In a medium sauce pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil on medium heat.
Measure out 1 cup of quinoa and add it to the pan. Gently stir quinoa and get a light coating of oil on each grain. Let the quinoa toast for 2-3 minutes.
Add chicken stock, dried cranberries, and spiky thyme to the pot. Gently stir to make sure spices and cranberries are evenly distributed.
Bring liquid to a simmer, and let cook, covered, on low heat for 25 minutes.
When the quinoa is finished, all of the chicken stock will be absorbed. Fluff quinoa with a fork and serve.