Cranberry-Glazed Grilled Chicken Thighs 🍗🍇

This recipe transforms succulent chicken thighs into a delightful culinary experience with a tangy and sweet cranberry glaze that adds a burst of flavor! Perfect for summer barbecues or cozy family dinners, this dish is sure to impress. Pair it with a refreshing salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal! 🌿🥗

Ingredients

For the chicken

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the cranberry glaze

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• Zest of 1 orange

Instructions

• Prep the chicken: Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Rub the thighs with olive oil, salt, and pepper to ensure a decent sear on the grill.

🔥 Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for even cooking and that perfect char!

• Make the glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, orange juice, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, ground ginger, and orange zest. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and cook for about 10-15 minutes or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly.

🌟 Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth!

• Grill the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs on the grill, skin side down. Grill for about 7-8 minutes, then flip and continue grilling for another 7-8 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the cranberry glaze generously over the chicken thighs.

🍗 Make sure to reserve some glaze for serving!

• Rest and serve: Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with any remaining glaze before serving.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the glaze for a zesty heat!
• Herbed Delight: Stir in fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the glaze for an aromatic touch that complements the chicken beautifully. 🌿
• Smoky Flavor: Using a smoker instead of a grill? Add wood chips for a delicious smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet cranberry glaze.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with thick slices of eggplant or portobello mushrooms, and grill them until tender, brushing with the cranberry glaze for extra flavor. 🍆

Enjoy this delectable dish that brings together the vibrant flavors of cranberry and orange with the juicy tenderness of grilled chicken! Perfect for any gathering or a simple weeknight dinner! 🍽️