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Sweet & Tangy Cranberry Orange Roasted Chicken


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  • Author: Recipes Tasteful
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Sweet & Tangy Cranberry Orange Roasted Chicken brings together the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Marinated in a zesty cranberry-orange mixture and roasted to perfection, it’s a delicious dish that’s perfect for both everyday meals and festive occasions.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken and Marinade:

  • 45 chicken thighs or breasts, skin-on
  • ½ cup fresh cranberries
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Marinade:

  • ¼ cup fresh cranberries
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large orange, zested and juiced
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Prepare the Marinade:
    In a food processor, combine the marinade ingredients: cranberries, brown sugar, olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, garlic, orange zest, orange juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
  • Marinate the Chicken:
    Place the chicken pieces in a large zip-top bag, container, or deep dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated well. Seal or cover and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator, ideally overnight for maximum flavor.
  • Bake the Chicken:
    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch roasting pan and arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken and sprinkle the additional ½ cup of fresh cranberries around the chicken.
  • Finish and Crisp the Chicken:
    Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon honey with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Brush this mixture over the chicken skin, then broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to get a crispy, golden finish. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  • Garnish and Serve:
    Remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with extra orange zest and fresh cranberries. Serve with the roasted cranberries for a burst of sweet-tart flavor.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
  • The chicken can be made with either thighs or breasts; however, thighs tend to stay juicier.
  • If you prefer a stronger balsamic flavor, you can add an extra teaspoon of balsamic vinegar to the marinade.
  • Be careful while broiling the chicken; it can burn quickly if not monitored.
  • You can use frozen cranberries if fresh ones are not available.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Roasting, Marinating
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 1 chicken thigh or breast)
  • Calories: 350-400
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg