Name: Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries; 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred); 2 tablespoons orange zest; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil

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A vibrant and elegant dish, these Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs combine the savory richness of seared chicken with the sweet-tart contrast of cranberries and fresh citrus. This one-skillet meal is not only beautiful to present but also full of bold, seasonal flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is ideal for both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings. The glaze offers a harmonious balance of sweet and tangy, enhanced by fresh herbs and the natural richness of chicken thighs. It comes together quickly in a single skillet, keeping cleanup to a minimum while delivering maximum flavor.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Olive oil
Fresh cranberries
Fresh orange juice
Orange zest
Honey or maple syrup
Garlic, minced
Fresh thyme or rosemary
Salt
Black pepper
Fresh parsley for garnish
Orange slices for garnish (optional)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
Sear chicken thighs skin-side down until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, and herbs. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until cranberries begin to burst and the sauce thickens.
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the glaze over the top.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Garnish with chopped parsley and orange slices before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Substitute boneless chicken thighs or breasts for quicker cooking.
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth.
Incorporate pomegranate seeds in place of cranberries during off-season.
Use maple syrup instead of honey for a richer glaze.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second intervals.

FAQs

How can I make the glaze thicker?

Simmer the glaze longer on the stovetop until it reduces and reaches your desired consistency.

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well—no need to thaw them first.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes. You can prepare the chicken and glaze in advance and store separately until ready to bake.

What can I serve with this dish?

It pairs beautifully with wild rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Can I use orange marmalade instead of fresh orange juice?

Yes, orange marmalade can add sweetness and texture to the glaze. Reduce added sweetener accordingly.

Is it possible to grill the chicken instead?

Grill the chicken separately, and then brush on the cranberry-orange glaze as a finishing touch.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer. Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it a few hours in advance and reheat before serving.

What wine pairs best with this recipe?

A medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light red such as Pinot Noir works well.

Can I use skinless thighs?

Yes, though the dish may be less crispy. Baste well with the glaze to maintain flavor and moisture.

Conclusion

Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs offer an impressive, flavor-packed meal that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. With its perfect balance of savory and sweet, it is a recipe worthy of any dinner table, whether you’re entertaining guests or indulging in a cozy night in.

Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs

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Juicy chicken thighs glazed with a sweet and tangy cranberry orange sauce, perfect for a festive dinner or weeknight meal.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken thighs, skin-side down, for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, add cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and thyme. Stir and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5-7 minutes until cranberries burst and sauce thickens slightly.
Return chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up, and spoon some of the glaze over them.
Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon extra glaze over the top.