Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

Bright, festive, and undeniably flavorful, Cranberry Orange Chicken is my holiday-meets-everyday dinner obsession. Succulent chicken is smothered in a sauce that marries tangy cranberries and zesty orange, rounded out by a touch of sweet honey, aromatic herbs, and warming garlic. Each bite is beautifully balanced—juicy, tart, sweet, savory—making this dish a showstopper for family gatherings or weeknight dinners. You won’t believe how easy it is to put together a meal with flavors this bold and a color so eye-catching!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cranberry Orange Chicken lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients—each one adding a layer of irresistible flavor and color. These kitchen staples combine to create a dish that truly feels both special and approachable.

• Chicken breasts or thighs: The star of the dish; use boneless, skinless pieces for quick cooking and tender texture.
• Fresh cranberries: Bring a pop of tartness and stunning ruby color—frozen also works if out of season!
• Large orange (zested and juiced): Adds a citrusy brightness and gives the sauce its signature sweet-tart edge.
• Honey or maple syrup: Balances the cranberries’ tang with gentle sweetness—choose your favorite or what you have on hand.
• Olive oil: For browning the chicken and adding a subtle, fruity richness.
• Garlic (minced): Layers in aromatic depth that grounds the dish beautifully.
• Fresh thyme or rosemary: Earthy, savory herbs that pair perfectly with poultry and fruit—dried or fresh works!
• Salt and pepper: Essential for highlighting the other flavors—season generously to taste.
• Chicken broth or water: Helps build the sauce’s body and keeps the chicken moist and tender.
• Balsamic vinegar: Provides a subtle tang and complexity that takes the sauce to the next level.
• Dijon mustard: Just a touch, for a little zing and creamy tang in your sauce.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by seasoning your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of fresh or dried thyme or rosemary. This creates the flavor foundation for your Cranberry Orange Chicken. If you have a little extra time, let the chicken marinate for about 30 minutes—it’s not required, but it does enhance the depth of flavor. Either way, the aroma of those herbs is already a great sign of what’s to come!

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken pieces in a single layer—don’t overcrowd the pan, you want each piece to get golden. Brown the chicken for 4 to 6 minutes per side, allowing a lovely crust to develop. Once each piece is perfectly seared and golden, remove them from the pan and set aside. This step seals in the juices, ensuring that your Cranberry Orange Chicken is fork-tender and bursting with flavor.

Step 3: Make the Cranberry Orange Sauce

In that same skillet, add minced garlic and let it sizzle for just about 30 seconds—just enough to release a mouthwatering fragrance. Stir in the fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and honey (or maple syrup). The mixture will bubble up and start to turn a vibrant red. Let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and mingle with the orange. You’ll see the sauce thicken as it cooks, becoming lusciously glossy and aromatic.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the seared chicken (and any resting juices) back into the pan, spooning some of that gorgeous sauce over the top. Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and give the bottom of the pan a good scrape to release all those delicious browned bits into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let your Cranberry Orange Chicken gently simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches that safe, juicy sweet spot of 165°F. This step allows all the flavors to meld and the sauce to soak into every bite.

Step 5: Serve

Once your chicken is cooked through, it’s time to serve. Plate each piece and spoon the cranberry-orange sauce generously over the top. Finish with a sprinkle of extra fresh herbs or a bit of orange zest for a pop of flavor and color. The result? A plate that’s as beautiful as it is delicious—ready to impress!

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Chicken

Garnishes

Garnishing Cranberry Orange Chicken is where you can really let your creativity shine. A sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like thyme or rosemary adds burst of green and earthy aroma. For more color and a hint of perfume, add curls of orange zest or even whole roasted cranberries on top. These finishing touches not only make your dish look restaurant-worthy, but also add layered flavors with each bite.

Side Dishes

The best sides for Cranberry Orange Chicken are those that can soak up that tangy-sweet sauce. Think fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or a rustic wild rice pilaf. For a healthier twist, try pairing with roasted Brussels sprouts, green beans, or a simple arugula salad dressed in citrus vinaigrette. These sides make mealtime more complete and let the main dish truly shine.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, serve Cranberry Orange Chicken on a platter sprinkled with extra cranberries and orange slices for a dramatic, festive look. If you’re feeding a crowd, slice the chicken and arrange it atop a bed of pilaf or creamy polenta, then cascade the sauce over everything family-style. For an elegant appetizer, spoon slices on crostini with a touch of sauce—suddenly it’s bite-sized holiday magic!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Cranberry Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld overnight, making leftovers taste even more delightful the next day. Just be sure to cool everything completely before sealing it up to keep the chicken moist and the sauce fresh.

Freezing

If you’d like to save some for later, Cranberry Orange Chicken freezes well too. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to keep the texture perfect.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce together in a skillet over low heat until hot—add a splash of broth or water if the sauce seems too thick. You can also microwave individual portions, loosely covered, in 1-minute bursts until heated through. Either way, your Cranberry Orange Chicken will taste just as bright and satisfying as when it was freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute—they stay extra juicy and are more forgiving if you cook them a few minutes longer. The flavors of the sauce pair beautifully with either cut, so feel free to use your favorite.

What if I don’t have fresh cranberries?

If fresh cranberries are out of season, frozen cranberries are an excellent alternative—no need to thaw, just add them straight to the sauce. Dried cranberries can work in a pinch, though they’ll make the sauce much sweeter, so adjust the honey or maple syrup to taste.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked perfectly?

The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer: when the internal temperature of the thickest piece hits 165°F, your Cranberry Orange Chicken is safe and succulent. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part and make sure the juices run clear, not pink.

Can I make this recipe ahead for entertaining?

Yes, Cranberry Orange Chicken is a wonderful make-ahead dish! You can prepare the chicken and sauce a day in advance, then gently reheat on the stove or in the oven with a splash of broth before serving. It’s a real holiday time-saver.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As written, Cranberry Orange Chicken is naturally gluten-free, just be sure your chicken broth and Dijon mustard are gluten-free by checking the labels. It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family who may have dietary restrictions.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to impress your taste buds and dinner guests alike, Cranberry Orange Chicken just might steal the show. Its vibrant flavors, beautiful presentation, and simple preparation make it a true standout recipe. Give it a try and let this dish bring sunshine and celebration to your table, any day of the week!

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