This baked cranberry orange chicken recipe is a true weeknight wonder, bringing together vibrant flavors in a way that’s both comforting and exciting.
Tender chicken thighs are coated in a delicious, tangy-sweet marinade that transforms into a glossy, flavorful glaze as it bakes. It’s a dish that feels special enough for guests but is simple enough for any busy evening.
Whether you’re looking for a new family favorite or a reliable recipe to impress without stress, these cranberry orange chicken thighs deliver. The combination of bright orange and tart cranberries creates a dynamic flavor profile that’s incredibly appealing. Get ready to discover your new go-to baked chicken dish!
Table of Contents
- What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
- Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
- Time Needed From Start To Finish
- How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
- Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
- Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
- How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
- Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe
Baked Cranberry Orange Chicken
- Total Time: 35-45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This baked cranberry orange chicken recipe is a true weeknight wonder, bringing together vibrant flavors in a way that’s both comforting and exciting. Tender chicken thighs are coated in a delicious, tangy-sweet marinade that transforms into a glossy, flavorful glaze as it bakes. It’s a dish that feels special enough for guests but is simple enough for any busy evening.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 400 F (200 C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup. This prevents the chicken from sticking and helps the sauce caramelize nicely.
2. Whisk Together the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the whole berry cranberry sauce, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Whisk everything together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This is your flavorful base!
3. Prepare the Chicken Thighs: Pat the boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the marinade adhere better and allows the chicken to brown slightly. Arrange the dried chicken thighs in a single layer in your prepared baking dish.
4. Coat the Chicken Generously: Pour the cranberry orange marinade evenly over the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is well coated. You can use a spoon to spread the sauce if needed.
5. Bake Until Cooked Through: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 F (74 C) as measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh. The sauce should also appear slightly thickened and bubbly.
6. Rest and Garnish: Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest in the dish for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist. Garnish with fresh orange slices and chopped parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness.
- Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: main dish
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
Keywords: chicken, cranberry, orange, baked, easy, weeknight, dinner, thighs, sweet, tangy
What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe
This recipe is a winner for so many reasons, making it perfect for busy families and anyone who loves big flavor with minimal fuss. It works because it uses readily available ingredients and a straightforward baking method that locks in moisture and taste. The chicken thighs, known for their juiciness, become incredibly tender and absorb all the wonderful notes of the cranberry orange marinade. It’s ideal for a cozy family dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or even meal prepping for healthy lunches throughout the week. The balance of sweet and tangy makes it appealing to a wide range of palates, including picky eaters who might be hesitant about new flavors.
Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress
Gathering your ingredients before you start cooking is a great way to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Most of these items are likely already in your pantry or easily found at any grocery store.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce (canned or homemade)
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Fresh orange slices and chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
For simple substitutions, if you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white vinegar can work in a pinch, though the apple cider adds a nice subtle tang. If you prefer a less sweet dish, you can reduce the brown sugar or omit it entirely, as the cranberry sauce and orange juice already provide sweetness. For a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the marinade. When choosing cranberry sauce, opt for whole berry for best texture and flavor, but jellied will also work if that’s what you have on hand.
Time Needed From Start To Finish
This recipe is designed for efficiency without sacrificing flavor, making it perfect for those busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10-15 minutes (includes making the marinade)
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-45 minutes
The beauty of this dish is that most of the work is hands-off baking, allowing you to focus on side dishes or other tasks while the chicken cooks to perfection.
How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues
Follow these simple steps to create perfectly baked cranberry orange chicken thighs that are bursting with flavor.
- Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup. This prevents the chicken from sticking and helps the sauce caramelize nicely.
- Whisk Together the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the whole berry cranberry sauce, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Whisk everything together thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This is your flavorful base!
- Prepare the Chicken Thighs: Pat the boneless, skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps the marinade adhere better and allows the chicken to brown slightly. Arrange the dried chicken thighs in a single layer in your prepared baking dish.
- Coat the Chicken Generously: Pour the cranberry orange marinade evenly over the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is well coated. You can use a spoon to spread the sauce if needed.
- Bake Until Cooked Through: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh. The sauce should also appear slightly thickened and bubbly.
- Rest and Garnish: Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest in the dish for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist. Garnish with fresh orange slices and chopped parsley, if desired, for a pop of color and freshness.
Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life
This cranberry orange chicken is wonderfully versatile and can be adapted to suit various tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can serve the chicken with a side of plain rice or mashed potatoes to balance the tangy sauce. You might also offer a small bowl of the sauce on the side for dipping, allowing kids to control how much they use.
If you’re hosting a party or buffet, consider cutting the cooked chicken thighs into smaller, bite-sized pieces and serving them with toothpicks as appetizers. The vibrant color makes them very appealing. You could also shred the cooked chicken and use it in sliders with a dollop of creamy coleslaw. For optional toppings, a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts can add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor, complementing the cranberries beautifully. A touch of fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs baked alongside the chicken can also infuse an earthy aroma.
Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them
Even simple recipes can have small pitfalls. Being aware of these can help ensure your cranberry orange chicken turns out perfectly every time.
One common mistake is not patting the chicken dry before adding the marinade. Excess moisture on the chicken skin can prevent the marinade from adhering properly and can lead to a less flavorful, steamed chicken rather than a slightly caramelized one. Always take a moment to pat the chicken thoroughly with paper towels.
Another slip-up is overcooking the chicken. Chicken thighs are more forgiving than breasts, but they can still become dry if baked for too long or at too high a temperature. Always use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. This ensures your chicken is perfectly cooked, juicy, and safe to eat.
Finally, not letting the chicken rest after baking is a common oversight. Cutting into chicken immediately after it comes out of the oven allows all the delicious juices to escape, resulting in drier meat. A short 5-minute rest period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, keeping it tender and moist.
How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture
This cranberry orange chicken is fantastic for meal prep and leftovers, making your weeknights even easier.
To store leftovers, allow the cooked chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce will thicken slightly as it chills, which is perfectly normal.
For reheating, you can gently warm the chicken and sauce in the microwave until heated through, or place it in an oven-safe dish covered with foil and reheat at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warm. Adding a splash of chicken broth or orange juice before reheating can help keep the chicken moist and loosen the sauce if it’s too thick.
If you want to make this dish ahead, you can prepare the marinade up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also marinate the chicken in the sauce for 4-24 hours before baking. Place the chicken and marinade in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, simply transfer the marinated chicken to your baking dish and proceed with the baking instructions. This is a great way to cut down on prep time on a busy day.
Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. However, chicken breasts tend to cook faster and can dry out more easily. Reduce the baking time to about 20-25 minutes, and be sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
What if I don’t have whole berry cranberry sauce?
Jellied cranberry sauce can be used as a substitute. The texture of the final sauce will be smoother, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Can I make this spicier?
Absolutely! For a touch of heat, add a pinch or two of red pepper flakes to the marinade. You can adjust the amount to your preference.
What are good side dishes to serve with this chicken?
This chicken pairs wonderfully
FAQs
- Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
- How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
- Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
- Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.
