Pin it Succulent roast chicken thighs are infused with aromatic herbs and olive oil, then roasted with sweet-tart cranberries and root vegetables all in one pan for an easy, festive meal.
I love making this recipe when I want a flavorful yet simple meal that impresses guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 4 bone-in skin-on chicken thighs, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Vegetables & Fruit: 1 red onion cut into wedges, 2 medium carrots peeled and sliced, 500 g (1 lb) baby potatoes halved, 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- Aromatics & Herbs: 3 garlic cloves minced, 2 tbsp fresh rosemary chopped (or 2 tsp dried), 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried), zest of 1 orange, juice of 1 orange
- Optional Garnish: Additional fresh herbs, orange slices
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare Chicken:
- In a large bowl, toss chicken thighs with olive oil, salt, pepper, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and orange zest.
- Arrange Vegetables:
- Arrange onion wedges, carrots, and baby potatoes in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet or ovenproof dish. Drizzle with a bit more olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Combine:
- Nestle the seasoned chicken thighs among the vegetables skin side up.
- Add Cranberries & Juice:
- Scatter cranberries over the pan and drizzle everything with orange juice.
- Roast:
- Roast in the preheated oven for 4045 minutes or until chicken skin is golden and juices run clear (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C) and vegetables are tender.
- Optional Broil:
- If desired, broil for an additional 23 minutes for extra crispy skin.
- Rest & Garnish:
- Rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with extra herbs and orange slices before serving.
Pin it This recipe brings my family together especially during holiday dinners; the aroma fills the house and everyone gathers around eagerly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.
Wine Pairing
Pairs beautifully with a light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir to complement the herbs and cranberries.
Variations
For a sweeter flavor, add 12 tbsp honey or maple syrup before roasting. You can also switch up the vegetables based on seasonality.
Pin it This dish is an effortless way to create a festive meal with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of chicken works best for this dish?
Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs provide juicy meat and crispy skin, but drumsticks or boneless thighs can be used with adjusted cooking times.
- → Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well and release juices during roasting, enhancing the dish’s natural tartness.
- → How do I achieve crispy skin on the chicken?
Roast at a high temperature and optionally broil for 2-3 minutes at the end to crisp the skin.
- → What can I serve alongside this dish?
It pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a green salad, or a light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir.
- → Are there any recommended substitutions for herbs?
Fresh or dried rosemary and thyme work well, but you can adjust or add herbs like sage depending on your preference.
- → Is this dish suitable for those avoiding gluten and dairy?
Yes, it contains no gluten or dairy ingredients, making it suitable for such dietary needs.