Stuck home like us? We’re rapidly getting bored of one another, and trying to find new ways to keep busy. I had this idea the other day that since we are ALL home all day, and timing is flexible for school and work, everyone has a day to meal plan for the whole family. This gives everyone ownership and hopefully helps to curb the complaining when “we have this all the time” kind of comments. Chicken is a staple, we generally have packages of both breast and darker meats, and with the cold and rainy weather forecast this week, I’m thinking we’ll be making this spicy cranberry baked chicken recipe again. We’ve only had it a few times, and everyone loved it. It’s a little bit different flavor than the usual baked chicken recipes I do, and if you’re like us you have some frozen chicken and canned cranberry sauce on hand. The littlest Martin has requested a quinoa dish for our side tonight with a salad!
Spicy Cranberry Ginger Baked Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
4 chicken legs (skin and fat removed)
4 chicken thighs (skin and fat removed)
1 C whole cranberry sauce
1 tsp ginger, ground
1/8 – ¼ tsp dried chili flakes
1 tbsp. maple syrup (or honey- we use local for both of these when possible, especially honey, because its good for seasonal allergy relief!)
as desired salt and pepper
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Place chicken pieces on it and season with salt and pepper.
3. In a bowl, combine cranberry sauce, maple syrup, chili flakes and ginger. Mix well.
4. Dollop HALF of the cranberry mixture on top of the chicken pieces.
5. Bake for approximately 20 minutes. Open the oven and dollop the remaining berry mixture on top of the chicken pieces.
6. Bake for another 15 – 20 minutes or until all the chicken pieces are cooked through.
Serve on rice or quinoa using any extra cranberry mixture on top of the rice if you’d like.
NOTES:
I prefer to use the chicken thighs and legs because they are a darker meat and usually more juicy however, chicken breasts can also be used in this recipe. Just adjust your cooking time.
The amount of chili flakes you use is totally up to your preference. Use more if you like, or just use a sprinkle if you prefer.
Looking for more delicious chicken recipes? Chicken & Sweet Potato Tacos Recipe, Chicken Enchilada Bowls, Greek One Pot Chicken
Spicy Cranberry Ginger Baked Chicken
Spicy Cranberry Baked Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 chicken legs (skin and fat removed)
- 4 chicken thighs (skin and fat removed)
- 1 C whole cranberry sauce
- 1 tsp ginger, ground
- 1/8 – ¼ tsp dried chili flakes
- 1 tbsp. maple syrup (or honey)
- as desired salt and pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Place chicken pieces on it and season with salt and pepper.
3. In a bowl, combine cranberry sauce, maple syrup, chili flakes and ginger. Mix well.
4. Dollop HALF of the cranberry mixture on top of the chicken pieces.
5. Bake for approximately 20 minutes. Open the oven and dollop the remaining berry mixture on top of the chicken pieces.
6. Bake for another 15 – 20 minutes or until all the chicken pieces are cooked through.
Serve on rice using any extra cranberry mixture on top of the rice if you’d like.
Notes
I prefer to use the chicken thighs and legs because they are a darker meat and usually more juicy however, chicken breasts can also be used in this recipe. Just adjust your cooking time.
The amount of chili flakes you use is totally up to your preference. Use more if you like, or just use a sprinkle if you prefer.