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Cranberry Glazed Chicken Thighs

Delicious Cranberry Glazed Chicken Thighs for Cozy Nights

Indulge in Cranberry Glazed Chicken Thighs, a warm, comforting dish perfect for busy evenings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs Bone-in thighs can enhance flavor; adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Essential for seasoning both the chicken and glaze.
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Ground Black Pepper Adds depth to the chicken's flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Used for searing.
For the Glaze
  • 1 tablespoon Minced Shallot Can be replaced with onion if necessary.
  • 1 cup Fresh Cranberries Frozen cranberries can be used if fresh are unavailable.
  • 0.5 cup Water Helps soften the cranberries during cooking.
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar Brings acidity to balance the glaze's sweetness.
  • 2 tablespoons Honey Sweetens the glaze.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger Adds warmth and spice complexity.
  • 0.25 teaspoon Allspice Can be omitted or replaced with cinnamon or nutmeg.
Garnish
  • 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme Enhances visual appeal and adds a fresh herbal note.

Equipment

  • Skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by patting your boneless skinless chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper, letting them rest on the countertop for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to absorb and the meat to come to room temperature.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced shallots and sauté for about 2 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent.
  3. Stir in the fresh cranberries, ½ cup of water, apple cider vinegar, and honey into the skillet. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer and cook for 5–8 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the glaze thickens to a syrupy consistency.
  4. Lightly mash the cranberry mixture with a fork or potato masher to break down some of the fruit and create a cohesive glaze. Stir in ground ginger, allspice, and a pinch of salt, then let it simmer for an additional minute.
  5. Using the same skillet, add another tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil and increase the heat to medium-high. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear them for about 5–7 minutes or until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.
  6. Flip the thighs over and cook for an additional 4–6 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  7. Reduce the heat to low and spoon the tangy cranberry glaze generously over each thigh. Allow the chicken to rest in the skillet for about 5 minutes, letting the glaze soak in. Garnish with fresh thyme before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 34gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 560mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This dish can be paired with wild rice pilaf or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal that guests will rave about.

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