Print

Honey Garlic Chicken with Jellied Cranberry Sauce Recipe

4.5 from 119 reviews

This Honey Garlic Chicken with Jellied Cranberry Sauce is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring crispy, golden chicken thighs coated in a sweet and tangy garlic-berry sauce. The jellied cranberry sauce adds a festive twist, while the honey and soy sauce balance the flavors perfectly. Serve it over rice with vegetables for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 lb bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 6 tablespoons salted butter

Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 can (275g) jellied cranberry sauce
  • 1/3 cup honey

Instructions

  1. Coat the Chicken: In a large gallon-size zip-top bag, combine the cornstarch with a few pinches of salt and pepper. Add the chicken thighs to the bag, seal it, and gently shake to thoroughly coat each piece with the cornstarch mixture. Set aside to rest while preparing the sauce.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine the minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, jellied cranberry sauce, and honey. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and whisk continuously until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Keep the sauce warm over low heat.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat and melt the salted butter. Working in batches, carefully add half of the coated chicken thighs to the pan, shaking off any excess cornstarch first. Cook each side for 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  4. Rest and Slice: Transfer the cooked chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to rest and drain excess butter. Once rested, cut the chicken into slices.
  5. Toss with Sauce and Serve: Place the sliced chicken into a large bowl, drizzle the warm honey garlic cranberry sauce over it, and toss gently to coat all pieces evenly. Serve the chicken over cooked rice with your favorite vegetables for a delicious and balanced meal.

Notes

  • Make sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken to ensure even browning.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check chicken is fully cooked to 165°F for safety.
  • For added flavor, you can garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions.
  • This dish pairs well with steamed broccoli, sautéed green beans, or roasted carrots.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Honey Garlic Chicken, Cranberry Sauce Chicken, Sweet and Tangy Chicken, Easy Chicken Dinner, Chicken Thigh Recipe, Fall Recipes, Holiday Chicken