1. Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This step ensures that the skin becomes beautifully crispy during baking.

2. Season the Chicken

Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil, then season evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Set them aside while preparing the sauce.

3. Make the Sauce

In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey or maple syrup, soy sauce, minced garlic, and thyme. Simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly.

4. Sear the Chicken

Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for 2 minutes.

5. Combine and Bake

Pour the prepared orange cranberry sauce over the chicken thighs in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

6. Rest and Serve

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. Serve hot with extra sauce spooned over the top. It pairs wonderfully with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.