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Oven-Baked Orange–Cranberry Chicken Thighs

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.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 thighs
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Chicken Thighs bone-in, skin-on for maximum flavor
For the Glaze
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Orange Juice or apple juice as an alternative
  • 1/2 cup Cranberry Sauce preferably homemade for best flavor
  • 1/4 cup Honey maple syrup can be used as a substitute
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce or tamari for gluten-free option
  • 3 cloves Garlic freshly minced for best aroma
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger fresh ginger is a lovely substitute
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
For Garnish
  • 1 cup Fresh Cranberries optional
  • 1 cup Orange Slices optional

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Baking Dish
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Notes

Leftovers 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.

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