Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a mouthwatering dish that combines the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors! This Cranberry Orange Chicken Bake is not just another chicken recipe – it's a culinary adventure that will elevate your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary. Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs nestled among burst cranberries, glazed with a vibrant orange-honey sauce that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 orange, juiced and zested
- 1/4 cup honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Zest the entire orange, then juice it into a separate mixing bowl. Combine the orange juice, orange zest, honey, and olive oil. Whisk together until well blended.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the prepared baking dish, arranging them skin-side up if using skin-on thighs.
- Scatter fresh cranberries evenly around and between the chicken thighs.
- Pour the orange-honey mixture over the chicken and cranberries, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. The cranberries will have burst and created a vibrant, tangy sauce.
- Garnish with additional orange zest or fresh herbs like thyme or parsley if desired. Serve hot with roasted vegetables or rice.
Tips
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy exterior and prevent steaming.
- For maximum flavor, let the chicken marinate in the orange-honey mixture for 30 minutes before baking if time allows.
- Use fresh cranberries for the best texture and burst of flavor – frozen can work in a pinch.
- Check the chicken's internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.
- For a more caramelized finish, broil the chicken for 2-3 minutes at the end of cooking.
- Pair with roasted vegetables or a light rice pilaf to complete the meal.
- Don't discard the cranberry-orange sauce – it's liquid gold that makes this dish truly special!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg
