Sprinkle chicken with 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, reduce heat to medium and cook, undisturbed, until golden brown, about 7 minutes. Remove all but 1 tablespoon fat from the pan.
Turn the chicken over and add cranberries, vinegar, honey and thyme to the pan. Bring to a simmer over high heat, then reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Partially cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part without touching bone reaches 75 degrees C(165 degrees F), 10 to 12 minutes.
Transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Increase heat to high, add the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook uncovered, stirring, until the sauce is thickened, about 1 minute. Serve the chicken with the sauce.
