Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe
This Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant blend of fresh cranberries, orange juice, and a touch of honey. Baked to perfection and finished under the broiler for a crispy skin, it's a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, perfect for a festive dinner or a special weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes (includes minimum marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4-5 chicken thighs with skin (or chicken breasts)
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed)
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large orange, zested and juiced
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: Combine all the marinade ingredients—cranberries, honey, olive oil, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, garlic, orange zest and juice, sea salt, and black pepper—in a food processor and blend until smooth and well-mixed.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large ziplock bag, container, or deep dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight to maximize flavor.
- Preheat Oven: When ready to cook, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange Chicken for Baking: Lightly grease an 8x8-inch roasting pan. Place the marinated chicken pieces in the pan and pour any remaining marinade over the chicken evenly. Spread the remaining 1/2 cup of fresh cranberries around the chicken in the pan.
- Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until cooked through and juices run clear.
- Brush with Honey and Olive Oil: Mix one tablespoon of honey with one tablespoon of olive oil. Brush this mixture over the chicken to enhance the glaze and flavor.
- Broil for Crispiness: Preheat the broiler. Place the chicken under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the skin is crispy and caramelized, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Discard Sauce: Remove the pan from the oven and discard the sauce remaining in the pan; it is no longer needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Garnish the chicken with fresh orange zest and additional fresh cranberries. Serve hot and enjoy the balance of sweet and tangy flavor with crispy skin.
Notes
- Using chicken thighs with skin helps achieve a crispy broiled finish and adds extra flavor.
- For a leaner option, use skinless chicken breasts, though they may require less cooking time.
- If using frozen cranberries, make sure to thaw them completely before blending.
- Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the flavors.
- Keep a close eye while broiling since the sugars can burn quickly.
- You can substitute maple syrup for honey for a different sweetness profile.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Find it online: https://cookedbygrace.com/cranberry-orange-chicken-recipe/
