Description
Succulent bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs glazed with a vibrant cranberry and maple syrup sauce, perfectly balanced with Dijon mustard and balsamic glaze. This dish features a crispy sear followed by oven roasting to lock in juiciness, finished with fresh thyme for a fragrant touch. Ideal for a flavorful and elegant weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Glaze
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- ½ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Preheat and season: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crisp skin, then season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear until the skin is golden and crispy, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Make the cranberry glaze: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the fresh cranberries, pure maple syrup, Dijon mustard, balsamic glaze, and fresh thyme. Simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly, approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
- Combine chicken and glaze: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the glaze. Spoon some of the glaze over the top of each piece to coat.
- Roast in oven: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes, basting halfway through with the glaze to keep the thighs flavorful and moist. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is sticky and caramelized.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let rest briefly. Serve the cranberry-maple glazed chicken thighs with a side of wild rice, spooning extra glaze over the top for added flavor.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is thoroughly dried before searing to get crispy skin.
- Using an oven-safe skillet like cast iron makes transferring from stovetop to oven easy.
- Fresh cranberries add tartness and texture, but frozen can be used in a pinch.
- Check chicken temperature with a meat thermometer for safe doneness.
- Serve with complementary sides such as wild rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
