Description
Baked Cranberry Chicken with Rosemary is a wholesome and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken infused with fragrant fresh rosemary and a tangy-sweet cranberry glaze. Easy to prepare and visually stunning with a ruby-red glaze, it is perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings, combining natural ingredients for a nourishing and vibrant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cranberry Rosemary Glaze
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey (natural)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Cranberry Rosemary Glaze: Combine fresh cranberries, apple cider vinegar, honey (natural), minced garlic, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and natural gelling agent in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently and simmer until the cranberries burst and the glaze thickens to a rich, vivid sauce.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub each piece with extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh rosemary. Let the chicken rest briefly to allow the flavors to meld while the glaze finishes cooking.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the seasoned chicken in a baking dish. Spoon the warm cranberry glaze evenly over each piece. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and slightly caramelized.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and a few whole fresh cranberries for added color and aroma before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh rosemary for a brighter, more fragrant flavor.
- Allow the chicken to rest after baking to lock in juices and retain tenderness.
- Simmer the cranberry glaze gently to keep flavors balanced and avoid bitterness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked without overcooking.
- Baste the chicken with glaze halfway through baking for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh or breast with glaze
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: baked cranberry chicken, rosemary chicken, cranberry glaze, gluten free chicken recipe, healthy chicken dish