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–+ servings

Cranberry Orange Chicken

This delightful dish combines sweet cranberries with tangy orange, creating a quick and easy meal perfect for the whole family.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 6–8 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (~3 lb)
  • 1½–2 tsp kosher salt
  • ¾ tsp black pepper
  • 1–2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1½ cups fresh cranberries or 1 cup whole-berry cranberry sauce Use fresh for the best flavor.
  • ¾ cup orange juice Freshly squeezed preferred.
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 3–4 tbsp honey or brown sugar To taste.
  • 1½ tbsp balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh rosemary, minced or ½ tsp dried
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme, minced or ½ tsp dried
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes Optional.

Garnish

  • Orange slices
  • Fresh herbs
  • Extra orange zest

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Pat the chicken thighs dry and season them generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Let them rest for 10–15 minutes.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 6–8 minutes until the cranberries have burst and thickened.
  • Optional: Sear the chicken skin-side down in a hot skillet with olive oil for 2–3 minutes until browned.

Baking

  • Brush the chicken thighs with the glazing and tuck orange slices around them. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for 20 minutes.
  • Baste the chicken with more glaze and return to the oven for an additional 10–15 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 170–175°F.
  • If desired, broil for 1–2 minutes for extra caramelization, watching closely to prevent burning.
  • Let the chicken rest for 5–8 minutes, then garnish with additional orange zest and fresh herbs before serving.

Notes

For storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 25gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 15g
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