medium yellow onions (about 7 ounces each)
small orange
skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs (6 to 8 ounces each)
kosher salt, divided
freshly ground black pepper, divided
olive oil, divided
packed light or dark brown sugar, divided
frozen cranberries (about 6 ounces)
dry white wine
water
balsamic vinegar
red pepper flakes
fresh basil, divided
Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat the oven to 375℉.
Halve and thinly slice 2 medium yellow onions (about 4 cups). Finely grate the zest of 1 small orange until you have 1 teaspoon zest, then juice the orange until you have 2 tablespoons.
Pat dry 4 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs with a paper towel, then season all over with 1 teaspoon of the kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large cast-iron or ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken skin-side down and sear until golden brown on both sides, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.