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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 375F (190C) and lightly coating a baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Thoroughly dry chicken thighs using clean paper towels, then generously season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor absorption.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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