Cranberry Orange Chicken

If you’re looking for a dinner that feels both cozy and celebratory, this Cranberry Orange Chicken is your go-to recipe. Imagine tender, juicy chicken glazed with a bright, sweet-tart cranberry-orange sauce that instantly elevates any meal. Whether it’s a holiday dinner, a weekend family feast, or just a cozy night in, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

The combination of fresh cranberries, zesty orange, and a touch of honey or maple syrup creates a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. It’s a dish that not only tastes incredible but also looks stunning on the plate—ruby-red cranberries and golden chicken make it feel festive and special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: ready in just 40 minutes
• Sweet, tangy, and savory flavor that appeals to all ages
• Perfect for holiday dinners or weeknight meals
• Minimal ingredients, big impact
• Can be made with chicken breasts or thighs

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs – Juicy, versatile protein that soaks up the cranberry-orange sauce
• 1 cup fresh cranberries – Provides tartness and vibrant color
• 1 large orange (zested and juiced) – Adds bright, fresh citrus flavor
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup – Sweetens the sauce and balances the tart cranberries
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For browning the chicken and sautéing garlic
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Adds aromatic depth to the sauce
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried) – Adds an earthy, herbal note
• Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning the chicken
• ½ cup chicken broth or water – Helps create a rich, flavorful sauce

Optional Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar – Adds depth and complexity
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – Gives a subtle tang to the sauce

How to Make Cranberry Orange Chicken

Prep the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and a pinch of thyme or rosemary. If you have extra time, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to deepen the flavor—but it’s not required.

Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 4–6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Cranberry Orange Sauce

In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and honey or maple syrup. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce slightly thickens.

Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top. Add chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10–12 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.

Serve

Spoon the cranberry-orange sauce over the cooked chicken. Garnish with fresh herbs or extra orange zest for a beautiful finishing touch. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Use fresh cranberries for the best tartness and vibrant color
• Don’t skip browning the chicken—it adds flavor and texture
• Taste the sauce before serving and adjust sweetness or acidity as needed
• Cover the pan during simmering to keep the chicken juicy

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Zester and juicer for the orange (optional but recommended)

Recipe Variations

• Thighs Only: Use chicken thighs for more tenderness and richer flavor
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce
• Gluten-Free: Ensure chicken broth is gluten-free; all other ingredients are naturally safe
• Honey-Orange Glaze: Double the honey and reduce broth for a stickier, glaze-like sauce

Serving Suggestions

Serve this cranberry orange chicken alongside roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a simple rice pilaf. Garnish with extra orange zest or fresh cranberries for a festive, eye-catching presentation.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the sauce and chicken separately and reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Can I use frozen cranberries?
Absolutely. Just thaw them slightly before cooking.

Can this be baked instead of skillet-cooked?
Yes. Brown the chicken first, then bake in the cranberry-orange sauce at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.

Can I substitute chicken broth with water?
Yes, but the sauce will have slightly less depth. Adding a splash of balsamic vinegar can help enhance flavor.

Is this dish kid-friendly?
Definitely! The sweet-tart flavor of cranberries and orange is generally well-loved by kids.

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Final Thoughts

Cranberry Orange Chicken is the perfect combination of cozy and celebratory. With juicy chicken, bright citrus, and the festive pop of cranberries, it’s a dish that makes weeknights special and holiday dinners memorable. Try it out, customize it to your taste, and watch it become a family favorite!