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Cranberry Orange Chicken Thighs


  • Total Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Description

These Cranberry Orange Chicken Thighs are a delightful and straightforward recipe, perfect for adding warmth and flavor to your winter table. Tender chicken thighs are baked to perfection with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that is sure to become a family favorite. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s simple enough for any cook to master, ideal for busy families and anyone looking for a flavorful meal without a lot of fuss.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 (14-ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

  • Instructions

    1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish: Start by preheating your oven to 375 F (190 C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup. This prevents the sauce from sticking and burning.

    2. Season the Chicken Thighs: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps the skin crisp up nicely. Place them in the prepared baking dish and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.

    3. Whisk Together the Flavorful Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the whole berry cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and garlic powder. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

    4. Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken: Spoon or pour the cranberry orange sauce evenly over the chicken thighs in the baking dish. Make sure each piece of chicken is well coated with the sauce.

    5. Bake Until Cooked Through: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165 F (74 C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh, avoiding the bone. The skin should be golden brown and the sauce bubbly.

    6. Rest and Garnish: Once cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and moist chicken. If desired, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
    • Category: main dish
    • Method: bake
    • Cuisine: american

    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: 1-2 thighs

    Keywords: chicken, cranberry, orange, thighs, easy, weeknight, dinner, baked, comfort food, winter