Glazed Cherry Stain Chicken Thighs with Roasted Oak-Smoked Potatoes

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs glazed with a cherry-infused sauce paired with roasted potatoes infused with smoky oak wood flavor. This American-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 65 minutes, pairs bone-in chicken thighs, cherry preserves, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 1.5 lbs halved baby potatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Spread potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes until golden and crisp on edges.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup cherry preserves, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme. Simmer over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened into a glaze.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season 6 bone-in chicken thighs with salt and black pepper. Sear chicken skin-side down for 5 minutes until golden and crisp, then flip and sear the other side for 3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Brush chicken thighs generously with cherry glaze, then transfer the skillet to the oven. Roast together with potatoes for 15 minutes, basting chicken once more with glaze halfway through.
  5. Step 5: While chicken roasts, prepare a small smoking setup by placing soaked 1/2 cup oak wood chips in a foil pouch with holes and place it in the oven for the last 10 minutes of cooking to infuse a subtle smoky aroma to the potatoes.
  6. Step 6: Remove chicken and potatoes from oven; let chicken rest 5 minutes before serving with the roasted potatoes smoky from oak wood chips.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Glazed Cherry Stain Chicken Thighs with Roasted Oak-Smoked Potatoes take to make?

Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Glazed Cherry Stain Chicken Thighs with Roasted Oak-Smoked Potatoes?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep bone-in chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Glazed Cherry Stain Chicken Thighs with Roasted Oak-Smoked Potatoes?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Glazed Cherry Stain Chicken Thighs with Roasted Oak-Smoked Potatoes for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Glazed Cherry Stain Chicken Thighs with Roasted Oak-Smoked Potatoes?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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