Oven Baked Cranberry-Orange BBQ Chicken

Oven Baked Cranberry-Orange BBQ Chicken with juicy bone-in chicken, tangy cranberry sauce, and a citrus-spiced BBQ glaze. This easy baked chicken recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or holiday gatherings. Packed with bold flavors and simple ingredients, it pairs well with roasted vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

For the Cranberry-Orange BBQ Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• ½ cup finely chopped onion
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 14 oz can jellied cranberry sauce
• 15 oz can tomato sauce
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper (or to taste)
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp fresh orange zest
• ¼ cup fresh orange juice

For the Chicken:

• 6–8 meaty bone-in chicken pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, optional garnish

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Instructions

1. Make the Cranberry-Orange BBQ Sauce

1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat.
2. Add the onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add cranberry sauce, tomato sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper, black pepper, orange juice, and orange zest.
5. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a low boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

2. Bake the Chicken

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat a large baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Remove skin from chicken pieces and place them meaty side up in the prepared pan. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

3. Add the Sauce and Finish Baking

1. Remove the foil and carefully drain most of the cooking liquid from the pan.
2. Pour half of the BBQ sauce over the chicken and use tongs to coat each piece evenly, ensuring the meaty side is facing up.
3. Increase oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, occasionally spooning sauce from the bottom of the pan over the chicken.
4. Chicken is done when the thickest piece reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

5. Serve

• Serve the chicken with the remaining sauce on the side and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked BBQ chicken combines tangy cranberry and citrus flavors with the richness of smoky spices, creating a juicy and flavorful dish. It’s perfect for family dinners, weeknight meals, or holiday gatherings. The sauce doubles as a serving glaze or a dipping sauce for extra flavor.

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Tips

• Remove chicken skin for a lighter, less greasy meal.
• For maximum flavor, let the sauce simmer gently to blend the spices and citrus.
• Basting the chicken occasionally ensures a juicy, well-coated result.
• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and ensure tenderness.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Chicken: Bone-in thighs or drumsticks work best; breasts can be used but may dry out faster.
• Spice level: Adjust crushed red pepper to your preferred heat level.
• Sauce: Substitute honey or maple syrup for brown sugar for a natural sweetness.
• Citrus twist: Lime or lemon juice can replace orange juice for a different tangy profile.

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FAQs

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, the BBQ sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Q: Can this chicken be grilled instead of baked?
A: Absolutely! Brush the sauce on the chicken and grill over medium heat until fully cooked.

Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
A: Yes, cooked chicken and sauce can be frozen separately in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
• Pair with rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up the extra BBQ sauce.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a bright finish.