This is one of my favorite winter weeknight meals. Chicken with Cranberry Rosemary Sauce sounds super fancy but it’s actually very achievable. I love to make it for my kids after a long day out and about. In the winter we are always hungry for dinner really early because we get going with school and work when the sun has barely risen. Then, after school, our day wraps up with tons of kids sports and activities. With all the running around we do I need something I can whip up without too much fuss!
In this recipe the chicken is roasted very simply. While it’s in the oven I make the sauce on the stovetop and they come together at the very end. I love the way the sauce smells when I’m cooking it. It is incredibly fragrant and makes the house smell like the holidays! The cranberry is a nice flavor to compliment the chicken, it really adds a touch of sweetness without being too overpowering.
Serve this chicken with a green vegetable and starch dish alongside to make it a truly substantial meal. You can even employ one of my little tricks and double the recipe so you have more for sandwiches the next day! My kids love it when I pack fresh chicken sandwiches in their lunchbox. I’ll also make a fresh sandwich at home for myself that’s somewhat reminiscent of my favorite Thanksgiving version.
This is bound to become a favorite in your house. It’s nothing strange or unusual, and the flavors are just enough to make it different for a weeknight. Be sure to use fresh rosemary if you can get your hands on some, the flavors really make a difference. For a fancier meal add a lot of garnish, and serve it on a fancy platter to really impress your guests. Enjoy!
Baked Chicken with Cranberry Rosemary Sauce
We all need good dinner ideas for winter weeknights. In the colder months my family prefers more substantial meals. They warmer us up on cold days, and we’re all hungry after long days at school and various activities. This is a great dish that can dressed up or dressed down depending who is at your table.
Serves 2-4
Ingredients:For the Chicken:
4 bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cranberry Rosemary Sauce:
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:1. Preheat your oven to 375°F2. Pat the chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and season with salt and black pepper and place it in a baking dish, skin-side up.
3. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes for thighs or 35-40 minutes for breasts, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the skin is golden and crispy.
4. While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, honey, balsamic vinegar, fresh rosemary sprigs, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
5. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.Discard the rosemary sprigs from the sauce. Serve the chicken with a generous drizzle of the cranberry rosemary sauce. Garnish the dish with fresh rosemary leaves and a few extra cranberries for a festive touch.
Nikki Glekas is the owner of Nikki Glekas Events, a full-service catering and events company located in Stamford, CT.. To discuss further please contact team@nikkiglekascollective.com or call 203.658.8659.