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Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken Thighs

cranberry orange glazed chicken thighs - featured image
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Juicy, crispy chicken thighs roasted in a tangy-sweet cranberry orange glaze with rosemary, all in one pan. This easy, crowd-pleasing dinner is perfect for busy weeknights or festive occasions and comes together with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2–3 fresh rosemary sprigs (or 1 tsp dried rosemary)
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/2 cup orange juice (from 1 large orange)
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
  • Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional, for finishing)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 4-5 minutes until golden and crisp. Flip and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes. Remove chicken to a plate.
  3. Pour off excess fat, leaving about 1 tbsp in the pan. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Stir in cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits. Add dried cranberries and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until cranberries burst and glaze thickens slightly.
  5. Return chicken thighs to the pan, skin-side up. Spoon some glaze over each piece and tuck rosemary sprigs around the chicken.
  6. Transfer skillet to oven and roast uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F internally and juices run clear.
  7. Remove from oven. If desired, swirl in butter for a glossy finish. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  8. Spoon extra glaze over chicken and garnish with more orange zest or chopped rosemary if desired.

Notes

For crispier skin, broil chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely. If glaze is too thick, add a splash of broth; if too thin, simmer on the stove after baking. Use fresh orange zest for best flavor. All ingredients are naturally gluten-free; skip butter for dairy-free. Leftovers keep well and flavors deepen overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry orange chicken, glazed chicken thighs, one-pan dinner, easy chicken recipe, holiday chicken, weeknight dinner, gluten-free chicken, rosemary chicken, festive chicken, meal prep chicken

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/cranberry-orange-glazed-chicken-thighs-easy-one-pan-dinner-recipe/