Roasted Cranberry Chicken Delight

$- 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on) - 1 cup fresh cranberries - 1/2 cup chicken broth - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish When gathering your ingredients for Roasted Cranberry Chicken, focus on quality. Choose fresh, plump chicken thighs for the best flavor. Bone-in and skin-on thighs keep the meat juicy and tasty. Fresh cranberries add a tart kick that pairs well with chicken. Chicken broth enhances the dish’s savory notes. Sweet honey balances the tart cranberries. Balsamic vinegar adds depth, while minced garlic brings an aromatic touch. Fresh rosemary gives a hint of earthiness. Season with salt and pepper to make everything pop. Olive oil helps with browning the chicken and adds richness. If you want a fresh splash of color, consider adding parsley as a garnish. These ingredients create a dish that is both hearty and vibrant. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat oven and prepare ingredients: First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking. While the oven heats, gather your ingredients. You will need chicken thighs, fresh cranberries, and a few other tasty items. 2. Mix cranberry sauce ingredients: In a large bowl, add 1 cup of fresh cranberries, 1/2 cup of chicken broth, 1/4 cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon of chopped rosemary. Stir everything well until combined. This mix brings sweet and tart flavors that work great with the chicken. 1. Season and sear chicken: Take your chicken thighs and season them with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken thighs skin side down. Sear them for about 5-6 minutes until they turn golden brown. 2. Combine chicken with cranberry mixture: Flip the chicken thighs over. Pour the cranberry mixture from the bowl over the chicken in the skillet. This step adds moisture and flavor to the chicken as it cooks. 1. Transfer to oven and roast: Carefully place the skillet in the preheated oven. Roast the chicken for about 30-35 minutes. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F. During this time, the cranberries will burst and soften, creating a lovely sauce. 2. Baste chicken and check doneness: Halfway through roasting, baste the chicken with the sauce using a spoon. This adds extra flavor and keeps the chicken moist. Check the chicken’s doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure it's fully cooked. Once done, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. - Substituting chicken types: You can use chicken breasts if you prefer less fat. They will cook faster, so adjust the time to about 25-30 minutes. Bone-in chicken adds flavor and moisture. - Using dried cranberries: Dried cranberries can work in a pinch. They will not burst like fresh cranberries but will add sweetness. Soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften. - Ensuring chicken stays moist: Start by searing the chicken skin side down. This browns the skin and locks in juices. Always baste the chicken halfway through cooking for extra moisture. - How to achieve perfect glazing: To get a nice glaze, keep the oven temperature high. Baste with the sauce often. This adds color and flavor to the chicken. - Garnishing ideas: Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. You can also use rosemary sprigs for a nice touch. - Suggested side dishes for pairing: Serve with steamed veggies or creamy mashed potatoes. The sauce pairs nicely with rice or quinoa too. Pro Tips Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide a tart flavor that balances the sweetness of the honey. Avoid using dried cranberries for this recipe as they won’t burst and create the desired sauce. Perfectly Sear the Chicken: Searing the chicken thighs skin side down in a hot skillet ensures a crispy skin and locks in moisture. Don’t rush this step for the best texture. Monitor Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption and juicy meat. Experiment with Herbs: While rosemary pairs beautifully, feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme or sage for a different flavor profile that complements the dish. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of roasted cranberry chicken easily. Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can give it a warm twist. For a fruity kick, try using different fruit juices. Orange juice brightens the dish, while apple juice adds sweetness. If you want to try something new, you can use a slow cooker. Just combine the ingredients and let it cook low and slow. Grilling is another fun option. It gives the chicken a nice smoky flavor while keeping it juicy. For gluten-free options, just check that your chicken broth is gluten-free. You can also reduce sugar by cutting back on honey or using a sugar substitute. This makes the dish lighter without losing flavor. To keep your Roasted Cranberry Chicken fresh, follow these steps: - Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and prevents odors. You can safely refrigerate your chicken for up to 3 days. - Freezing: If you want to store it longer, freeze the chicken. Use a freezer-safe bag or container. It can last for up to 3 months. Be sure to label it with the date! Reheating your chicken properly helps maintain its taste and texture. Here are some methods: - Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes. This method keeps the skin crispy. - Microwave: If you're short on time, use the microwave. Place the chicken on a plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for about 2-3 minutes, checking often. Knowing how long to keep your leftovers is key. Here’s what you need to know: - Refrigerated chicken: It lasts up to 3 days. - Frozen chicken: It can be kept for 3 months. - Signs of spoilage: Check for an off smell or slimy texture. If you see these, it's best to toss it. Storing and reheating your Roasted Cranberry Chicken correctly ensures that every bite remains delicious! How long does it take to cook Roasted Cranberry Chicken? It takes about 30-35 minutes to cook Roasted Cranberry Chicken in the oven. Prepping the dish adds another 10 minutes. The total time is around 50 minutes from start to finish. Can I use frozen cranberries? Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. They work well in this recipe. Just remember that frozen cranberries may release more juice while cooking. This can make the sauce a bit more watery. Can I make this recipe in advance? You can prepare the cranberry sauce mixture ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge until you are ready to cook. The chicken can be seasoned and stored, too. This makes it easy to roast when you are ready. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! Roasted Cranberry Chicken is great for meal prep. You can cook extra servings. Store them in airtight containers for later. This dish tastes even better when reheated. Are there alternatives to honey? Yes, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar. These options give a similar sweetness. Adjust the amount to taste, as they can vary in sweetness. What type of chicken should I use for best results? I recommend using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. They stay juicy and flavorful. You can also use chicken breasts, but they may dry out faster. This blog post covers everything you need to know about making Roasted Cranberry Chicken. It starts with key ingredients like chicken thighs and fresh cranberries and guides you through preparation, cooking, and roasting steps. You also learn useful tips, variations, and storage info to enhance your dish. Remember, creativity in cooking can lead to delicious results. Experiment with flavors while keeping it simple. You will impress your guests with this dish and enjoy every bite. Now, it’s time to start cooking and savor your tasty creation!$

Roasted Cranberry Chicken Delight

A delicious roasted chicken dish featuring fresh cranberries and a sweet balsamic glaze.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)
1 cup fresh cranberries
0.5 cup chicken broth
0.25 cup honey
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
optional fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh cranberries, chicken broth, honey, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, and chopped rosemary. Stir well to combine.
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin side down and sear until golden brown (about 5-6 minutes).
Flip the chicken thighs over, then pour the cranberry mixture over the chicken in the skillet.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for about 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the cranberries have burst and softened.
Baste the chicken with the sauce halfway through for added flavor.
Once done, remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.

Notes

Serve with steamed vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Keyword chicken, cranberries, dinner, roasted