Name: Easy Cranberry Baked Chicken Thighs
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs; 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce; 1 small onion, sliced or chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce; 1 tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup (optional); 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh thyme or rosemary, for garnish (optional)

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Easy Cranberry Baked Chicken Thighs is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings sweet and savory together in the best way. Juicy chicken thighs are baked with a tangy cranberry sauce that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It’s festive enough for the holidays, but easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe uses just a handful of ingredients to deliver bold flavor. The combination of tart cranberries and juicy chicken creates a balance that feels special without any complicated steps. It’s a one-pan meal that requires minimal cleanup, and it always looks like I put in way more effort than I actually did. Plus, it pairs well with everything from rice to roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
Whole berry cranberry sauce
Onion (sliced or chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
Brown sugar or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Fresh thyme or rosemary (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, I mix the cranberry sauce, minced garlic, soy sauce or Worcestershire, and a touch of brown sugar if I want extra sweetness.
I season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then sear them skin-side down in a hot skillet with olive oil for about 3–4 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
I remove the skillet from heat, flip the chicken thighs, and scatter sliced onions around them.
I pour the cranberry mixture over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated.
I transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Before serving, I spoon some of the sauce over the top and garnish with fresh herbs if I have them on hand.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings and takes about 45 minutes total — around 10 minutes for prep and 35 minutes for baking.

Variations

When I want to change it up, I swap chicken thighs for drumsticks or even boneless thighs for faster cooking. I’ve also used cranberry-orange relish instead of plain cranberry sauce for an extra citrusy flavor. For a spicy kick, I stir in a bit of chili flakes or hot sauce. If I want a more savory version, I reduce the sugar and increase the garlic and soy sauce.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or I use the microwave for a quicker option. I like to spoon some extra sauce over the top before reheating to keep the chicken moist.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs?

Yes, I often use boneless thighs when I need a quicker meal. They bake faster — usually in about 25 minutes.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely. I prep the cranberry mixture and season the chicken earlier in the day, then bake everything when I’m ready.

What can I serve with cranberry chicken?

I like serving it with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted veggies. The sauce goes really well over grains.

Can I use fresh cranberries?

Yes, I cook them down with a bit of sugar and water to make a quick sauce if I don’t have canned cranberry sauce.

Does this freeze well?

It freezes nicely. I let the chicken cool completely, store it with some sauce in freezer-safe containers, and reheat it in the oven when needed.

Conclusion

Easy Cranberry Baked Chicken Thighs is one of my favorite go-to dinners when I want something comforting and flavorful without a lot of fuss. The sweet-tart cranberry glaze turns ordinary chicken into something special, and it’s always a hit at the table. Whether it’s a weeknight or a holiday, this dish delivers every time.