As I stood in my kitchen, a burst of tangy citrus filled the air, layering an unmistakable warmth in my heart. That’s the magic of Oven-Baked Orange–Cranberry Chicken Thighs—a dish that marries the sweetness of oranges with the tart zing of cranberries, creating an unforgettable flavor fusion. This recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser for dinner parties but also a quick weeknight win. With juicy chicken bathed in a vibrant glaze, it promises an impressive presentation that will leave your loved ones raving. Plus, it can easily be adapted for gluten-free diets or adjusted to suit your preferred spice level. Are you ready to delight your taste buds with this scrumptious twist on a classic? Why is this recipe a must-try? Unique Flavor Combination: The delicious blend of tangy oranges and tart cranberries creates a vibrant glaze that elevates the chicken into a memorable dish. Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and just 40 minutes in the oven, you can whip up a hearty meal without fuss. Versatile Options: Easily adapt the recipe to suit your dietary needs—go gluten-free with tamari, or play with spice levels to suit your palate. Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: Impress your guests with the beautiful garnishes of fresh cranberries and orange slices, making this dish perfect for gatherings. Leftover Delight: Enjoy the delicious leftovers—the flavors deepen overnight, making your next day just as scrumptious! Want another flavor-packed chicken recipe? Check out my Honey Bourbon Chicken for a fantastic twist! Oven-Baked Orange–Cranberry Chicken Thighs Ingredients For the Chicken • Chicken Thighs – Choose bone-in, skin-on for maximum flavor; chicken breasts can be substituted but reduce cooking time to avoid dryness. For the Glaze • Fresh Orange Juice – Adds a tangy base; apple juice makes for a great alternative if needed. • Cranberry Sauce – Provides a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness; opting for homemade ensures the best flavor. • Honey – Sweetens and balances the glaze; maple syrup works if you’re looking for a different sweetness. • Soy Sauce (or Tamari) – Adds an umami flavor; use tamari to keep it gluten-free! • Garlic – Boosts flavor; freshly minced garlic gives the best aroma and potency. • Ground Ginger – Infuses warmth and spice; fresh ginger is a lovely substitute if you have it on hand. • Olive Oil – Helps to keep the chicken moist and infuses flavor during baking. • Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors of the dish. For Garnish • Fresh Cranberries and Orange Slices (optional) – Not only visually appealing but also add an extra flavor punch when served. With these ingredients, you’re tantalizingly close to enjoying the delightful Oven-Baked Orange–Cranberry Chicken Thighs! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Oven-Baked Orange–Cranberry Chicken Thighs Step 1: Marinate the Chicken In a large mixing bowl, combine fresh orange juice, cranberry sauce, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ground ginger, and olive oil. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended, creating a fragrant marinade. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully coated, and cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to absorb all those delicious flavors. Step 2: Preheat the Oven While the chicken is marinating, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for ensuring that your Oven-Baked Orange–Cranberry Chicken Thighs cook evenly, achieving a beautifully crispy skin while remaining juicy inside. A fully preheated oven will help caramelize the glaze, enhancing the dish’s sweet and tangy profile. Step 3: Prepare the Chicken for Baking Once marinated, remove the chicken thighs from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This step helps in achieving even cooking. Place the thighs in a baking dish, skin-side up, and season them generously with salt and black pepper to boost their natural flavors before baking. Step 4: Bake the Chicken Carefully pour the remaining marinade over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for approximately 40-45 minutes. Keep an eye on the chicken; it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the skin is golden brown and crisp. Step 5: Garnish and Serve Once fully cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. For an impressive presentation, garnish your Oven-Baked Orange–Cranberry Chicken Thighs with fresh cranberries and orange slices. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a delightful burst of flavor when served. Oven-Baked Orange–Cranberry Chicken Thighs Variations Embrace your culinary creativity with these tempting twists that bring your Oven-Baked Orange–Cranberry Chicken Thighs to the next level! Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a deliciously gluten-friendly option without sacrificing flavor. Spicy Kick: Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade for a zesty kick that balances the sweetness of the glaze. Herbaceous Remake: Incorporate fresh thyme or rosemary in the marinade to introduce earthy, aromatic nuances that elevate your dish’s complexity. Citrus Twist: For a different flavor profile, swap out the orange juice with grapefruit or lemon juice—both provide a delightful tartness that will surprise your taste buds. Sweet Swap: Replace honey with brown sugar for a deeper sweetness, enhancing the caramelization as the chicken bakes. Zesty Peach: Blend in some peach preserves with the cranberry sauce for a sweet twist that pairs beautifully with the chicken’s savory undertones. Air-Fryer Option: Want a crispy finish? Cook your marinated chicken in an air fryer for about 30 minutes at 380°F (193°C) instead of baking for a healthier twist. Pair-Magic: Serve alongside coconut rice or creamy polenta to create a cozy, comforting meal that perfectly complements the vibrant chicken. As you explore these variations, don’t forget to check out my Bang Bang Chicken for another exciting chicken dish, or try my Fish Sauce Chicken for a flavorful twist you won’t soon forget! What to Serve with Oven-Baked Orange–Cranberry Chicken Thighs Elevate your dinner experience with delightful sides that perfectly complement the sweet and tart symphony of flavors in this dish. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery, these potatoes provide a comforting contrast to the glaze’s bright citrus notes. The garlic adds depth, making every bite heavenly. Quinoa Salad: Light and nutritious, a quinoa salad with fresh herbs, cucumbers, and a zesty vinaigrette brings a refreshing crunch to the meal, balancing the richness of the chicken. