Name: Paleo Cranberry Apple Chicken Thighs with Rosemary Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 large bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (approximately 6 ounces each); Salt (to taste); Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste); 1 tablespoon ghee (or olive oil); 1 medium apple (cored, sliced); ⅓ cup Ocean Spray® Craisins® Original Dried Cranberries (see Notes for Whole30); 2 cloves garlic (minced); ⅔ cup Ocean Spray® 100% Juice Organic Cranberry Apple; ⅓ cup chicken stock; 5 sprigs fresh rosemary

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Introduction

This Paleo Cranberry Apple Chicken Thighs recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with the bright flavors of cranberry, apple, and rosemary. It’s a perfect dish for those who enjoy a balance of savory and fruity notes in a wholesome, grain-free meal.

The image shows a black cast iron pan filled with four pieces of cooked chicken thighs placed evenly in a circular arrangement. The chicken has golden brown crispy skin, with small red dried cranberries scattered on top and around it. Between and under the chicken pieces are slices of yellowish cooked apple wedges and sprigs of fresh green herbs, likely rosemary, adding texture and color contrast. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with a partly visible white cloth underneath. A silver spoon is placed on the bottom right edge of the pan. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 large bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (approximately 6 ounces each)
Salt (to taste)
Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
1 tablespoon ghee (or olive oil)
1 medium apple (cored, sliced)
⅓ cup Ocean Spray® Craisins® Original Dried Cranberries (see Notes for Whole30)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
⅔ cup Ocean Spray® 100% Juice Organic Cranberry Apple
⅓ cup chicken stock
5 sprigs fresh rosemary

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375° Fahrenheit. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Step 2: Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ghee and swirl to coat the pan as it melts.
Step 3: Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet, ensuring they don’t crowd each other.
Step 4: Cook the chicken undisturbed for about 7 minutes until the skin is evenly browned and releases easily from the pan.
Step 5: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 13 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 175°-180° Fahrenheit.
Step 6: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the chicken thighs to a plate to rest. Return the skillet to the stove over medium-high heat.
Step 7: Add the apple slices and Craisins to the hot skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the apples are lightly golden and softened.
Step 8: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Step 9: Pour in the cranberry apple juice, chicken stock, and add the rosemary sprigs. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil over high heat.
Step 10: Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 11: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning sauce over them. Warm through on low heat if necessary, then serve with plenty of sauce.

Tips & Variations

For a Whole30-friendly version, substitute the Craisins with unsweetened dried cranberries or fresh cranberries.
Use olive oil instead of ghee to keep the dish dairy-free.
Try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar to the sauce for extra tanginess.
Serve with cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables for a complete Paleo meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the chicken juicy, or microwave briefly. The sauce may thicken when chilled; add a splash of chicken stock or water when reheating if needed.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a pan filled with golden-brown cooked chicken thighs, each having crispy skin with a touch of black pepper and small dark red cranberries on top. Around the chicken, there are several thick slices of cooked apples with a soft, caramelized texture and a warm golden color. Fresh green rosemary sprigs are tucked between the chicken pieces, adding a fresh contrast. The pan is on a white marbled surface, and the dish is bathed in a glossy light brown sauce that ties the ingredients together. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs, but reduce the baking time to about 10 minutes and check for doneness to prevent overcooking.

What can I substitute for cranberry apple juice?

If you don’t have cranberry apple juice, you can substitute with unsweetened apple juice mixed with a splash of cranberry juice or use 100% pure apple cider for a slightly different but still delicious flavor.