Cherry Coded Cranberry Chicken Pan (Print)

Chicken thighs roast with cherries, cranberries, and festive herbs for a vibrant, gluten-free holiday meal.

# Components:

→ Proteins

01 - 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (approximately 2 lbs)

→ Fruits

02 - 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
03 - 1 cup pitted sweet cherries (fresh or frozen, thawed if frozen)
04 - 1 orange, zested and juiced

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

05 - 1 medium red onion, sliced into wedges
06 - 4 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed

→ Herbs & Spices

07 - 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
08 - 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
09 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
10 - 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
11 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
12 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt

→ Sauces & Oils

13 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
14 - 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
15 - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

→ Optional Garnish

16 - Additional fresh rosemary sprigs
17 - Orange slices

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together orange juice and zest, olive oil, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, cinnamon, allspice, black pepper, and salt.
03 - Add chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat thoroughly. Allow to marinate for 5–10 minutes while preparing other components.
04 - Scatter the red onion wedges, garlic, cranberries, and cherries evenly across the prepared sheet pan.
05 - Position the marinated chicken thighs, skin-side up, atop the fruit and vegetables. Pour any lingering marinade over the entire arrangement.
06 - Sprinkle chopped rosemary and thyme over the contents of the sheet pan.
07 - Roast for 35–40 minutes, or until the chicken achieves a golden hue, develops crisp skin, and is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
08 - For enhanced skin crispness, engage the broiler for 2–3 minutes at the conclusion of the roasting period.
09 - Carefully transfer the finished dish to serving plates. Garnish with extra rosemary sprigs and orange slices, if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in under an hour with minimal hands-on time
  • Naturally gluten-free and packed with seasonal flavors
  • Creates a stunning presentation with vibrant red and golden colors
  • Uses simple ingredients that create complex flavors
02 -
  • This recipe creates a complete one-pan meal with protein and vegetables
  • The natural sugars in the fruits caramelize to create a built-in sauce
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors continue to develop
  • Can be prepped ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake
03 -
  • The key to perfect execution lies in not overcrowding your sheet pan. If doubled, divide between two pans to ensure proper air circulation and caramelization.
  • The chicken needs space to develop that gorgeous crispy skin that makes this dish so special.

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