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Cranberry Orange Chicken

Cranberry Orange Chicken: A Festive One-Pan Delight

Cranberry Orange Chicken is a festive one-pan dish featuring juicy chicken thighs in a tangy cranberry-orange glaze.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Chicken Thighs Juicy and tender; ideal for retaining moisture.
  • 1 teaspoon Sea Salt Enhances the overall taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Adds mild heat.
For the Glaze
  • 12 ounces Fresh Cranberries Provides a tangy, sweet flavor and vibrant color.
  • 1/4 cup Honey Adds sweetness and moisture to the chicken.
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar Caramelizes the chicken during cooking, enhancing flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar Adds depth of flavor to the marinade.
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Contributes savory depth.
  • 1 large Orange (zested and juiced) Provides fresh citrus notes that brighten the dish.
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Aids in moisture retention and browning the chicken.

Equipment

  • Food processor
  • 8×8-inch baking pan
  • ziplock bag

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cranberry Orange Chicken
  1. In a food processor, blend together the brown sugar, honey, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, orange juice, orange zest, sea salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
  2. Place the chicken thighs in a ziplock bag or shallow dish, and pour the prepared marinade over them, ensuring they are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  3. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare an 8x8-inch baking pan by greasing it lightly with olive oil.
  4. Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and transfer it to the greased baking pan, pouring any remaining marinade over the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 155°F.
  5. Mix a tablespoon of honey with a tablespoon of olive oil and brush this mixture over the chicken skin. Place the pan under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  6. Once done, remove the pan from the oven and let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with additional orange zest and cranberries before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 24gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Using fresh ingredients enhances flavor. Marinade overnight for deeper taste. Monitor cooking time with a meat thermometer for perfect results.

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