Description
Delicious and juicy roasted chicken thighs baked with a vibrant and tangy cranberry sauce, infused with garlic, rosemary, and lemon for a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. This easy-to-make dish highlights tender chicken skin crisped in the oven complemented by fresh cranberries and aromatic herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cranberry Sauce
- 1 cup cranberries
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
Additional Ingredients
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (about 4-5 sprigs)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease a baking dish to prepare it for the chicken and cranberry mixture.
- Prepare Cranberries: In a medium bowl, combine the cranberries with white wine vinegar and brown sugar. Toss them well and set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin. Rub each thigh thoroughly with olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper for full flavor infusion.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the prepared baking dish. Scatter the sliced yellow onions evenly around and between the chicken pieces.
- Add Lemon and Cranberries: Lay lemon slices over and around the chicken. Spoon the cranberry mixture on top of the thighs and onions, then sprinkle fresh rosemary sprigs over the entire dish for an aromatic finish.
- Add Moisture: Pour 1/2 cup of chicken broth into the bottom of the baking dish to keep the chicken moist and add extra flavor during roasting.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven uncovered and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden.
Notes
- For crispier skin, avoid overcrowding the baking dish so heat can circulate properly.
- You can substitute fresh cranberries with frozen ones if fresh are unavailable; no need to thaw before using.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked through.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheat well in an oven or microwave.
- Adjust sweetness by modifying the amount of brown sugar according to your taste preference.
