Rosemary Cranberry Chicken

We found another recipe that the family insists must go on the blog. 'Tis the season of cranberries, and I loved the idea of mixing the tart berries, sweet brown sugar and savory rosemary and chicken. It balances beautifully. The cranberries, vegetables and juices from the chicken create an excellent sauce. We had brie on the table, and Keith put some of the cooked cranberries on his brie and cracker which was awesome too

Rosemary Cranberry Chicken

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2–3 tbsp white wine vinegar, more for later
• 6 pieces bone-in, skin on chicken (I used 2 chicken breasts and 4 thighs)
• 6–8 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper
• 1 1/2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary (or 1 1/2 tsp dry rosemary)
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1/3 cup Private Reserve extra virgin olive oil
• 1 lemon, juice of (do not discard used lemon halves)
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
• More fresh rosemary for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a small bowl, combine the cranberries, brown sugar, and white wine vinegar. Set aside for now.
2. Pat the chicken pieces dry. Rub the chicken with the minced garlic on both sides (make sure to apply some of the garlic underneath the chicken skins). Season well with salt and pepper. Combine the rosemary and paprika then apply to the chicken pieces on both sides and again underneath the skin.
3. In a large bowl or deep enough dish, mix the olive oil, lemon juice and 2 tbsp white wine vinegar. Now add the chicken, celery, onions, and used lemon halves. Work everything together with clean hands. Set aside to marinate just for 15 minutes or so.
4. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
5. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet. Place the chicken skin side down to brown on medium-high for 5 minutes. Turn over and brown on the other side.
6. Place the chicken, onions, celery, lemon halves and any liquid from the marinade in a lightly oiled baking pan likethis one. Add 1/2 cup water or chicken broth, then add the sugared cranberries.
7. Bake in the 425 degrees F heated-oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through. Serve hot with Lebanese rice and your favorite salad.