Description
- Cranberry Chicken Bake is a delightful dish that combines the sweet-tart flavor of cranberries with the savory goodness of roasted chicken. This one-pan wonder is perfect for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to festive holiday gatherings. With its vibrant colors and mouthwatering aroma, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 pound bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces
- 2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs or chopped parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F and grease a large baking dish or rimmed oven-safe skillet.
2. Season Chicken: Pat the chicken dry, then rub with olive oil. Season generously with salt, pepper, chopped rosemary and thyme, garlic, orange zest, and optionally, red pepper flakes.
3. Arrange Cranberries & Liquid: In the prepared baking dish, scatter the cranberries. Pour the orange juice and maple syrup over them so they begin to soften.
4. Place Chicken: Nestle the seasoned chicken pieces, skin side up, among the cranberries in the dish.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F) and the cranberries have burst and created a tangy-sweet sauce.
6. Finish & Serve: Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes. Spoon the cranberry sauce over the chicken, garnish with rosemary sprigs or chopped parsley, and serve hot. Pair it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
To ensure your Cranberry Chicken Bake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:
– Use a combination of chicken thighs and breasts for a balance of juicy, dark meat and lean, white meat.
– Avoid overcooking the chicken to prevent it from drying out. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the proper internal temperature.
– Adjust the sweetness and acidity to your personal taste by tweaking the amounts of maple syrup (or honey) and orange juice.
– Let the dish rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product.
– Serve Cranberry Chicken Bake with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg