Name: Roasted Balsamic Chicken with Cranberries Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon honey; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 4 boneless chicken thighs; 1 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen; 4-6 sprigs tarragon; 2 tablespoons olive oil (for coating baking sheet and onions)

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 130 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s as cozy as it is bursting with flavor, you’re going to absolutely love this Roasted Balsamic Chicken with Cranberries Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but comes together so easily — perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal. I love this recipe because the tangy balsamic pairs beautifully with sweet-tart cranberries, and the roasting method keeps the chicken juicy and tender every single time. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my best tips so you can nail this dish effortlessly in your own kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: You don’t need anything fancy to create big flavors here — pantry staples and fresh cranberries do the magic.
Balanced Flavors: The sweet and tangy balsamic glaze perfectly complements the tart cranberries and savory chicken.
Minimal Fuss: This is a one-pan roast that lets you prep, pop it in the oven, and walk away — easy cleanup is a big win in my book.

A white plate with two stacked pieces of browned cooked meat as the base layer, topped with shiny cooked red onion slices and bright red cranberries scattered on and around the meat. To the right side of the meat is a generous serving of creamy mashed potatoes with some cranberries mixed in and on top. A small green herb garnish rests on the onions. A fork is placed on the right edge of the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Roasted Balsamic Chicken with Cranberries, balsamic chicken recipes, easy holiday chicken, flavorful chicken dinner, cranberry chicken skillet

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Roasted Balsamic Chicken with Cranberries Recipe plays an important role, working together to build those amazing layers of flavor. When shopping, try to find fresh cranberries if you can; they bring a wonderful pop and texture. Also, choosing good-quality balsamic vinegar makes a noticeable difference.

Flat lay of four raw boneless chicken thighs arranged next to a small pile of fresh cranberries, thin slices of vibrant red onion fanned out gracefully, several bright green sprigs of tarragon scattered artfully, a small glass bowl of dark balsamic vinegar catching the light, a drizzle of golden olive oil nearby, and a small dish of amber honey with a smooth texture, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Roasted Balsamic Chicken with Cranberries, balsamic chicken recipes, easy holiday chicken, flavorful chicken dinner, cranberry chicken skillet

Balsamic Vinegar: Choose a quality aged balsamic for depth — it’s the star behind the sauce here.
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for the best flavor, but any good olive oil will do.
Red Wine Vinegar: Adds a nice acidity that brightens the marinade.
Honey: Just a touch for sweetness to balance the tangy vinaigrette.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors – I usually use kosher salt for even seasoning.
Ground Black Pepper: Freshly ground if you can – it adds gentle heat.
Boneless Chicken Thighs: My go-to for juicy, flavorful roast chicken; skinless makes it easy to eat.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced to roast alongside chicken, contributing sweetness and texture.
Cranberries: Fresh or frozen works, just make sure to rinse frozen cranberries first.
Tarragon Sprigs: This herb brings a lovely subtle anise flavor that brightens the dish.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Roasted Balsamic Chicken with Cranberries Recipe is — you can easily tweak it to suit your mood or dietary preferences. I’ve played around with a few variations and each time, it’s just as delicious.

Herb Swaps: Sometimes, I swap tarragon with fresh rosemary or thyme, depending on what’s in my garden — both add their own unique aroma!
Chicken Cuts: If you prefer white meat, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work fine; just watch the cooking time so they don’t dry out.
Fruit Alternatives: I’ve swapped cranberries for pomegranate seeds in winter, which adds a fun crunch and a burst of color.
Sweeteners: If you’re avoiding honey, maple syrup or agave work just as well to balance the acidity.

How to Make Roasted Balsamic Chicken with Cranberries Recipe

Step 1: Whisk the Marinade and Marinate

Start by combining balsamic vinegar, olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a bowl. I like to whisk it until it’s smooth and well-emulsified — that way every bite gets even flavor. Toss the chicken thighs in this mixture, ensuring they’re well-coated, and cover — I usually let mine marinate for at least 30 minutes, sometimes even a few hours if I’m prepping ahead. This step is total game-changer for juicy, flavorful chicken.

Step 2: Prepare for Roasting

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Coat a rimmed baking sheet with the remaining olive oil — this helps prevent the chicken and onions from sticking and helps everything crisp up beautifully. Spread the red onion slices in an even layer; they’ll add sweetness and a great base to soak up the marinade’s juices.

Step 3: Arrange Chicken and Cranberries

Place the marinated chicken thighs nestled among the onions on the baking sheet. Don’t forget to pour any leftover marinade over the onions – that extra sauce caramelizes during roasting. Then scatter the cranberries on top and tuck a few sprigs of fresh tarragon here and there. The tarragon really lifts the dish with a lovely herbaceous note that complements the cranberries.

Step 4: Roast Until Perfectly Cooked

Roast in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’re aiming for the juices to run clear and an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the thigh. I like to use a meat thermometer here because it takes out the guesswork and ensures juicy chicken every time. The onions will caramelize and the cranberries soften and pop beautifully, creating a fantastic flavor combo.

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Pro Tips for Making Roasted Balsamic Chicken with Cranberries Recipe

Marinate Longer for More Flavor: When you have time, marinate the chicken overnight — it really intensifies the taste and tenderizes the meat beautifully.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Avoid overcooking by checking the internal temperature for perfectly juicy chicken every time.
Don’t Skip the Onions: Roasted onions soak up the marinade and add sweetness that balances the tartness of the cranberries like magic.
Let it Rest: After roasting, let the chicken rest for a few minutes so the juices redistribute — this keeps every bite juicy and moist.

How to Serve Roasted Balsamic Chicken with Cranberries Recipe

The image shows a roasting pan filled with cooked chicken pieces that are golden brown with dark grill marks, surrounded by soft, translucent, and slightly browned slices of red onion with curled edges. Scattered all over the pan are bright red cranberries, some slightly shriveled from cooking. The pan's surface has a shiny, caramelized brown texture from the cooked juices, oil, and spices. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Roasted Balsamic Chicken with Cranberries, balsamic chicken recipes, easy holiday chicken, flavorful chicken dinner, cranberry chicken skillet

Garnishes

I like to finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh tarragon leaves or even some chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. A light drizzle of extra balsamic vinegar or a touch of olive oil right before serving really amps up the flavor and shine on the chicken and cranberries.

Side Dishes

My favorite pairings include a creamy mashed potato or buttery polenta to soak up all those delicious juices. Roasted root vegetables or a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette also complement this dish beautifully without overpowering it.

Creative Ways to Present

Whenever I’ve served this at holiday dinners, I’ve presented the chicken thighs on a bed of wilted baby spinach, scattered with the vibrant roasted cranberries and tarragon sprigs, which always gets compliments. You might also try plating each serving with a drizzle of the pan juices reduced into a thick sauce for that restaurant-style wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers (which isn’t often because everyone loves this!), I store the chicken and the onions with cranberries in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, perfect for quick lunches or a second dinner.

Freezing

I’ve frozen portions of this dish a couple of times. Just let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It will keep up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming it gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) wrapped in foil to keep it moist — about 15 minutes or until heated through. This method helps maintain the juicy texture without drying it out like the microwave sometimes does.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Roasted Balsamic Chicken with Cranberries Recipe?

Absolutely! You can swap in boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer white meat. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as breasts cook faster and can dry out if overcooked. I’d check after about 15-18 minutes and use a thermometer to confirm an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I prepare the marinade and chicken in advance?

Yes! Marinating the chicken overnight in the fridge is even better because it tenderizes the meat and deepens the flavor. Just be sure to cover the bowl tightly and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to roast.
Are frozen cranberries okay to use for this recipe?

Definitely. Frozen cranberries work just fine. Just rinse and drain them before adding so you don’t add extra water to the dish, which can dilute the flavors.
What sides pair well with Roasted Balsamic Chicken with Cranberries?

This chicken goes great with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a light green salad to balance the richness of the dish. Polenta or wild rice are also excellent choices for soaking up those lovely juices.

Final Thoughts

I truly love this Roasted Balsamic Chicken with Cranberries Recipe because it’s bursting with flavors that feel both fresh and comforting at the same time. Whether I’m cooking for my family on a weeknight or impressing guests over the holidays, it’s always a hit—simple to make but full of wow-factor. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become one of your go-to dishes you’ll want to revisit again and again!