Ingredients:
2.5 lbs chicken thighs or breasts, with skin on
Fresh thyme
A sprinkle of dried Italian herbs (optional)
1/3 cup to 1/2 cup fresh cranberries (or previously frozen)
1 tbsp each maple syrup and balsamic vinegar mixed together to coat
chicken during roasting
For the Marinade:
1/3 cup cranberries
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp coconut aminos (optional)
2 tbsp maple syrup
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black peppers
2 garlic cloves
Directions:
Blend all the balsamic chicken marinade ingredients listed above in a food processor or blender until liquified and smooth.
Pour marinade over the chicken thighs, coating evenly.
Cover and place in fridge to marinate for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
Once marinated, preheat oven to 375F.
Remove chicken from fridge.
Add extra 1/3 to 1/2 cup cranberries, thyme, and Italian herbs to the dish. Spread it out evenly on and around the chicken.
Bake skin side down first for 25-35 minutes depending on the size of chicken thighs.
Remove and turn skin side up. Check for doneness. Then brush each chicken skin with the maple syrup/balsamic vinegar combo.
Add more seasoning (like dried herbs, salt, pepper) to the top if desired. NOTE: If using fresh herbs, wait to add until after you remove the chicken from the oven.
Depending on the thickness of your chicken thighs, either bake a little longer skin side up, then broil. Or if chicken is almost done and not pink, then skip extra baking and just broil for about 3-4 minutes or until skin is crispy and chicken is cooked evenly inside. Check to make sure the internal temperature of the thickest chicken thigh reaches 165F.
NOTE: If using boneless chicken, cooking time will vary on thickness of chicken breast. Check around 35 minutes total.
After thoroughly cooked, remove from oven. Spoon the sauce from the pan onto each chicken thigh/breast and a pinch of black pepper or cracked pepper.
Serve with the roasted cranberries on top and any extra fresh herbs desired.
