Ingredients
Chicken and Topping
- 4-5 chicken thighs (with skin) or chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (thawed)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Marinade
- 1/4 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large orange, zested and juiced
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: Combine 1/4 cup fresh cranberries, brown sugar, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons honey, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, orange zest and juice, sea salt, and black pepper in a food processor. Blend until smooth and well-mixed to create the marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken thighs or breasts in a large ziplock bag, container, or deep dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated. Seal and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight for best flavor penetration.
- Preheat Oven: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch roasting pan to prevent sticking.
- Assemble for Baking: Arrange the marinated chicken in the roasting pan and pour the remaining marinade over it. Evenly spread the additional 1/2 cup of cranberries around the chicken in the pan.
- Bake Chicken: Bake the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes until cooked through and juices run clear. Prepare a glaze by mixing 1 tablespoon honey with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
- Glaze and Broil: Brush the honey-olive oil mixture over the chicken skin, then preheat the broiler. Broil the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes to crisp the skin, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Discard any remaining sauce from the pan as it is not needed. Garnish the chicken with fresh orange zest and fresh cranberries. Serve hot and enjoy this flavorful, festive meal.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken overnight to enhance flavor.
- You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
- If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen cranberries thawed work well.
- Keep a close eye while broiling to avoid burning the glaze.
- This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
