Cranberry Balsamic Chicken Thighs
Cranberry Balsamic Chicken Thighs is a show-stopping dish that combines succulent chicken thighs with a tangy-sweet cranberry balsamic sauce, creating an unforgettable flavor profile. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe guarantees juicy, flavorful chicken every time. With minimal effort, you can impress your guests and create lasting memories around the dinner table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs (skin-on)
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- Pomegranate seeds (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add cranberries and thyme; let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Place chicken in the baking dish and pour half of the marinade over them. Reserve the rest for basting.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), basting halfway through.
- Allow to rest for five minutes before serving; garnish with pomegranate seeds if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh (150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: For added flavor, sear the chicken in a hot pan before baking. Substitute cranberries with dried fruits like apricots or figs for a unique twist. These thighs are perfect for meal prep; they store well in the fridge.