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Cranberry Orange Chicken (Easy, Bright & Flavorful!)

Juicy chicken thighs baked with a sweet and tangy cranberry-orange glaze, perfect for holiday dinners or weeknight meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste
Cranberry Orange Glaze
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 0.5 cup orange juice freshly squeezed
  • 0.25 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp orange zest
  • 0.5 tsp dried thyme or rosemary optional
Garnish
  • fresh cranberries for garnish
  • orange slices or additional zest for garnish
  • fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Baking dish
  • Saucepan
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking dish.
  2. Pat chicken dry, rub with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, garlic, orange zest, and thyme in a saucepan. Simmer 5–7 min until cranberries burst.
  4. Place chicken in baking dish and pour half of glaze over top.
  5. Bake 25–30 min until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
  6. Remove from oven, spoon remaining glaze over chicken, and garnish with fresh cranberries, orange slices, and parsley.
  7. Serve immediately with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

Adjust honey or orange juice to taste for sweetness or tang.