Get ready to transform your dinner routine with the most mouthwatering, hassle-free meal that will have your family begging for seconds! Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs nestled on a bed of cranberry sauce, surrounded by perfectly seasoned stuffing - all prepared on a single sheet pan with minimal cleanup. This recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero, combining the classic flavors of American comfort food with an innovative twist that'll make you look like a culinary genius!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup cranberry sauce
- 1 box stuffing mix
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and the stuffing becomes perfectly fluffy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the stuffing mix and chicken broth. Stir gently until the stuffing is evenly moistened. Set aside to allow the stuffing to absorb the broth.
- While the stuffing is soaking, season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper to taste. Rub the olive oil over the chicken to help with browning.
- In a large sheet pan, spread the cranberry sauce evenly across the bottom. This will create a flavorful base for the chicken and stuffing.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the cranberry sauce in the sheet pan, skin side up. This will allow the juices from the chicken to flavor the sauce as it cooks.
- Once the stuffing has absorbed the broth, spoon it around the chicken thighs in the sheet pan. Make sure to distribute it evenly for consistent cooking.
- Cover the sheet pan with aluminum foil to help retain moisture while cooking. This will keep the chicken juicy and the stuffing tender.
- Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This initial cooking time will help the chicken start to cook through.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes. This will allow the chicken skin to crisp up and the stuffing to brown nicely.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs with a meat thermometer. They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Once cooked, remove the sheet pan from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute in the chicken.
- Serve the cranberry chicken and stuffing warm, spooning some of the cranberry sauce over the chicken for added flavor. Enjoy your delicious, comforting meal!
Tips
- For extra flavor, try using homemade cranberry sauce or adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the stuffing mix.
- Ensure your chicken thighs are at room temperature before cooking to promote even cooking and prevent dryness.
- Don't skip the resting period after cooking - it's crucial for keeping the chicken juicy and allowing the juices to redistribute.
- If you want crispier chicken skin, consider broiling for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking (watch carefully to prevent burning).
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked chicken - 165°F (74°C) is the safe internal temperature.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the stuffing mix with gluten-free bread cubes or quinoa.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 120mg
