Cranberry Chicken Thighs are a delightful and vibrant dish perfect for special occasions or a cozy dinner. The combination of savory chicken and sweet-tart cranberries creates a harmonious flavor profile that is sure to impress.
Cranberry Chicken Thighs
Why These Cranberry Chicken Thighs Are the Best
- Rich and Flavorful Sauce: The cranberry sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the savory chicken perfectly.
- Tender Chicken: The chicken thighs are cooked until tender and juicy, absorbing the delicious sauce.
- Visually Appealing: Garnished with whole cranberries and sprigs of rosemary, this dish is as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Festive Presentation: The vibrant red cranberry sauce makes this dish perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, celebrating a special event, or looking for a flavorful weeknight meal, Cranberry Chicken Thighs are the perfect choice. The combination of tender chicken, sweet-tart cranberries, and beautiful presentation makes them a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs are ideal for this recipe, offering juicy, flavorful meat with a crispy skin when cooked.
- Fresh Cranberries: These provide a tart contrast to the sweetness of the brown sugar, creating a balanced sauce that complements the richness of the chicken.
- Cranberry Juice: Adds a subtle tartness and helps to create a rich, flavorful sauce that coats the chicken.
- Garlic: Brings a savory depth of flavor to balance the sweetness and acidity.
- Paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and a touch of color to the dish.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for flavor enhancement and balance.
- Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken, it helps achieve a crisp skin while adding richness.
- Lemon Juice: A touch of acidity that brightens the flavors of the dish.
- Brown Sugar: Light brown sugar adds sweetness and depth, helping to create a slightly caramelized finish.
- Rosemary: Fresh rosemary provides an aromatic herbal note that complements the chicken and cranberry sauce.
Tips for Making the Best Cranberry Chicken Thighs
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality chicken thighs and cranberries.
- Season Generously: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs to enhance the flavor.
- Cook Evenly: Ensure the chicken is cooked evenly by turning it halfway through cooking.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top the dish with fresh rosemary or parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions
- With Mashed Potatoes: Serve Cranberry Chicken Thighs with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and hearty meal.
- With Steamed Vegetables: Pair with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for added nutrition.
- With a Side Salad: Add a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- With Wild Rice: Serve with wild rice or quinoa for a wholesome accompaniment.
- With Cranberry Sauce: Enjoy with extra cranberry sauce on the side for added flavor.
A Must Try
These Cranberry Chicken Thighs are not just a feast for the eyes but also a delightful treat for your taste buds. The sweet-tart cranberry sauce, combined with tender, juicy chicken, creates a dish that’s perfect for sharing with family and guests. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a special dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. So, gather your ingredients and delight your loved ones with this flavorful and festive dish!
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Cranberry Chicken Thighs
Cranberry Chicken Thighs features juicy, crispy-skinned thighs paired with a tangy, slightly sweet cranberry sauce. The combination of fresh cranberries, cranberry juice, and brown sugar creates a deliciously rich, flavorful glaze, with rosemary adding a fragrant finish. This dish is perfect for a cozy meal or a festive dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds 900g chicken thighs bone-in and skin-on, approx. 6
- 2 cups 225g fresh cranberries 8 ounces
- ½ cup 120 ml cranberry juice
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp ground paprika
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp fresh rosemary chopped
- 3 Tbsp 37.5 light brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp 30 ml olive oil
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C), or 160°C for fan ovens. Remove any extra skin and fat from the chicken thighs and gently pat them dry with paper towels.
- Sprinkle kosher salt and ground black pepper on both sides of the chicken thighs, then evenly dust them with ground paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs, skin-side down. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. There's no need to brown the other side.
- Take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside. Discard most of the excess fat, leaving about 1 teaspoon in the pan. Lower the heat to medium, then add the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute, until it becomes fragrant.
- Pour the cranberry juice into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the fresh cranberries, brown sugar, lemon juice, and chopped rosemary. Mix everything together.
- Place the chicken thighs back into the skillet, skin-side up, over the cranberry mixture. If your skillet isn’t ovenproof, transfer everything to a baking dish. Make sure the skin stays above the liquid to keep it crispy.
- Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Take the skillet out of the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Serve the chicken thighs with the cranberry sauce either spooned on top or on the side.
Notes
- Adjust the Sauce: If the sauce tastes too tart, add extra brown sugar to balance it out. Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to suit your taste as you go.
- Sweetening Options: For a different twist, you can replace brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to get creative with seasonings! A pinch of ginger, allspice, or thyme would all pair wonderfully with cranberries and chicken.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
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Cranberry Chicken Thighs