Description
Cranberry Orange Chicken is a flavorful and festive dish that combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of orange, creating a deliciously tangy sauce that complements juicy chicken. Perfect for holiday meals, special occasions, or a weeknight dinner, this dish brings a burst of color and flavor to your table. The combination of citrus and cranberry adds a unique twist to traditional chicken, making it a standout option for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Gather these ingredients to make your Cranberry Orange Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or chicken breasts, if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- ½ cup orange juice (fresh or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make Cranberry Orange Chicken:
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs, skin-side down, and sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown. Flip the chicken and sear for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Cranberry Orange Sauce:
- Cook the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, honey or maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar. Stir to combine and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the cranberries start to burst and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in fresh thyme or rosemary, if using, and cook for an additional minute.
- Return the Chicken: Place the chicken back into the skillet, skin-side up, and spoon some of the sauce over the chicken.
Roast and Serve:
- Roast the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve the chicken with the cranberry-orange sauce on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400-450
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 35g