About this recipe

This orange and cranberry chicken makes a bright and warm meal. The sauce mixes fresh orange juice, cranberry, honey and soy. The dish cooks fast in the oven and gives a sweet and tangy glaze. You can try a similar quick orange dish from an easy orange chicken recipe for more ideas.

why make this recipe

You make this recipe for a bright taste and simple steps. The chicken stays juicy with bone and skin. The orange and cranberry make a nice balance of sweet and tart. This dish looks pretty on the plate and fits a weeknight or a small party. If you like baked chicken with bold taste, you will enjoy this. For a slow-cook idea with garlic and cheese notes try the garlic parmesan chicken crockpot potatoes recipe.

how to make Oven-Baked Orange-Cranberry Chicken Thighs: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken dry and set it in a pan skin-side up. In a bowl, mix orange juice, cranberry sauce, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, ground ginger, and olive oil. Stir well so the sauce becomes smooth. Pour half the sauce over the chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the skin browns and the meat reaches a safe temperature. Spoon the rest of the sauce on the chicken in the last 5 minutes to make a glaze. Let the chicken rest 5 minutes before you serve.

For a faster orange glaze, you can use a very simple method like in the 3-ingredient orange chicken idea.

Ingredients :

4–6 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on for best flavor)
1 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 cup cranberry sauce
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh cranberries and orange slices, for garnish (optional)

Directions :

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season skin with salt and pepper.
In a bowl, mix orange juice, cranberry sauce, honey, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and olive oil. Stir until smooth.
Place chicken in a baking dish skin-side up. Pour half the sauce over the chicken.
Bake for 35–45 minutes, until skin is brown and the center reads 165°F (74°C).
In the last 5 minutes, spoon the rest of the sauce over the meat to make a glaze.
Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices if you like.

how to serve Oven-Baked Orange-Cranberry Chicken Thighs: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

Serve this chicken with steamed rice or simple roasted vegetables. A green salad makes a fresh side. Spoon extra sauce on the plate for more flavor. For a sweet dessert idea to follow this meal, try the mixed berry trifle recipe for a light finish: mixed berry trifle.

how to store Oven-Baked Orange-Cranberry Chicken Thighs: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

Cool the chicken to room temp. Put it in an airtight box and keep it in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm to keep the skin a bit crisp. You can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer box for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before you reheat.

tips to make Oven-Baked Orange-Cranberry Chicken Thighs: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe

Dry the skin well to help it crisp in the oven.
Use bone-in, skin-on thighs for the best taste.
Taste the sauce before you bake and adjust the salt or honey.
Baste once or twice for a better glaze.
For a lighter sauce, use less honey or add a splash of water. For a dessert pairing video, see the angel food berry trifle recipe: angel food berry trifle video.

variation (if any)

Use chicken breasts if you prefer white meat; watch the time so it does not dry.
Add a splash of vinegar or mustard for more tang.
Mix fresh cranberries into the sauce for texture.
Swap honey for maple syrup for a different sweet note.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes. Thaw fully in the fridge before you bake. That helps even cooking.

Q: Can I skip the soy sauce?
A: Yes. Use tamari for gluten-free or a little salt if you skip it.

Q: Is this safe for kids?
A: Yes. The sauce is sweet and mild. Cut the meat small for young children.

Q: How do I make the skin extra crisp?
A: Pat dry, use high heat, and do not crowd the pan.

Q: Can I make the sauce on the stove?
A: Yes. Cook the sauce in a small pan to thicken it before you pour it on the chicken.