Sweet & Savory Sticky Cherry Chicken Thighs are a delicious blend of flavors that will delight your taste buds.
Author:Lorenzo Bonucci
Prep Time:30 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:1 hour
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Dish
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
2 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
1/2 cup cherry preserves
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl, combine the cherries, cherry preserves, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, ground ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to create the marinade.
Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later. Sear the chicken thighs skin-side down for about 5-7 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
Flip the chicken thighs over and pour the reserved marinade over them. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
Substitute the cherries with other fruits like apricots or peaches for a different flavor profile.