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy, caramelized Brussels sprouts, seasoned with olive oil and sea salt, add a delightful texture and earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the vibrant chicken. Citrus Rice Pilaf: The zesty infusion of citrus in rice pilaf provides a perfect backdrop for the chicken’s flavors, echoing the orange undertones while adding fluffiness to the plate. Steamed Green Beans: Bright and snappy green beans, lightly seasoned, offer a fresh, crisp texture that balances the dish’s richness and enhances its visual appeal. Chilled White Wine: A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc highlights the dish’s tangy notes, while its crispness cleanses the palate, ensuring a delightful dining experience. Orange Sorbet: Finish your meal on a light note with a refreshing orange sorbet. Its cool sweetness echoes the chicken’s citrus flavors, making it a light and zesty dessert. Make Ahead Options These Oven-Baked Orange–Cranberry Chicken Thighs are a fantastic option for meal prep lovers! You can marinate the chicken in the vibrant citrus and cranberry glaze up to 24 hours in advance, which allows it to soak up the flavors wonderfully. Simply combine all the marinade ingredients, add the chicken, and refrigerate in an airtight container. On the day you want to serve, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking, ensuring even cooking. This way, you’ll achieve that crispy skin and juicy meat with minimal effort. Just pour the marinade over the chicken and bake as instructed for a delightful dinner that tastes just as fresh! Expert Tips for Oven-Baked Orange–Cranberry Chicken Thighs Marinade Magic: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes; the longer, the better, as flavors deepen when you soak your chicken thighs in the citrus glaze. Room Temperature: Let your chicken reach room temperature before baking; this ensures even cooking and helps the skin to crisp perfectly. Cooking Time Variations: Keep an eye on cooking times; if using chicken breasts instead of thighs, reduce baking time to 30-35 minutes to prevent drying out while still enjoying the Oven-Baked Orange–Cranberry Chicken Thighs flavors. Garnish Galore: Don’t skip the fresh cranberries and orange slices! They not only make for a stunning presentation but also add bursty flavor that complements the dish beautifully. Leftover Love: Store any leftovers in an airtight container; flavors actually improve, making next-day meals just as delightful! How to Store and Freeze Oven-Baked Orange–Cranberry Chicken Thighs Fridge: Store leftover Oven-Baked Orange–Cranberry Chicken Thighs in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps the chicken moist and flavorful. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Make sure to label the container with the date for easy tracking. Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through. This helps to maintain its juicy texture. Thawing: If frozen, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results. Avoid microwaving directly from the freezer, as it can make the chicken tough. Oven-Baked Orange–Cranberry Chicken Thighs Recipe FAQs How do I select the best chicken thighs for this recipe? Absolutely! When choosing chicken thighs, opt for bone-in, skin-on for maximum flavor and juiciness. Look for thighs that have a deep, pinkish tint and are plump to ensure freshness. Avoid any with dark spots or an unpleasant odor. If you prefer leaner meat, chicken breasts can be used, but be sure to reduce the cooking time to prevent dryness. What is the best way to store leftovers of Oven-Baked Orange–Cranberry Chicken Thighs? You can store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep everything moist and flavorful, make sure the container seals tightly. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing. Just as I do, pack the chicken in a freezer-safe container to avoid freezer burn! Can I freeze Oven-Baked Orange–Cranberry Chicken Thighs? How do I do that? Certainly! To freeze, let the chicken cool completely after baking. Place the chicken in airtight, freezer-safe bags or containers, making sure to label them with the date. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results. What should I do if my chicken thighs are not cooking evenly? Very! To ensure even cooking, make sure the chicken is at room temperature before baking. If you notice that some pieces seem to be browning faster than others, you can tent them with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning while the rest cook through. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure they’re safe to eat. Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of when making this dish? Definitely! If you’re catering to gluten-free diets, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce. Always check the labels of your cranberry sauce and honeys to confirm they meet any dietary restrictions. If serving to pets, it’s best to avoid giving them chicken seasoned with garlic or onion, as these can be harmful to dogs. Oven-Baked Orange–Cranberry Chicken Thighs for a Cozy Dinner Experience the delightful fusion of sweet oranges and tart cranberries in these Oven-Baked Orange–Cranberry Chicken Thighs, perfect for a cozy dinner. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 45 minutes minsResting Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins Servings: 4 thighsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken4 pieces Chicken Thighs bone-in, skin-on for maximum flavorFor the Glaze1/2 cup Fresh Orange Juice or apple juice as an alternative1/2 cup Cranberry Sauce preferably homemade for best flavor1/4 cup Honey maple syrup can be used as a substitute1/4 cup Soy Sauce or tamari for gluten-free option3 cloves Garlic freshly minced for best aroma1 teaspoon Ground Ginger fresh ginger is a lovely substitute2 tablespoons Olive Oilto taste Saltto taste Black PepperFor Garnish1 cup Fresh Cranberries optional1 cup Orange Slices optional Equipment Mixing bowlBaking Dishwhisk Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a large mixing bowl, combine fresh orange juice, cranberry sauce, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ground ginger, and olive oil. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended, creating a fragrant marinade. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully coated, and cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Allow the chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to absorb all those delicious flavors.While the chicken is marinating, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect to ensure that your Oven-Baked Orange–Cranberry Chicken Thighs cook evenly.Once marinated, remove the chicken thighs from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Place the thighs in a baking dish, skin-side up, and season them generously with salt and black pepper.Carefully pour the remaining marinade over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for approximately 40-45 minutes.Once fully cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1thighCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg NotesLeftovers improve in flavor and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or frozen for up to 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
