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Orange Cranberry Chicken Thighs

This recipe combines bright orange, tart cranberry, and honey in a sticky sauce that coats tender chicken thighs, creating a restaurant-quality dish at home.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4-6 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs Pat dry before seasoning
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/2 cup cranberry sauce Can use fresh or frozen cranberries as an alternative
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey Adjust sweetness to taste
  • 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat dry the chicken thighs and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the orange juice, cranberry sauce, soy sauce, honey, grated orange zest, minced garlic, and ground ginger until well combined.
Cooking
  1. Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add chicken thighs skin side down and cook for 5 to 7 minutes without moving until the skin is golden and crisp.
  3. Turn the thighs and cook the other side for 2 minutes.
  4. Pour the orange cranberry sauce mixture over the chicken and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Spoon sauce over the thighs before serving.
  7. For a thicker glaze, simmer the sauce on the stove for a few minutes until it reduces.

Notes

For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes for heat. Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or salad. This dish can be made ahead by preparing the sauce.