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Savory Cranberry Orange Chicken Thighs

Savory Cranberry Orange Chicken Thighs
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Savory Cranberry Orange Chicken Thighs feature juicy, crispy bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs cooked in a luscious sweet and tangy cranberry orange sauce. This vibrant, flavorful dish is quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, and pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4–6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Sauce

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin, then generously season with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and rosemary. This helps the skin brown beautifully and infuses the meat with flavor from the start.
  2. Sear the Chicken Thighs: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and cook without moving for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for 3-4 minutes before removing from the pan.
  3. Make the Cranberry Orange Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and sauté finely chopped onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant. Stir in fresh cranberries, orange juice, zest, chicken broth, and honey. Let the mixture simmer until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Combine and Cook Through: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender, allowing the sauce to coat every bit of the savory cranberry orange chicken thighs.
  5. Final Touches: Remove the lid, increase the heat, and cook for a few minutes to reduce the sauce further if desired. Sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving to add a fresh, herbal aroma and extra color.

Notes

  • Dry the chicken skin before searing to guarantee crispy skin that complements the juicy meat.
  • Use freshly squeezed orange juice and zest for the best bright citrus flavor.
  • Don’t skip the searing step to lock in flavor and achieve texture contrast between crispy skin and tender meat.
  • Simmer the chicken gently in the sauce to keep it moist and flavorful.
  • Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute, keeping it juicy.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry chicken, orange chicken, chicken thighs, savory chicken, gluten-free, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/savory-cranberry-orange-chicken-thighs/