Cranberry Orange Chicken Thighs That Wow Guests Fast
Cranberry Orange Chicken Thighs is a juicy and flavor-packed dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a sweet-savory orange cranberry glaze. Perfect as a festive holiday chicken dinner idea or a quick winter meal that delivers gourmet flavor with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh squeezed)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Zest of 1 orange
- Fresh thyme or rosemary, for garnish
- Orange slices, for serving
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- In a small bowl, mix orange juice, honey or maple syrup, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and orange zest.
- Pour the sauce over the seared chicken and add cranberries. Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
- Add orange slices during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a burst of citrus flavor.
- Garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary and serve hot with rice, roasted potatoes, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor.
- Maple syrup adds a richer depth compared to honey.
- Bone-in thighs can be used, but cooking time will increase slightly.
- Perfect for holiday meals or easy winter dinners.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg