Cranberry Balsamic Roast Chicken (Print)

Tangy cranberry balsamic-glazed chicken thighs, oven-roasted for maximum flavor and tenderness. Balanced, festive dish.

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken

01 - 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 2.5 lbs)
02 - 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Glaze

04 - 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
05 - 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
06 - 3 tablespoons honey
07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
08 - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
09 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
10 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
11 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

→ Garnish

12 - Fresh thyme sprigs
13 - Extra cranberries

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper.
02 - In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, thyme, and smoked paprika. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and glaze thickens slightly, about 6–8 minutes.
03 - Place chicken thighs skin side up in a large ovenproof skillet or baking dish. Spoon the cranberry balsamic glaze evenly over the chicken pieces.
04 - Roast in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, until chicken is golden, cooked through (internal temperature 165°F), and glaze is bubbling.
05 - To enhance skin crispness, broil chicken on high for 2–3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
06 - Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and additional cranberries if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Uses ingredients you likely already have on hand
  • Comes together in less than one hour start to finish
  • Delivers a balanced blend of savory and sweet in every bite
  • Prep is simple and cleanup is quick with one main baking dish
02 -
  • High in protein and naturally gluten and dairy free
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day
  • The glaze is packed with antioxidants from cranberries
  • The honey balances the acidity so the dish never feels too tart
03 -
  • Toast your spices and herbs with the garlic in the glaze base for an extra layer of flavor
  • Always use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked juicy chicken every time
  • Spoon extra glaze over the chicken just before serving for a stunning glossy finish

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