Cranberry Chicken
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
40 mins
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Total Time
55 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
419 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Cranberry Chicken
Description
Cranberry Chicken combines the richness of pan-seared chicken thighs with a bright, fruity sauce made from cranberries, citrus, and maple syrup. The preparation begins by seasoning the chicken and browning the skin to achieve a crisp golden exterior. The sauce ingredients blend tart cranberries, fresh orange zest, juice, and a touch of sweetness from maple syrup, alongside garlic and fresh rosemary for earthy herbal notes.
Baking the chicken with the sauce allows the cranberries to soften and burst, releasing their juices which meld with the syrup and orange to glaze the chicken. This method keeps the chicken moist on the inside while building layers of flavor on the skin. The dish can be garnished with rosemary sprigs and orange slices for presentation.
This recipe pairs well with simple sides such as roasted vegetables or grains, where the tangy sauce offers a contrast to milder flavors.
Using bone-in, skin-on thighs enhances flavor and juiciness, but boneless options can be used with reduced cooking time. Fresh rosemary is recommended for optimal taste; dried rosemary can be substituted at one-third the quantity. Both fresh and frozen cranberries work, though frozen should be thawed before use.
Ingredients
- 6 chicken thighs 4-6 ounces each, bone in, skin on
- 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups cranberries fresh or frozen
- 1 1/2 teaspoons orange zest
- 2/3 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons rosemary minced, fresh leaves
- rosemary optional, sprigs and slices for garnish
- orange optional, sprigs and slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat a cast iron skillet or oven safe pan on the stove over medium high heat.
- Add the olive oil to the skillet or pan.
- Place the chicken thighs in the skillet, skin side down. Cook for 5 minutes per side or until the chicken is golden brown.
- In a bowl, mix together the cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, maple syrup, minced garlic, and chopped rosemary.
- Pour the cranberry mixture over the chicken thighs in the skillet, then transfer the skillet to the oven.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cranberries have burst.
- Spoon the cranberry sauce over the chicken thighs, then serve. Garnish with rosemary sprigs and orange slices if desired.
Notes
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs retain moisture and add flavor; boneless may need shorter cooking time.
- Fresh or thawed frozen cranberries can be used; thaw frozen cranberries before adding.
- Fresh rosemary gives best flavor; if using dried, use one-third of the amount of fresh rosemary.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 419 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 419kcal | 21% |
| Carbohydrates | 16g | 5% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g | 29% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 13g | 65% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 142mg | 47% |
| Sodium | 598mg | 25% |
| Potassium | 406mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
| Vitamin A | 186IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 18mg | 20% |
| Calcium | 34mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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