Cranberry and Orange Baked Chicken Thighs

About

This deliciously sweet and crispy Keto chicken recipe makes a great dish for the holidays. Our Keto chicken thighs are baked until crisp and golden, then topped with a low carb cranberry and orange jam. Once basted in the sweet jam, the thighs are returned to the oven to finish cooking. This makes a great protein option to serve alongside your favorite festive low carb sides.

Can I Use Frozen Cranberries?

We have used fresh cranberries to make our festive low carb jam. Frozen cranberries can be more accessible and readily available in some grocery stores. If you cannot find fresh cranberries, then you can make a direct swap for frozen cranberries, following the recipe as directed.

Serving Suggestions

These juicy Keto chicken thighs are perfect served as a lunch or dinner protein. Serve as a lunch with our Keto Christmas slaw or Keto Christmas salad. Alternatively, serve for dinner alongside our Keto sprouts with pancetta or some roasted low carb veggies. You can find all these dishes plus a wide range of festive accompaniments in our sides section. Please be sure to adjust your macros to account for any additions or changes made to the original recipe.

Ingredients

6 medium chicken thigh with skin
1 cup cranberries, fresh
1 teaspoon ginger, ground
1 tablespoon maple flavored syrup by lakanto
⅔ cup water
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt, sea salt
½ each – juice from one orange orange juice

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Arrange the chicken thighs across a shallow oven tray. Sprinkle with a little salt and transfer to the oven to bake for 25 minutes until golden.
Add the cranberries, cinnamon, ginger, orange juice and syrup to a small saucepan. Add the water and a good pinch of salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce down to a simmer and carefully crush the cranberries with a fork. Continue to simmer gently for 20 minutes while the chicken is cooking, stirring occasionally. The mixture should be reduced to a thick jam. You may adjust the levels of seasoning, spices and sweetness to taste.
Remove the chicken thighs from the oven. Divide the cranberry jam evenly between the chicken thighs, spreading liberally over the tops of each. Return the thighs to the oven to bake for a further 10 minutes. The thighs should be caramelized and golden and completely cooked through. Baste with the pan juices and serve hot with your preferred Keto sides.