Mediterranean Cranberry-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Feta & Herbs
This Mediterranean Cranberry-Glazed Chicken Thighs recipe brings a beautiful mix of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors to the table. Juicy, golden-brown chicken thighs are glazed with a rich cranberry, honey, and balsamic sauce, then topped with crumbled feta and fresh herbs for a perfect contrast of creamy and tart. The result is a dish that feels both elegant and comforting—ideal for a cozy dinner or a festive gathering. It’s an easy one-pan recipe that balances classic Mediterranean ingredients with a hint of winter warmth.
Total Time: 1 hour
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (about 1.2 kg / 2.5 lbs)
120 ml (½ cup) cranberry sauce
2 tbsp (30 ml) honey
1 tbsp (15 ml) balsamic vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp (5 g) salt
½ tsp (2.5 g) black pepper
60 g (½ cup) crumbled feta cheese
2 tbsp (8 g) fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp (4 g) fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
Preheat the oven:
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels for a crispier skin.
Season the chicken:
Rub the thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
Sear the chicken:
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin side down and cook for about 6–8 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook the other side for 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and drain excess fat if needed, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
Prepare the cranberry glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, honey, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic until smooth.
Glaze the chicken:
Brush or spoon half of the cranberry mixture over the chicken thighs in the pan.
Roast:
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, brushing with more glaze halfway through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
Finish and garnish:
Once cooked, brush on any remaining glaze. Sprinkle with crumbled feta, chopped parsley, and thyme before serving.
Serve warm:
Pair with couscous, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Tips
Crispy skin tip: Always start with a dry surface on the chicken and a hot pan. Don’t move the thighs too early when searing; they’ll release easily once the skin crisps up.
Balance the sweetness: If your cranberry sauce is very sweet, reduce the honey slightly or add a splash of lemon juice for acidity.
Avoid overcooking: Keep an eye on the internal temperature—chicken thighs are juicy but can dry out if baked too long.
Use fresh herbs last: Add parsley and thyme after baking to keep their color and aroma bright.
No oven-safe pan? Sear in a skillet, then transfer the chicken and glaze to a baking dish before roasting.
Variations
Boneless Option:
Use boneless, skinless thighs or breasts for quicker cooking. Bake for 20–25 minutes instead.
Spicy Version:
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot paprika to the glaze for a subtle heat.
Citrus Twist:
Add orange zest or a tablespoon of orange juice to the cranberry glaze for extra brightness.
Vegan Adaptation:
Substitute chicken with roasted cauliflower or tofu. Brush the same glaze over them and bake until caramelized.
Holiday Upgrade:
Add toasted pecans or pomegranate seeds over the finished dish for festive color and crunch.
Q&A
Q: Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
A: Yes, in fact, it’s even better. Homemade sauce adds more natural tartness and less processed sugar.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can sear the chicken and prepare the glaze in advance. Bake and glaze it fresh just before serving for the best flavor.
Q: What sides go best with it?
A: Serve with lemon couscous, herbed quinoa, roasted potatoes, or a Mediterranean salad.
Q: Can I grill the chicken instead?
A: Yes, grill the chicken until cooked through, then brush with the glaze in the last few minutes to caramelize.
Q: Can I use other cheeses?
A: Goat cheese or ricotta salata are great substitutes if you don’t have feta on hand.
Nutrition
(Per Serving)
Approximate values based on 4 servings:
Calories: 410
Protein: 33 g
Fat: 23 g
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugars: 10 g
Sodium: 580 mg
Conclusion
Mediterranean Cranberry-Glazed Chicken Thighs with Feta and Herbs is a vibrant, well-balanced dish that brings together the sweet-tart notes of cranberry with the richness of golden chicken and creamy feta. It’s simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests, delivering that perfect mix of flavor and texture that Mediterranean cuisine is loved for. Each bite offers a satisfying harmony of savory, tangy, and herbaceous goodness—proof that a few good ingredients can make something truly special.