Description
Juicy chicken thighs baked in a tangy-sweet sauce of orange, cranberry, and balsamic vinegar create a glossy, flavorful main dish perfect for family dinners or holiday gatherings. The balance of citrus brightness, tart berries, and rich glaze makes this recipe both elegant and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking dish with olive oil.
2. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme or rosemary.
3. In a small saucepan over medium heat combine orange juice, balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, and orange zest.
4. Simmer the sauce for 5 to 7 minutes until slightly thickened, then stir in the cranberries and cook until they burst.
5. Place the chicken thighs skin side up in the prepared baking dish and spoon half of the glaze over them.
6. Bake the chicken for 30 to 35 minutes, basting once midway with remaining glaze.
7. Brush the remaining glaze on the chicken during the last five minutes of baking for a glossy finish.
8. Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), then let rest for five minutes before serving.
9. Garnish with fresh herbs or orange slices and serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: main course
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 100
Keywords: baked orange chicken, cranberry balsamic chicken, chicken dinner recipes, orange chicken, chicken thigh recipes, holiday chicken, balsamic glaze chicken