Cranberry Glazed Chicken
Introduction
This Sweet and Savory Cranberry Glazed Chicken is the perfect cozy dinner for chilly winter nights or festive holiday gatherings. Juicy chicken thighs or drumsticks are seared until golden, then baked in a luscious glaze made from barbecue sauce, cranberry juice, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar. Each bite is sticky, tangy, and slightly sweet, with fresh cranberries that pop like little jewels. It’s as beautiful on the table as it is delicious, making it an ideal chicken recipe for Christmas or any simple winter dinner.
Quick Recipe Overview Table
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Yield | Difficulty | Cuisine | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 mins | 40 mins | 55 mins | 4 servings | Easy | Holiday/American | Winter/Christmas |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive flavors: The cranberry glaze combines sweet, tangy, and savory notes for a holiday-worthy dish that tastes like Christmas on a plate.
- One-pan recipe: Sear the chicken and bake it all in the same skillet, making cleanup quick and easy.
- Versatile: Works with thighs, drumsticks, or even chicken breasts—great for family preferences.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can prep the glaze in advance, making it a stress-free option for busy holiday nights.
- Beautiful presentation: Fresh cranberries and thyme sprigs give this chicken a rustic, elegant look.
Sweet and Savory Cranberry Glazed Chicken for the Holidays
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Juicy chicken thighs baked in a sweet and savory cranberry glaze with barbecue sauce, balsamic vinegar, and maple syrup. Perfect for Christmas or cozy winter dinners.
Ingredients
- 8 chicken thighs or drumsticks (seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)
- For the glaze:
- ½ cup sweet barbecue sauce (honey garlic preferred)
- 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)
- 1 heaping tbsp dark brown sugar
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a saucepan, whisk together barbecue sauce, soy sauce, cranberry juice, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, sea salt, black pepper, garlic, mustard, and brown sugar. Simmer until slightly thickened.
3. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden.
4. Pour glaze over chicken, sprinkle cranberries, and add thyme sprigs.
5. Bake for 35–40 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Rest 5 minutes before serving, then garnish with fresh thyme.
Notes
Pat chicken dry before searing for best crispiness.
Taste and adjust glaze sweetness or salt before baking.
Add chili flakes for a spicy version.
Glaze can be made 3 days ahead or chicken frozen up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Holiday, Chicken
- Method: Baked, Skillet-to-Oven
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces with glaze
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Ingredients
- 8 chicken thighs or drumsticks (seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup sweet barbecue sauce (honey garlic preferred)
- 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)
- 1 heaping tbsp dark brown sugar
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Bone-in, skin-on pieces give the most flavor; breasts work too with less cook time. |
| Cranberries | Fresh look festive, but frozen are perfect when fresh aren’t available. |
| Barbecue sauce | Honey garlic blends beautifully with cranberries, but any sweet variety works. |
| Maple syrup & brown sugar | Together they create a deep caramelized sweetness. Adjust if you prefer less sweet. |
| Balsamic vinegar | Adds tang and balance; red wine vinegar can be used in a pinch. |
| Thyme | Fresh thyme sprigs add aroma—rosemary is another excellent holiday swap. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) while preparing the glaze.
- Make the glaze: In a small pot, combine barbecue sauce, soy sauce, cranberry juice, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, garlic, mustard, and brown sugar. Bring to a gentle boil, whisking until sugar dissolves and sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
- Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in an oven-safe skillet. Place chicken skin-side down and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Avoid crowding to ensure a crisp crust. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Glaze and bake: Pour the glaze over chicken, sprinkle cranberries on top, and tuck in thyme sprigs. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and serve: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with more fresh thyme and extra glaze from the pan.
Helpful Tips
- Pat chicken dry before searing to ensure crisp skin.
- Use a cast-iron skillet for best sear-to-oven results.
- Taste the glaze before baking and adjust salt or sweetness.
- Drain excess liquid after baking for a glossy, sticky finish.
Expert Tips for Best Results
- Resting chicken after baking keeps juices locked in.
- Add orange zest or juice for a brighter, citrus twist.
- For extra shine, brush chicken with glaze again just before serving.
- Use a thermometer for precision—165°F ensures perfectly cooked chicken.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy version: Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the glaze.
- Herb variation: Try rosemary or sage for a more traditional holiday flavor.
- Fruit swap: Use pomegranate seeds or dried cherries instead of cranberries.
- Lean option: Use chicken breasts but reduce cook time by 10–12 minutes.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
Glaze can be made up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated. Cooked chicken freezes well in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight and warm gently in the oven with extra glaze or broth to prevent drying.
Serving Suggestions
Serve over creamy mashed potatoes, wild rice, or roasted vegetables for a hearty meal. Plate with fresh herbs and cranberries for an eye-catching holiday centerpiece.
Pairing Ideas
Pair with Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir for wine lovers. Non-alcoholic options like sparkling cranberry spritzers or spiced apple cider make perfect festive pairings. Add sides like roasted Brussels sprouts or garlic green beans.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave in short bursts, or warm on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep the glaze glossy.
FAQs
- Can I make this with boneless chicken? Yes, boneless works—just reduce bake time.
- Can I use bottled cranberry sauce instead of fresh? Yes, but thin with cranberry or orange juice for the glaze.
- How do I keep chicken moist? Don’t overbake—use a thermometer and rest the chicken after baking.
- Can I grill this recipe? Yes! Grill chicken, then brush glaze in layers until sticky and caramelized.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.
- Can I double this recipe for a crowd? Absolutely—just use a larger roasting pan and increase glaze accordingly.
- What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar? Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar works as substitutes.
Nutrition Info Table
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ~2 pieces + glaze | ~350 | 28g | 24g | 15g | 2g | 16g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on ingredients and preparation. Consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
This Sweet and Savory Cranberry Glazed Chicken is the perfect centerpiece for holiday dinners or cozy winter nights. With its festive glaze, tender chicken, and easy prep, it’s a recipe you’ll want to come back to again and again. Make it once, and it just might become your new Christmas tradition.
