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One Skillet Cranberry Apple Chicken

Is it just me or are you also tired of the same old whole roast chicken as a centrepiece for your dinners and hosting tables? I wanted a baked or roasted chicken dish, but something different. Something that doesn’t require any carving, and just looks like my everyday dish.

Speaking of everyday dishes, this one is short and sweet and hits all the spots. But it is even more flavorful. So you get to use your regular chicken marinade and seasoning, but you also get to switch it up with new elements! Who can say no to that?

The best part? It's quick and easy to make! This isn't just a recipe – it's a way to transform your weekday dinner routines into memorable gourmet experiences. The juicy chicken, the tart cranberries, the sweet apples, and the savory spices all come together in a symphony of flavors that is simply irresistible.

When you taste the tender chicken, your palate will be invaded by the exciting burst of cranberries and apples, all brought together by an array of savory herbs. This is the perfect dish for anyone who wants to spice up their chicken dishes with a fruity twist. It's a meal that's not only scrumptious, but also nutritious.

And…. it’s all in one dish/ pan! Moves seamlessly from cooktop to oven. So of course I was gonna show up with a tip. Only one major recommendation I have here - a cast iron pan. A good quality cast-iron pan! Buying one totally changed up the game in my kitchen.

Getting a cast-iron pan

Forget about flimsy and non-stick pans that need to be replaced every few years. A cast iron pan is designed to be your faithful cooking companion indefinitely. Specially made from high-grade iron, these pans boast exceptional durability that withstands high-temperature cooking, ensuring consistent heat distribution for perfectly cooked meals every time.

They are versatile and durable, and can cook anything from searing steaks and frying eggs to baking bread and simmering stews. They literally last a lifetime and have an amazing flavor-enhancing feature I haven’t seen elsewhere.

Now, you want to pay proper attention to taking care of them, though. There are some very strong opinions about washing cast iron pans. I’m not gonna get into those. All I’ll say is, here’s a great guide for taking care of your cast iron pan.

Okay back to the recipe!

Let’s do this!

Cranberry Apple Chicken

Yield 6

Author Mae

Prep time

30 Min

Cook time

30 Min

Total time

1 Hour

Savor the flavors of the season with our Cranberry Apple Chicken baked to perfection in a skillet. This delightful recipe combines succulent chicken with the tartness of cranberries and the sweetness of apples, creating a harmonious symphony of tastes. A simple yet elegant dish, this skillet creation is not only perfect for a cozy family dinner but also makes a festive centerpiece for holiday gatherings. With each bite, enjoy the juiciness of the chicken complemented by the burst of cranberry and apple goodness. Gather around and relish the warmth and heartiness of this flavorful skillet sensation – a surefire crowd-pleaser for any occasion!

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Ingredients

2lb bone-in Chicken thighs
3 tablespoons Olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper or paprika
Chicken seasoning powder or stock cubes
3 sprigs fresh Rosemary (1 sprig diced)
4 Garlic cloves (2 cloves minced)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 cup Apple cider
1 cup Cranberries
1 large Apple peeled and sliced
1 cup chicken broth/ stock

Instructions

Pat dry chicken thighs. Combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, diced rosemary, salt, pepper and chicken seasoning; rub mixture all over the chicken thighs and refrigerate overnight (if marinating overnight) or set aside and move to the next step.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit
In a small bowl, combine apple slices, cranberries and brown sugar.
In another bowl, combine the apple cider and the chicken stock.
Set a cast iron skillet over medium heat, and add the remaining olive oil. When heated, sear the chicken thighs in the pan, keeping it side down for about 4 minutes on each side. Scrape carefully when flipping it over to ensure the skin doesn't rip. Remove chicken from the skillet.
Reduce the heat to low-medium and slowly add the apple cider/ chicken stock mixture. Using a spatula, carefully scrape any chicken bits that are stuck to the pan and combine into the mixture.
Once it starts to bubble up, add the chicken pieces back into the pan, skin side up. You should see the nice brown skin from the sear.
Now, using a spoon, add the apple/ cranberry mixture all around the chicken. Add the remaining garlic cloves.
Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. You can confirm by using a meat thermometer to ensure the inside of the fleshy part of the chicken pieces has reached a temperature of 175 Fahrenheit.
Garnish with the remaining sprigs of Rosemary and Enjoy!