Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Sweet and Savory Flavors

 Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Sweet and Savory Flavors...

Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Sweet and Savory Flavors

Here's a special recipe for Cranberry Glazed Chicken that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors:

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Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Sweet and Savory Flavors

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or chicken breasts if preferred)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Cranberry Glaze:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (if using frozen, thaw and drain)
• 1/3 cup cranberry juice (unsweetened)
• 1/4 cup orange juice (preferably freshly squeezed)
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey (adjust to taste for extra sweetness)
• 1 small shallot, finely minced (or 1 garlic clove, minced)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish (optional):

• Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs
• Orange zest
• A scattering of whole cranberries

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Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken:

   • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
   • If using chicken thighs with skin, lightly score the skin in a crisscross pattern (taking care not to cut into the meat). This helps the fat render and the glaze to adhere better.

2. Sear the Chicken:

   • In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
   • Once hot, add the chicken skin-side down. Sear until the skin is crisp and golden brown (about 5–7 minutes). Flip and sear the other side for 2–3 minutes.
   • Remove the chicken temporarily from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Cranberry Glaze:

   • In the same skillet (remove excess fat if needed, leaving about 1 tablespoon), add the minced shallot (or garlic) and sauté for 1–2 minutes until softened and fragrant.
   • Stir in the cranberries, cranberry juice, orange juice, balsamic vinegar, honey, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
   • Season lightly with salt and pepper.
   • Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes. The cranberries will burst and the sauce will start to thicken. Stir occasionally.

4. Combine and Roast:

   • Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces into the cranberry glaze.
   • Spoon some of the glaze over the chicken to coat well.
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the glaze is sticky and reduced.
   • Halfway through the roasting time, spoon additional glaze over the chicken for extra flavor.

5. Finish and Serve:

   • Once done, remove the skillet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
   • Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs, a sprinkle of orange zest, and a few whole cranberries if desired.
   • Serve the chicken with a generous drizzle of the cranberry glaze. This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, wild rice, or a simple green salad.

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Tips & Variations

• For Extra Depth: Try adding a splash of red wine to the glaze for a richer, more robust flavor.
• Crispier Skin: If you prefer extra crispy skin, finish the chicken under the broiler for 2–3 minutes at the end of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
• Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your balsamic vinegar and any additional ingredients are free from gluten-containing additives.

Enjoy this festive and flavor-packed dish that celebrates the perfect balance of tart cranberries with a touch of sweetness and savory notes!......