Zesty Baked Orange Cranberry Chicken Thighs Recipe

Sinking your teeth into succulent baked orange cranberry chicken thighs that burst with tangy sweetness.

Citrus and tart berries create a mouthwatering melody on your plate.

Bold flavors dance together, promising a meal that breaks free from ordinary weeknight dinners.

Seasonal ingredients blend perfectly, crafting a dish that feels both comforting and exciting.

Each bite tells a story of zesty oranges mingling with bright cranberries.

Simple techniques transform humble chicken thighs into something spectacular.

Trust me, this recipe will become your new favorite go-to meal that impresses without complicated steps.

Grab a fork and get ready to savor every delicious moment.

How To Store And Reheat Baked Orange Cranberry Chicken Thighs

• Refrigerate: Place cooled chicken thighs in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate chicken from sauce to maintain crispy skin.
• Reheat in Oven: Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Arrange chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Drizzle reserved sauce over chicken before serving.
• Microwave Option: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Be careful not to overcook to prevent dryness.
• Freezer Storage: Wrap individual chicken thighs tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Pairings That Go Well With Baked Orange Cranberry Chicken Thighs

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enjoy a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the bright citrus and tangy cranberry flavors of the chicken.
• Serve Alongside Herbed Quinoa: Create a light, fluffy quinoa side dish with fresh parsley and thyme to balance the rich, zesty chicken.
• Match with Roasted Root Vegetables: Prepare a medley of roasted carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes to add earthy sweetness that enhances the orange and cranberry notes.
• Finish with Citrus Sorbet: Cleanse the palate with a refreshing orange or lemon sorbet that echoes the dish's citrusy undertones and provides a light, cool dessert.

Variations You Can Try For Baked Orange Cranberry Chicken Thighs

• Citrus Herb Chicken Remix: Swap orange for lemon and add fresh rosemary and thyme for a bright Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Cranberry Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes and sriracha into the sauce for a fiery version that adds heat and complexity to the original recipe.
• Honey Mustard Fusion: Replace soy sauce with whole grain mustard and increase honey for a sweeter, tangier sauce that complements the chicken's richness.
• Apple Cider Transformation: Use apple cider instead of orange juice and add cinnamon and nutmeg for a warm, autumnal variation that brings cozy flavors to the dish.

FAQs On Baked Orange Cranberry Chicken Thighs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Chicken breasts can work, but they cook faster and might dry out more quickly. Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay juicier during baking.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, replace the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check all other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free certified.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and prevents undercooking.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken in the orange cranberry sauce overnight in the refrigerator. This will help the flavors penetrate the meat more deeply before baking.

Why Baked Orange Cranberry Chicken Thighs Taste So Good

• Flavor Explosion: Tangy orange and tart cranberries create a mouthwatering sweet-savory combination that dances across your taste buds with every bite of juicy chicken.
• Foolproof Cooking Method: The simple baking technique ensures perfectly cooked chicken thighs with minimal effort, making this recipe ideal for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Quick and Convenient Meal: From prep to plate, this dish comes together in under an hour, offering a gourmet-style dinner that looks impressive but requires minimal cooking expertise.
• Versatile Serving Options: Easily pair with multiple side dishes like rice, potatoes, or roasted vegetables, making it a flexible meal for different preferences and dietary needs.

What’s In Baked Orange Cranberry Chicken Thighs

• Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that absorbs sauce flavors wonderfully, best when bone-in and skin-on for maximum juiciness.

• Orange Juice, Orange Zest: Bright citrus base that adds tangy sweetness and fresh aroma to the dish.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that balances the citrus and adds beautiful caramelization.
• Soy Sauce: Provides depth and umami flavor to complement the sweet elements.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds subtle tang and helps emulsify the sauce.

• Garlic Powder: Provides consistent, mellow garlic flavor throughout the sauce.
• Dried Thyme: Earthy herb that complements the chicken and citrus notes.
• Cranberries: Tart berries that add color, texture, and a burst of seasonal flavor.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing chicken and creating a golden, crispy exterior.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the chicken's natural taste.
• Cornstarch: Optional thickening agent for creating a more robust sauce consistency.

