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Baked Cranberry Chicken with Rosemary

Baked Cranberry Chicken with Rosemary


  • Author: David
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Baked Cranberry Chicken with Rosemary is a delightful dish that combines the tangy sweetness of cranberries with the savory, aromatic flavor of fresh rosemary. Enhanced with smoked turkey bacon and a natural gelling agent for a luscious, silky sauce, this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors while keeping the chicken juicy and tender. Easy to prepare and versatile, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions and caters to various dietary preferences.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
  • 4 slices smoked turkey bacon

Herbs and Aromatics

  • 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Sauce Components

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp honey (natural)
  • 1/4 tsp natural gelling agent

Oils and Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts, then season them lightly with salt and black pepper. Mince the garlic and chop the fresh rosemary finely to maximize flavor.
  2. Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the smoked turkey bacon and cook until it begins to crisp and releases its savory aroma. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the flavored oil in the pan.
  3. Sear the Chicken Breasts: Using the same skillet, place the chicken breasts and sear them on each side for about 3 minutes until golden brown. This step locks in juices and adds a beautiful color to your dish.
  4. Prepare the Cranberry Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, apple cider vinegar, honey (natural), minced garlic, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and a pinch of the natural gelling agent. Simmer gently, stirring often until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Assemble and Bake: Return the smoked turkey bacon to the skillet with the chicken breasts. Pour the cranberry sauce evenly over the top and sprinkle with chopped rosemary. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. This helps distribute the juices evenly throughout the meat, ensuring a tender and juicy bite before serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and retain moisture.
  • Do not skip searing the chicken; it adds flavor depth and appealing texture.
  • Fresh rosemary is essential for the best aroma and flavor impact.
  • Add the natural gelling agent gradually to avoid overly thick sauce consistency.
  • Rest the chicken after baking for optimal tenderness and juiciness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: baked chicken, cranberry chicken, rosemary chicken, smoked turkey bacon, cranberry sauce, gluten free, easy dinner, savory and sweet chicken