Ingredients
- 8 chicken thighs or drumsticks, seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- ½ cup sweet barbecue sauce (like honey garlic)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup cranberry juice
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp mustard (maple-flavored preferred, but any kind works)
- 1 heaping tbsp dark brown sugar
Instructions
- In a small pot over medium heat, whisk together the barbecue sauce, soy sauce, cranberry juice, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, sea salt, black pepper, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and dark brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for baking the chicken.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat. Sear the chicken thighs or drumsticks on both sides until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side). This step locks in the juices and adds a crispy exterior, but the chicken will not be fully cooked at this point. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan. Drain off any excess fat or liquid to keep the chicken crispy.
- Pour the prepared cranberry glaze over the seared chicken pieces, making sure each piece is well-coated. Scatter fresh or frozen cranberries and thyme sprigs over the top for extra flavor and visual appeal.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If there's excess liquid in the skillet after baking, you can drain it off before serving to ensure the glaze coats the chicken beautifully.
- Once the chicken is baked, remove it from the oven and serve hot. The combination of sweet cranberries, tangy balsamic vinegar, and fresh thyme will infuse every bite with rich, savory flavors. Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Click here to find out more. --> Sweet and Savory Cranberry Glazed Chicken - Miarecipes