Elevate your weeknight meal with this Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Rosemary Butter recipe. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are coated in a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze, then finished with a luscious rosemary-infused butter for a truly epic flavor combination. This easy-to-follow dish brings together the cozy comfort of fall flavors with a touch of elegant sophistication, perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Rosemary Butter
Prepare to be wowed by the incredible depth of flavor in this Cranberry Glazed Chicken dish. The tangy-sweet cranberry glaze perfectly complements the savory, juicy chicken, while the fragrant rosemary butter adds a lush, velvety richness that will have your taste buds dancing. This recipe is a true celebration of the season’s best produce, with a balance of comfort and indulgence that’s sure to satisfy. Plus, with simple, chef-tested steps, you’ll achieve reliable, restaurant-quality results every time.
Ingredients
This recipe calls for a handful of easy-to-find ingredients that come together to create a truly craveable dish. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, fresh or frozen cranberries, honey, balsamic vinegar, and a few herbs and spices to make the rosemary butter. The combination of sweet, tart, and savory flavors is a match made in heaven.
- 4 (6-oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts – pounded to an even thickness
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – for the rosemary butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary – for the rosemary butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – for the rosemary butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt – for the rosemary butter
Ingredient Substitutions
- Balsamic Vinegar: Swap for apple cider vinegar for a touch of zesty brightness.
- Rosemary: Try using thyme or sage instead if you’re not a fan of rosemary.
How to Make Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Rosemary Butter
This Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Rosemary Butter is a breeze to prepare, with simple, chef-tested steps that lead to incredible results.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness, then season them generously with salt and pepper. In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries, honey, and balsamic vinegar, and let the mixture simmer until the cranberries have burst and the glaze has thickened. While the glaze is simmering, make the rosemary butter by combining softened butter, fresh rosemary, garlic, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil. Sear the chicken breasts until they’re golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Once seared, transfer the skillet to the oven and bake the chicken until it’s cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Remove the chicken from the oven and brush the cranberry glaze generously over the top of each piece. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then top it with a dollop of the rosemary butter.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Serve with: Buttery mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables for a heartier meal.
- Swap Chicken: Use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the cranberry glaze and rosemary butter in advance, then assemble and bake the chicken when ready to serve.
- Garnish: Top with fresh rosemary sprigs and chopped pecans for a festive presentation.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Buttery mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat the chicken in the oven or microwave.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the cranberry glaze and rosemary butter in advance, then assemble and bake the chicken when ready to serve.
Nutrition Information
This Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Rosemary Butter is a wholesome, balanced meal that’s sure to satisfy. Each serving provides a generous portion of lean protein, along with beneficial nutrients from the cranberries and herbs. With its rich, indulgent flavor, you’d never guess it’s also a healthier option.
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with glaze and butter
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 41 g
- Carbs: 24 g
- Fat: 19 g
- Sodium: 370 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work beautifully in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as frozen cranberries may take a bit longer to break down and create the perfect glaze.
Can I make the rosemary butter ahead of time?
Yes, the rosemary butter can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Simply let it come to room temperature before topping the chicken.
Is this dish suitable for a crowd?
Definitely! This Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Rosemary Butter is a fantastic option for entertaining, as it’s easy to scale up and can be prepared in advance. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress your guests.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work just as well in this recipe. The dark meat will result in an even juicier, more flavorful dish.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t contain any wheat-based ingredients. Just be sure to double-check that your balsamic vinegar is certified gluten-free.
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Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Rosemary Butter
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🍗 Chicken & Poultry Creations
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Rosemary Butter is a delightful dish that combines the tangy sweetness of cranberries with aromatic rosemary. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions!
Ingredients
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup cranberry juice
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. 2. In a saucepan, combine cranberry juice, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
4. 3. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and place them in a baking dish.
5. 4. Pour the cranberry glaze over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated.
6. 5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
7. 6. While the chicken is baking, mix the softened butter with chopped rosemary in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
8. 7. Once the chicken is done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
9. 8. Serve the chicken topped with rosemary butter and additional glaze.
Notes
– For a thicker glaze, simmer the cranberry sauce for a few extra minutes.
– This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with glaze
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken, cranberry, rosemary, glaze, dinner