fresh cranberries — they add a bright, tart flavor that balances the richness of the chicken. Avoid frozen ones if possible for the best texture.
2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil) — helps the marinade stick to the chicken and adds richness.
2 tablespoons coconut aminos (or soy sauce) — adds a savory umami base that complements the sweetness.
2 tablespoons real maple syrup — creates a sweet, glossy glaze and balances the tart cranberries.
3 cloves garlic, minced — fresh garlic deepens the overall flavor; skip the pre-minced kind for best results.
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary leaves, chopped — fresh herbs make the aroma irresistible.
¼ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth) — adds acidity and depth to the sauce.

For the Chicken

6 medium bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 3 pounds) — skin-on chicken turns beautifully crispy while the inside stays juicy.
1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil) — brushed on top for that golden finish.
Salt, to taste — enhances the flavor of everything else.
½ cup fresh cranberries — adds a pop of color and tart flavor during baking.
4 sprigs fresh rosemary — infuses the whole dish with an herby aroma and looks beautiful when served.
1 tablespoon maple syrup — brushed on at the end to caramelize the skin just a bit.

Note: This recipe makes several servings — about 6 portions, depending on the size of your chicken thighs.

Variations

If you’d like to switch things up, here are some great options:

Dairy-Free: The recipe is naturally dairy-free — no changes needed.
Sugar-Free/Keto: Replace maple syrup with a sugar-free maple-flavored syrup and use chicken broth instead of wine.
Whole30/Paleo: Stick with coconut aminos, skip the maple syrup glaze, and use broth in place of wine.
Extra Flavor: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or orange zest to the marinade for a deeper, festive flavor.
Lighter Version: Use boneless, skinless thighs or chicken breasts — just reduce the cook time by about 10 minutes.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long the whole process takes:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes (including marinating time)

Equipment You Need

You’ll need just a few kitchen essentials for this simple one-pan recipe:

Blender or Food Processor — to puree the marinade until smooth.
9×13-inch Baking Dish — holds everything in one place and makes cleanup easy.
Silicone Spatula or Spoon — helps coat the chicken evenly in marinade.
Basting Brush — for brushing oil and syrup over the chicken before baking.
Meat Thermometer — ensures perfectly cooked chicken every time.

How to Make Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken

This recipe is straightforward, flavorful, and easy to follow.

Prepare the Marinade

Blend the cranberries, olive oil, coconut aminos, maple syrup, garlic, rosemary, and wine (or broth) until smooth. Pour the mixture over the chicken thighs in your baking dish, coating each piece well.

Marinate the Chicken

Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes — or up to 24 hours for more flavor. Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before baking so it cooks evenly.

Bake and Broil to Finish

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the chicken skin with olive oil and sprinkle it with salt. Add fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs around the thighs. Bake uncovered for about 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Brush with maple syrup and broil for 2–3 minutes until the skin turns crisp and golden.

Serve and Enjoy

Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Spoon the cranberry sauce from the pan over the chicken, garnish with rosemary sprigs, and enjoy while warm — or try something with a touch of spice like this sheet pan hot honey garlic chicken and zucchini recipe for a weeknight variation.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

From my own experience, these small tweaks made the dish even more delicious:

I patted the chicken dry before marinating — it helped the skin get extra crispy.
I used a glass baking dish so I could see how the sauce was caramelizing underneath.
I kept the thighs spaced apart for even cooking and better browning.
I used plenty of fresh rosemary — it’s the key to that incredible aroma.
I watched closely during broiling; the glaze browns quickly, so don’t walk away!

How to Serve Cranberry Rosemary One Pan Chicken

The presentation makes this dish even more impressive!

Serve it on a white platter so the red cranberries and golden skin stand out beautifully.
Spoon extra pan sauce over each thigh for a glossy finish.
Add sprigs of rosemary and a handful of fresh cranberries for garnish.
Pair with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or wild rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Nutritional Information

Each serving (one chicken thigh with sauce) approximately contains:

Calories: 533
Protein: 31g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fat: 39g

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Restoring Crispness

To bring back the crispy skin, reheat the chicken uncovered in a 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why this one-pan wonder will quickly become a favorite:

Simple & Convenient: All you need is one pan — minimal prep, minimal cleanup.
Beautifully Balanced Flavors: The tart cranberries, sweet maple syrup, and herby rosemary create a perfect flavor harmony.
Diet-Friendly: Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, with easy options for Whole30, Paleo, and Keto lifestyles.
Visually Stunning: The vibrant colors and glistening glaze make it look festive and elegant.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Easy enough for weeknights, yet impressive enough for guests or holiday dinners.

This Cranberry Rosemary One-Pan Chicken is comfort food that feels fancy but is effortless to make. Every bite has that perfect mix of savory, sweet, and tangy — truly a recipe you’ll come back to again and again!

Ash Tyrrell