Prep Time: ~15 minutes | Cook Time: ~30–40 minutes | Total Time: ~45–55 minutes | Yield: ~4 servings
Introduction
Baked Orange Cranberry Chicken Thighs is a vibrant and flavorful dish where juicy chicken thighs are baked in a bright, sweet-tangy orange and cranberry sauce. The citrusy orange flavors balance the tart cranberries, creating a deliciously festive and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Juicy, tender chicken with crisp skin
- Bright citrus and tart cranberry complement each other beautifully
- Sweet and savory sauce with rich flavors
- Easy to prepare and great for family dinners or holidays
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4–6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on preferred)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Olive oil
- Fresh cranberries (about 1–1½ cups)
- Orange juice (from 1–2 oranges)
- Orange zest (from 1 orange)
- Maple syrup or honey (about ¼ cup)
- Garlic, minced (2–3 cloves)
- Optional: brown sugar (1–2 Tbsp)
- Optional herbs: rosemary or thyme for extra aroma
- Optional: orange slices for garnish
The Flavor Profile
This dish combines savory chicken with a bright, slightly sweet sauce made from fresh orange juice and tart cranberries. The orange zest adds a fragrant citrus lift, while maple syrup or honey balances the tartness with smooth sweetness. Garlic and herbs deepen the savory notes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat a bit of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear until golden brown (about 5 minutes). Flip and sear the other side briefly. Remove from heat.
3. Make the Orange-Cranberry Sauce
In a bowl, combine fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, maple syrup (or honey), minced garlic, and brown sugar if using. Stir well so everything is evenly mixed.
4. Add Sauce to Chicken
Pour the orange-cranberry mixture over and around the chicken thighs. Tuck orange slices and herbs around the chicken if using.
5. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven uncovered for about 25–35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cranberries have softened and burst.
6. Rest & Serve
Let the chicken rest a few minutes after baking. Spoon extra sauce from the pan over the chicken and garnish with fresh herbs or additional orange slices if desired.
Tips for Best Results
- Searing the chicken first adds depth of flavor and helps crisp the skin.
- Taste the sauce before baking and adjust sweetness with more maple syrup or honey as needed.
- For extra color and aroma, add rosemary or thyme sprigs before baking.
- If the sauce is thin after baking, simmer it briefly on the stovetop to reduce and thicken.
How to Serve
Serve these chicken thighs with rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. The citrus-cranberry sauce makes a great drizzle over sides too.
Storage & Freshness
Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Conclusion
Baked Orange Cranberry Chicken Thighs are juicy, flavorful, and beautifully balanced with citrus and tart cranberry notes — a delicious, comforting meal perfect for everyday dinners or special occasions!
