Cranberry Orange Chicken

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If you’re craving a dish that brings a burst of bright citrus and a subtle tartness to your dinner table, this Cranberry Orange Chicken is a must-try. It’s a recipe that balances savory and sweet beautifully, wrapping juicy chicken in a glossy, ruby-red glaze made from whole cranberries and zesty orange juice.

Perfect for holidays or when you’re simply in the mood to impress, this dish transforms humble ingredients into a plate that’s both elegant and comforting. It comes together with ease and fills your kitchen with a cozy aroma that instantly feels like home.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Chicken

This dish is a flavor bomb in the best way. The cranberries offer a tangy punch, mellowed by the natural sweetness of oranges. The sauce thickens into a rich, sticky glaze that clings to the chicken, caramelizing slightly in the oven. It’s weeknight easy but weekend special. Plus, it pairs well with just about anything, from mashed potatoes to roasted veggies.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

You can use either chicken thighs or chicken breasts in this recipe, depending on your preference. Thighs will give you juicier, richer bites due to their higher fat content, while breasts offer a leaner option. Bone-in or boneless both work great; just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they’re cooked through without drying out.

Ingredients for the Cranberry Orange Chicken

To make the Cranberry Orange Chicken flavorful and vibrant, you’ll need a handful of fresh and pantry ingredients that play well together.

• Chicken thighs or breasts
• Fresh or frozen cranberries
• Orange juice
• Orange zest
• Maple syrup or honey
• Soy sauce
• Garlic cloves
• Fresh rosemary or thyme
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil

Each ingredient contributes something essential. The cranberries bring tartness, the orange juice and zest add brightness, while maple syrup or honey rounds out the acidity. Soy sauce gives it a subtle umami depth, and fresh herbs provide that earthy aroma. Garlic, as always, is the savory anchor.

How To Make the Cranberry Orange Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Sear the Chicken

Season your chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cranberry Orange Sauce

In the same skillet, add a splash more oil if needed, and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add cranberries, orange juice, zest, maple syrup, soy sauce, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine and let the cranberries burst and thicken slightly.

Step 3: Combine and Bake

Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Top with rosemary or thyme sprigs. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is bubbly and sticky.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon extra sauce over the chicken before serving, and don’t forget those crispy bits at the bottom of the pan—they’re gold.

How to Serve and Store Cranberry Orange Chicken

This recipe comfortably feeds 4 people. It’s best served hot out of the oven when the glaze is at its peak of stickiness. If you’re serving a crowd, it scales up easily in a large roasting pan.

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of water or orange juice to loosen up the sauce if needed.

What to Serve With Cranberry Orange Chicken?

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes are a perfect match for the tangy sauce.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their slight bitterness balances the sweetness of the glaze.

Wild Rice Pilaf

A nutty, earthy base that complements the fruit-forward chicken.

Garlic Green Beans

Quick to prepare and keeps things light.

Cranberry Walnut Salad

Carries the cranberry theme into your sides with added crunch.

Buttery Dinner Rolls

Because mopping up sauce should be a rule.

Glazed Carrots

Their natural sweetness works beautifully with the citrusy glaze.

Creamy Polenta

A rich and smooth base to contrast the brightness of the dish.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this sweet and savory Cranberry Orange Chicken, here are more recipes you might enjoy from Luna Meals:

• Try this Easy Chicken Fried Rice for a quick one-pan dinner.
• Our Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni delivers creamy, cheesy comfort.
• Craving something spicy? Check out Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce.
• Want bold flavor? You’ll love the Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken that’s rich and hearty.
• For cozy meals, our Slow Cooker Lipton Onion Potatoes is a winning side dish.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use maple syrup or honey? Add any twists of your own?

I love seeing your takes on these dishes. Questions are always welcome—let’s help each other cook with confidence.

Explore beautifully curated flavor-packed dishes and seasonal dinner ideas on Luna Meals on Pinterest and find new favorites to brighten up your table.

Conclusion

Cranberry Orange Chicken brings everything to the table: it’s vibrant, cozy, simple enough for weeknights, and special enough for holidays. The combination of citrus and cranberry is magic, and once you try it, you’ll want it on repeat all season long.

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