Description
This Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe features succulent chicken thighs cooked to crispy perfection and baked in a tangy, sweet cranberry orange sauce. The combination of tart cranberry, fresh orange slices, and aromatic garlic creates a flavorful and festive dish perfect for a comforting family meal or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 6 chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Sauce
- 14 ounce cranberry sauce
- ½ cup orange juice
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Garnish
- Orange, sliced
- Fresh cranberries
- Parsley
Instructions
- Heat butter: In a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat, add the butter and let it melt to prepare for searing the chicken.
- Season chicken: Sprinkle garlic salt and pepper evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs to enhance flavor.
- Sear chicken: Place chicken thighs skin side down in the skillet and sear for about 5 minutes, or until the skin turns golden brown and crispy, being careful not to cook through.
- Remove chicken: Take the chicken thighs out of the pan and set aside; the searing step is just to crisp the skin.
- Make sauce: Add cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, and minced garlic to the pan drippings. Whisk together to combine all the flavors and create a rich sauce base.
- Return chicken to pan: Place the chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin side up, arranging them evenly in the sauce.
- Add orange slices: Layer the orange slices on top of the chicken thighs for added citrus aroma and presentation.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Garnish: After baking, garnish the dish with fresh parsley and cranberries to add a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve the cranberry orange chicken hot, spooning sauce over each portion for maximum flavor.
Notes
- Use an oven-proof skillet to easily transfer from stovetop to oven without changing pans.
- Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Fresh cranberries used for garnish can be replaced with additional orange zest for a different twist.
- Leftover cranberry orange chicken pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
- The brown sugar balances the tartness of the cranberry and orange juice, adjust to taste if you prefer sweeter or more tart sauce.
