Tangy Cranberry Orange Chicken: A Family Favorite Dinner (Print Version)

Whip up a delightful Cranberry Orange Chicken dinner. My simple recipe brings bright, tangy flavors for a weeknight meal or a cozy gathering.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Dairy-Free, Nut-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Main Stars

01 - 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
02 - 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
03 - 1 large orange (for juice and zest)

→ Sauce Essentials

04 - 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup)
05 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated

→ Flavor Boosters

08 - 2 sprigs fresh thyme
09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
11 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

→ Finishing Touches

12 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, pat those chicken thighs super, super dry with paper towels. This is crucial for crispy skin, trust me! Season them generously with salt and pepper. Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat with a good splash of olive oil. Once it's shimmering, carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down. Let them sear for about 6-8 minutes, undisturbed, until that skin is gorgeously golden brown and crispy. Oh, the smell of searing chicken, it's just the best, honestly!
02 - While your chicken is doing its thing, grab a bowl for the sauce. Whisk together the fresh orange juice, that lovely orange zest, honey (or maple syrup, if that's what you've got), and soy sauce. Then, mince your garlic and ginger and stir those in too. Don't be afraid to give it a little taste here; you want that balance of sweet, tart, and savory. This sauce is what really makes our Cranberry Orange Chicken sing, so get it right!
03 - Once the chicken skin is crispy, flip the thighs over. Pour that incredible cranberry orange sauce all over the chicken in the skillet. Toss in your fresh (or frozen!) cranberries around the chicken. If you have fresh thyme sprigs, tuck them in too. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer on the stovetop. You'll see those cranberries start to soften and burst, releasing their vibrant juices. The kitchen will start to smell absolutely divine, I promise!
04 - Now for the oven! Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Let it bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The sauce will thicken slightly and get all glossy and beautiful. I usually peek in a few times, just because the aroma is so enticing. This is where the magic really happens for our Cranberry Orange Chicken!
05 - Once the chicken is done, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. This is where I always want to dig in immediately, but don't! Transfer the chicken to a cutting board or platter, tent it loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This keeps it super juicy. While it's resting, if your sauce isn't as thick as you like, you can pop the skillet back on the stove over medium heat and let it simmer for a few more minutes, stirring often. It’s all about getting that perfect consistency for your Cranberry Orange Chicken.
06 - Spoon that glorious cranberry orange sauce generously over the rested chicken. Garnish with some fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Honestly, the sight of it, with that rich, glistening sauce and bright cranberries, just makes me so happy. It's ready to be devoured! I usually serve it with some fluffy rice or creamy polenta to soak up all that amazing sauce. Enjoy your homemade Cranberry Orange Chicken!

# Notes:

01 - Always pat chicken thighs super dry for crispy skin; it's a game-changer I learned the hard way.
02 - Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days; reheating in the oven prevents dryness.
03 - Maple syrup makes a great substitute for honey, offering a slightly different but equally lovely sweetness.
04 - Serve this Cranberry Orange Chicken over fluffy rice or creamy polenta to soak up all that amazing sauce.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large oven-safe skillet
02 - whisk
03 - cutting board
04 - knife
05 - measuring cups and spoons

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 28g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 28g

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