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Cranberry Balsamic Glazed Chicken

This cranberry balsamic glazed chicken is juicy, sticky, sweet, savory, and full of warm flavors like balsamic, orange, and rosemary, perfect for a winter family dinner.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dinner, Entree, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb chicken thighs bone-in, skin on
  • 2 tsp dried rosemary
  • tsp onion powder
  • cup balsamic vinegar
  • ½ cup orange juice
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • ¾ cup water
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries divided
  • 1 tbsp dijon mustard
  • salt and pepper
  • 1 yellow onion thickly sliced
  • 1 orange thinly sliced
  • 3-5 sprigs rosemary
  • 6 cloves garlic peeled and crushed

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°
  • Pat thighs dry and season both sides liberally with salt and pepper, dried rosemary and onion powder. Set aside
  • In a saucepot, bring balsamic vinegar, orange juice, and brown sugar to a simmer. In a cup, mix cornstarch and water together and pour into the pan. Add ⅔ of the cranberries and continue to simmer until the sauce is sticky and the cranberries begin to burst. Add more water, 2 tbsp at a time, if the sauce gets too thick. Remove from heat and stir in mustard. Allow to cool slightly.
  • Line the bottom of a 13x9 baking dish with sliced onions, orange, rosemary sprigs, and garlic. Place chicken thighs on top, brush with cranberry glaze, and top with remaining cranberries
  • Bake for 25 minutes, glaze again, and cook an additional 10-15 minutes (or until the internal temperature has reached 165°), glazing every 5.
  • If desired, glaze one last time and broil for 1-2 minutes to caramelize and brown the tops of the thighs.
  • Allow to rest for 5 minutes and serve with rice, buttered noodles, orzo, roasted vegetables, or polenta.
Keyword baked, baked chicken, balsamic, chicken, chicken thighs, cranberry, glaze, orange, orange juice, rosemary