Steps For Baked Orange Cranberry Chicken Thighs

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to 375F (190C). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken

• Pat chicken thighs completely dry using paper towels
• Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Ensure each thigh is evenly coated with seasonings

Step 3: Create Flavor Foundation

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken thighs skin-side down for 3-4 minutes until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms. This technique locks in juices and develops rich flavors. Transfer chicken to a plate.

Step 4: Craft Vibrant Sauce

• Fresh orange juice
• Orange zest
• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder
• Dried thyme

Gently fold in cranberries until well distributed.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Arrange chicken thighs skin-side up in the prepared baking dish. Pour orange cranberry sauce evenly over the meat. Slide into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes. Chicken is ready when internal temperature reaches 165F and skin turns crispy and golden.

Step 6: Sauce Enhancement

For a luxuriously thick sauce, transfer cooking juices to a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry. Stir into the sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until it thickens beautifully.

Step 7: Serve With Flair

Plate the chicken and drizzle with the luscious sauce. Sprinkle with extra orange zest or fresh herbs for a pop of color and freshness. Pair with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted seasonal vegetables.

Helpful Tips For Baked Orange Cranberry Chicken Thighs

• Crisp Up the Skin: Pat chicken thighs completely dry before seasoning to ensure maximum skin crispiness and beautiful golden-brown color.
• Balance Sauce Sweetness: Adjust honey quantity based on orange juice's natural sweetness to create a perfectly balanced tangy-sweet sauce.
• Prevent Sauce Burning: Cover with foil midway through baking if sauce starts to darken too quickly, protecting the delicate flavors.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Consider adding fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs during baking to infuse extra aromatic herbaceous notes into the chicken.
• Make It Diet-Friendly: Swap honey with maple syrup for a vegan version or use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative.

Baked Orange Cranberry Chicken Thighs Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent orange cranberry chicken thighs deliver a symphony of Mediterranean flavors, blending tangy citrus with sweet-tart cranberries. Roasted to golden perfection, this dish promises a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with every tender, juicy bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Liquid and Sweet Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) fresh orange juice
• ⅓ cup (65 g) honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasoning and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1 cup (100 g) fresh or frozen cranberries

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375F (190C) and lightly coating a baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Thoroughly dry chicken thighs using clean paper towels, then generously season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor absorption.
3. Create a golden caramelized exterior by searing chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil, cooking skin-side down for 3-4 minutes until rich brown color develops. This technique locks in moisture and introduces deeper taste complexity.
4. Craft the vibrant orange cranberry sauce by combining zesty orange juice, fragrant zest, sweet honey, umami-rich soy sauce, tangy Dijon mustard, aromatic garlic powder, and earthy dried thyme in a mixing bowl. Gently fold in tart cranberries to distribute evenly.
5. Arrange seared chicken thighs in the prepared baking dish with skin facing upward, ensuring maximum crispiness. Pour the carefully prepared sauce over the meat, covering each piece completely.
6. Roast uncovered in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, monitoring until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F and the skin transforms into a crisp, golden-brown masterpiece.
7. Optional sauce enhancement involves transferring cooking liquids to a small saucepan and simmering. Create a cornstarch slurry by whisking with water, then incorporate into the sauce to achieve a luxurious, thickened consistency.
8. Present the dish by elegantly spooning the reduced sauce over the chicken, garnishing with additional orange zest or fresh herbs for a final touch of sophistication. Accompany with complementary sides like fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted seasonal vegetables.

Notes

• Carefully pat chicken thighs completely dry to ensure golden, crispy skin and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Searing chicken before baking creates deeper flavor and develops beautiful caramelization, making the dish more restaurant-quality.
• Adjust honey quantity for different dietary preferences – use maple syrup for vegan version or reduce for lower sugar content.
• Consider using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum moisture and richness, as they’re more forgiving during cooking process.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 382
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 645 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg