Why Make This Recipe
Cranberry and Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs is a delightful dish that combines sweet and savory flavors. The juicy chicken thighs are covered in a tangy glaze made with cranberries and fresh orange juice, making it perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also brings a vibrant color to your table. With simple ingredients, you can create a meal that impresses everyone at the dinner table.
How to Make Cranberry and Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs
Ingredients:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp dried)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for 4–5 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Flip the thighs and cook for another 2 minutes. Then, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add cranberries, orange juice, honey, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, orange zest, garlic, and thyme.
- Stir the mixture and bring it to a simmer for 4–5 minutes until it thickens slightly and the cranberries begin to burst.
- Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, and spoon some of the glaze over the top.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is sticky and caramelized.
- Spoon extra glaze over the chicken before serving. It pairs well with roasted veggies, couscous, or mashed sweet potatoes for a festive meal.
How to Serve Cranberry and Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs
Serve your Cranberry and Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs with side dishes like roasted vegetables, couscous, or creamy mashed sweet potatoes. The sweet and tangy glaze complements the richness of the chicken, making for a balanced and satisfying meal. Add a simple green salad for extra freshness.
How to Store Cranberry and Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs
To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely and then place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the leftover chicken. Just make sure it’s well-sealed, and it will last up to 2 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven or microwave.
Tips to Make Cranberry and Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken thighs in some of the glaze for a couple of hours before cooking.
- If fresh cranberries are not available, frozen cranberries work perfectly fine.
- Adjust the sweetness of the glaze by adding more or less honey according to your taste.
Variation
You can easily make this dish with chicken breasts if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time, as chicken breasts may cook faster than thighs. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the glaze.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time.
2. What can I serve with this dish?
It goes well with roasted vegetables, couscous, or mashed sweet potatoes.
3. How long can I store the leftovers?
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
