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–+ servings
Orange Cranberry Chicken Thighs

Savory Orange Cranberry Chicken Thighs for a Cozy Dinner

A delightful balance of sweet and savory, this Orange Cranberry Chicken Thighs recipe is easy, gluten-free, and perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 thighs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 thighs Bone-in, skin-on chicken Substitute with breasts if needed, but monitor cooking time carefully.
For the Sauce
  • 2 cups Fresh or frozen cranberries If using frozen, no need to thaw!
  • 1 large Orange Zest and juice for the dish.
  • 1/4 cup Honey Can swap with maple syrup.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive oil Any neutral oil can be used.
For the Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Use sea or kosher salt for the best taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper Freshly cracked pepper is recommended.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder Fresh garlic can be used instead, adjust quantity.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder Fresh onion works but use less.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried or fresh rosemary Fresh is more aromatic.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried or fresh thyme Fresh delivers a more robust taste.
For Serving
  • Optional side salad or wild rice Pairs beautifully for a balanced meal.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • mixing bowl
  • Baking Dish
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Gather your baking dish and other ingredients.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the orange juice, zest, honey, olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, and thyme. Whisk until well blended.
  3. Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish in a single layer. Pour the marinade over the chicken, coating thoroughly.
  4. Scatter cranberries around the chicken in the baking dish.
  5. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
  6. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to crisp the chicken skin.
  7. Once baked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving with the cranberry sauce drizzled on top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1thighCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 21gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Adjust cooking times if using chicken breasts instead of thighs.

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