Festive One Pan Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

What’s Up, Hungry People

I’m warming up to the holiday season with an easy one-pan dish to enjoy while you plan Thanksgiving dinner. With tangy, sticky skin and juicy, fall-off-the-bone chicken thighs, this dish might even make you rethink serving turkey on T-day.

First marinated in a cranberry orange balsamic sauce, then roasted with even more cranberries and sweet onions, these chicken thighs end up transformed into something entirely different and amazing. While it may sound super sweet, the balsamic helps cut through the sugary tartness of the cranberries, and the onion’s savory caramelization helps pull everything together. Once broiled, the sticky, delicious meat practically falls right off the bone.

My all-time favorite balsamic vinegar is one that is made locally at BJ Gourmet Garlic in Mogadore, Ohio (this isn’t even sponsored, I just really love them that much!).

It’s a syrupy-thick balsamic infused with garlic and cilantro—and seriously, it’s second to none. I actually picked up my current bottle at the Medina farmer’s market over the summer, and now the bottle is practically empty. But this recipe made it all entirely worth it.

And if that doesn’t convince you it’s delicious, it only requires one pan for cooking and practically plates itself beautifully without even trying. Topped with a touch of spicy cranberry relish, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more delectable dish before Thanksgiving.

Here’s What You Need

• Chicken thighs: Adds richness and provides a juicy, tender base for the flavors.
• Oranges: Adds a bright, citrusy contrast to the rich chicken and cranberries.
• Cranberries: Offer a tart, fruity bite that balances the dish’s savory elements.
• Balsamic vinegar: Contributes a sweet acidity that cuts through the sweetness of the cranberries.
• Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO): Used for marinating and cooking, adds moisture and helps flavors meld.
• Oregano: Brings an earthy, slightly bitter herbaceous note.
• Thyme: Infuses the dish with its subtle, dry aroma and a hint of mint.
• Pepper: Provides a spicy kick that complements the sweet and tart flavors.
• Salt: Enhances all other flavors in the dish.
• Sweet onion: Offers sweetness and a robust texture that caramelizes beautifully.
• Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze.
• Cranberry relish: Serves as a spicy, tangy topping that adds complexity.

Let’s Cook

First things first, let’s get that marinade going. Grab a small blender or food processor and toss in half a cup of cranberries, those freshly chopped oranges, a quarter cup of balsamic vinegar, your extra virgin olive oil, oregano, thyme, pepper, and salt. Blend everything until it’s smooth and beautifully combined.

Marinate the Chicken

Now, take those chicken thighs and place them in a large, sealable bag or container. Pour your freshly made marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is nicely coated. Seal it up and pop it in the fridge. Let it chill out there for at least an hour, but hey, if you’ve got the time, let it marinate overnight. Trust me, the flavors will thank you later.

Ready, Set, Roast!

Once your chicken is well-marinated, it’s time to crank up the heat. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Take your chicken out of the fridge and arrange the thighs face down in a roasting pan. You won’t be needing that leftover marinade anymore, so go ahead and discard it. Now, slice up that sweet onion into nice rings and lay one on top of each chicken thigh. Give them a generous drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Bake and Broil

Slide the roasting pan into the oven and let it bake for about 25 minutes. After that, it’s time to get things crispy. Turn your broiler on high and give those thighs a flip so the skin is up and the onion is tucked underneath. Keep a close eye on it—you’re looking for the skin to bubble and char just slightly, which should take about 5 to 10 minutes.

Serve and Enjoy

Pull your beautiful, golden chicken out of the oven and serve it up hot. Drizzle on some of that remaining balsamic vinegar, squeeze a bit of fresh orange over the top, and if you’re feeling fancy, add a touch of cranberry relish. This dish is perfect with a side of wild rice and maybe some steamed veggies to keep things light.

Tips for Perfect Cranberry Orange Balsamic Chicken

• Marinate for Flavor: For the best results, let the chicken marinate overnight. This extra time allows the balsamic and citrus flavors to deeply penetrate the meat, enhancing the final taste and tenderness of the chicken.
• Balancing Sweetness: If you find the cranberries too tart or the balsamic too overpowering, adjust the sweetness by adding a bit more maple syrup. This will help balance the flavors without compromising the tangy profile of the dish.
• Achieving Crispy Skin: To ensure your chicken thighs have that irresistibly crispy skin, make sure to pat them dry before placing them in the oven. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
• Watch the Broil: Keep a close eye on the chicken during the broiling phase. Broilers can vary in intensity, and you want to achieve a bubbly, slightly charred finish without burning the skin.
• Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with wild rice, which absorbs the rich flavors of the sauce. Adding a green like steamed broccoli or a simple salad can lighten the meal and add a fresh component.

As we gear up for the festive season, this cranberry orange balsamic chicken could be just the twist your Thanksgiving menu needs. It’s simple yet spectacular enough to possibly sideline the traditional turkey. With its sweet and tangy flavors balanced by the savory depth of caramelized onions and balsamic, this dish plates up like a dream, demanding little effort for such delightful results.

Whether you’re hosting a big family dinner or a cozy meal for two, it promises to impress. Remember, the best flavors come from giving the chicken ample time to marinate, so plan ahead. Enjoy this tasty, vibrant dish that practically prepares itself, and maybe, just maybe, start a new Thanksgiving tradition.

Spicy Honey Balsamic Broccoli

Super Simple Thai Peanut Chicken

Citrus Infused Cranberry Pepper Relish