Cranberry Balsamic Chicken

Cranberry balsamic chicken is an easy and impressive dinner, perfect for the holidays. This one-pan recipe can be prepared ahead of time, making it both convenient and delicious. The chicken is pan-seared until golden, then braised in a flavorful sauce made with rosemary, maple syrup and juicy cranberries, creating a hearty dish.

Why you’ll love this easy holiday chicken recipe

This cranberry chicken recipe, featuring vibrant cranberries and golden-brown chicken thighs, delivers the wow-factor of any holiday dish. Despite its impressive appearance, it comes together in about an hour and requires minimal effort to prepare, making it the perfect centerpiece for your holiday party.

For the best color and flavor, we start by searing the chicken. From there, we create a simple pan sauce, enhanced with balsamic vinegar and maple syrup.

Once the chicken is in the oven, it simmers and creates a rich, flavorful sauce. The cranberries soak up all that deliciousness, while they become tender and juicy. Be sure to serve the chicken with plenty of sauce and serve with crusty bread, focaccia or mashed potatoes to soak up every bit of the flavor.

What’s great about this recipe is that it uses easy-to-find ingredients and pantry staples, making it a festive holiday dish that won’t break the bank. It’s sure to become a favorite with everyone!

Follow along with my easy Step-by-Step Video or check it out on YouTube to guide you through this delicious recipe.

Ingredients for this delicious cranberry chicken

• Chicken: While chicken thighs are a fantastic choice for this dish, chicken legs also make a great alternative.
• Cranberries: The star of the recipe, cranberries add a festive touch and a burst of brightness. For the best flavor and texture, use fresh or frozen cranberries—avoid dried varieties.
• Balsamic Vinegar: This adds a burst of acidity and depth to the sauce.
• Flavor-makers: A combination of garlic powder, rosemary, and sweet paprika creates a bold, savory aroma. Salt and black pepper enhance all the flavors.
• Maple Syrup: Balancing the tartness of the cranberries, maple syrup adds a natural sweetness, though brown sugar can also be used as an alternative.
• Garlic: Essential for building the flavor base of the sauce.
• Olive Oil and Unsalted Butter: These are used to sear the chicken and to create a rich flavor.
• Chicken Broth: To deglaze the skillet. Whether homemade or store-bought, chicken broth provides a fuller flavor than water alone.

Pro tip

Taste, taste, taste! After removing the dish from the oven, be sure to taste your sauce. You may find that it needs a little more maple syrup or salt to balance out the flavors and bring everything together perfectly. Adjust as needed for the ideal flavor!

What you can serve with this balsamic cranberry chicken

Keep it simple and let the chicken shine! Pair it with veggies like cauliflower mash, mashed potatoes, roasted broccoli, green beans, roasted carrots, or Brussels sprouts. For a lighter option, a simple leafy salad combined with crusty bread or focaccia works beautifully, helping to balance the richness of the dish while complementing the bold flavors.

Make ahead and storage tips

Not only is this balsamic cranberry chicken sure to impress your guests, but it also makes for an excellent make-ahead option, so you can prep your holiday meal in advance!

• To Make Ahead: Follow the recipe as written but skip the oven step. Cover the dish and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven and you’re all set!
• To Store: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To Freeze: Once the dish has cooled, transfer the cranberry chicken to a freezer-safe container. It will keep frozen for up to 3 months.
• To Reheat: Let frozen leftovers thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat or reheat in the oven, covered, until heated through.