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- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs - 1 cup fresh cranberries - 1 medium orange, zested and juiced - 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish To make the Slow Cooker Cranberry Orange Chicken Roast, you need fresh and vibrant ingredients. The chicken thighs bring rich flavors and a juicy texture. Fresh cranberries add tartness, while the orange zest and juice provide brightness and sweetness. For the sauce, honey works as a natural sweetener. Soy sauce adds depth, and minced garlic gives a savory note. Fresh ginger brings warmth to the mix. Don’t forget seasoning! Salt and black pepper enhance the dish, while olive oil helps with cooking. Finally, fresh herbs like thyme or parsley make a lovely garnish. These ingredients combine to create a delicious and comforting meal, perfect for any occasion. First, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step helps the skin crisp up later. Next, season both sides of the chicken with salt and black pepper. This simple seasoning boosts the chicken's flavor. Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for another 3-5 minutes. Remove them from heat once done. This step locks in the juices and adds flavor. In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chicken broth. Mix these ingredients well until everything is combined. This sauce will give the dish its sweet and tangy flavor. Place the seared chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Pour the cranberry-orange sauce over the chicken, making sure the cranberries are spread evenly around the thighs. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will be tender and fully cooked when done. After cooking, carefully take the chicken out of the slow cooker. If you want a thicker sauce, pour it into a saucepan. Simmer on medium heat for a few minutes until it reduces to your liking. Serve the chicken on a platter, drizzle with sauce, and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley. Enjoy this delightful dish! To achieve a golden crust on your chicken, start with dry thighs. Pat them with paper towels to remove any moisture. This helps the skin crisp up nicely. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken skin-side down for 5 to 7 minutes. Flip and cook for 3 to 5 minutes more. This timing ensures a beautiful, golden crust. You can boost the flavor of your dish by adding fresh herbs. Consider thyme or rosemary for a savory touch. For those who like a sweeter sauce, try using maple syrup or brown sugar instead of honey. These options add a unique taste to the dish. If your chicken is larger, adjust the cooking time. Larger thighs might need a bit longer in the slow cooker. To check doneness, use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures that it is safe to eat and perfectly cooked. {{image_2}} You can switch up the fruits in this dish. Apples or pears work great too. They add a nice sweetness and balance the tartness of the cranberries. You can also use different cuts of chicken. Breasts or drumsticks can give you a new texture. Each cut brings its own flavor, making the dish feel fresh. Want to change the taste? Try adding spices like cinnamon or cloves. They add warmth and a hint of spice. You can also experiment with different vinegars. Apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar can change the flavor profile. These small swaps can make a big difference. If you don't have a slow cooker, you can use an Instant Pot. Just set it to high pressure for 10-12 minutes. For oven-baking, preheat it to 375°F. Place the chicken in a dish and pour the sauce over it. Bake for about 45-50 minutes or until the chicken is done. These methods keep the chicken juicy and flavorful, just like the slow cooker. After you enjoy your Slow Cooker Cranberry Orange Chicken Roast, store the leftovers right away. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. This dish lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Always cool it to room temperature before sealing the container. You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together. Place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. This meal can stay good for up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it in a pot over low heat or in the microwave until warm. Repurpose your leftover chicken in tasty ways. Shred it for sandwiches or wraps. You can mix it into salads for a flavorful twist. Pair it with rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. It also goes great with roasted veggies or a fresh green salad. Cooking times vary based on the setting you choose. If you use the low setting, cook for 6 to 8 hours. For the high setting, it will take about 3 to 4 hours. Both methods will yield tender chicken, but low and slow often enhances the flavors more. Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs. However, keep in mind that cooking times may need to be longer. If you start with frozen chicken, it can take an extra hour or two on low. Always make sure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed green beans - Mashed potatoes - Rice pilaf - Quinoa salad - A light green salad For drinks, consider a light white wine or a sparkling water with lemon. This recipe can be gluten-free with a few changes. Regular soy sauce contains gluten. You can swap it out for gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Both options will keep your dish delicious and safe for those avoiding gluten. This blog post covered everything you need for a delicious Cranberry Orange Chicken. I outlined key ingredients, including chicken, cranberries, and a tasty sauce. You learned how to prepare and cook the chicken step-by-step. Also, various tips helped enhance the flavor and avoid issues. We explored ingredient swaps and storage options, ensuring you can enjoy leftovers. Remember, cooking is about creativity, so feel free to play with flavors. Try this recipe to impress any guest. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Cranberry Orange Chicken Roast

Elevate your dinner with this mouthwatering slow cooker cranberry orange chicken roast! This easy recipe combines juicy chicken thighs with a deliciously tangy cranberry and orange sauce for a perfect meal. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, you'll have a tender, flavorful dish ready for family and friends. Click through now to explore the full recipe and impress your loved ones with this delightful dish!
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Ingredients
  

4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

1 cup fresh cranberries

1 medium orange, zested and juiced

1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth

1/4 cup honey

2 tablespoons soy sauce

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt and black pepper.

    Sear the Chicken: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, then remove from heat.

      Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chicken broth until well combined.

        Combine in Slow Cooker: Place the seared chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Pour the cranberry-orange sauce over the chicken, ensuring that the cranberries are distributed evenly around the thighs.

          Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

            Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. If desired, thicken the sauce by transferring it to a saucepan and simmering on medium heat for a few minutes until it reduces to your liking.

              Garnish and Enjoy: Serve the chicken on a platter, drizzle with sauce, and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 6-8 hours | Servings: 4