Get ready for a brilliant burst of flavor with this Cranberry Orange Chicken! This dish combines juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts with a tangy, jewel-bright cranberry orange sauce that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or hosting a festive dinner, your guests (and your tastebuds!) will be delighted by the sweet, tart, and savory notes in every bite of Cranberry Orange Chicken.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how a handful of simple ingredients transform into such a lively, memorable main course. Each ingredient brings its own magic: the chicken provides the perfect canvas, cranberries and orange juice offer a zingy punch, and a hint of honey brings everything into glorious harmony.
- Chicken Breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender results and easy prep—boneless thighs work beautifully if you want extra juiciness.
- Olive Oil: A quick sear in olive oil gives the chicken gorgeous color and boosts the richness of the dish.
- Salt and Black Pepper: A must for bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken and brightening up the sauce.
- Garlic Powder: Adds subtle savory depth—don’t skip it!
- Fresh or Frozen Cranberries: The star ingredient; they burst and turn into sweet-tart jewels in the oven.
- Orange Juice: Use fresh-squeezed if you can for the brightest flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.
- Orange Zest: Adds zippy citrus fragrance and beautiful flecks of color to the sauce.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Balances the tang of the cranberries with natural sweetness—choose your favorite!
- Balsamic Vinegar: Brings sophisticated tang and depth, tying all the flavors together seamlessly.
- Dijon Mustard: Just a touch ramps up savory and gives a tiny kick.
- Dried Thyme: Herbal notes add subtle earthiness that works especially well with citrus and berries.
- Fresh Parsley or Orange Slices (optional): Sprinkling parsley or tucking in orange slices makes the plate pop and adds a hint of freshness.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Chicken
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready to go when you need it. Lay your chicken breasts on a clean surface, pat them dry with paper towels, and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This simple seasoning locks in moisture and creates a delicious base for the sauce.
Step 2: Sear for Flavor
In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Let them sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes per side, until you see a lovely golden color. This step locks in extra flavor and gives the chicken an irresistible texture. Once seared, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside for now.
Step 3: Create the Cranberry Orange Chicken Sauce
In the same skillet (no need to clean it; those browned bits add flavor!), toss in the cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey or maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Stir and bring everything to a gentle simmer, cooking for about 3–5 minutes, until the cranberries just begin to pop and release their juices. This is where the magic happens—the sauce becomes vibrant, glossy, and packed with festive flavor!
Step 4: Nestle and Bake
Return the seared chicken breasts (and all their juices) to the skillet, nestling them right into the cranberry orange sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the tops to coat them. Carefully transfer your skillet to the hot oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp of 165°F) and the sauce is bubbly and luscious.
Step 5: Rest and Garnish
Pull the skillet from the oven and let the Cranberry Orange Chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This lets the juices redistribute and makes the chicken even more tender. For an extra dash of color and flavor, top each portion with fresh parsley or a few thinly sliced rounds of orange.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Chicken
Garnishes
A final flourish of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of green and freshens the flavor, while a few artfully arranged orange slices channel citrusy charm. If you’re feeling extra festive, add a sprinkle of extra orange zest or some jewel-like whole cranberries on top for visual drama.
Side Dishes
Cranberry Orange Chicken shines alongside buttery rice, fluffy couscous, or even a bed of garlic mashed potatoes. For a lighter touch, pair it with roasted seasonal vegetables—think crisp green beans, caramelized carrots, or brussels sprouts, which balance the sweet-tart sauce perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching dinner party platter, slice the chicken and fan it out on a serving dish, then drizzle the sauce over the top. Or serve each chicken breast individually on a bed of greens or grains, topped with fresh garnish and a spoonful of sauce for restaurant-quality appeal. This Cranberry Orange Chicken also makes mouthwatering sandwiches—just slice and pile into warm rolls with a little extra sauce!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), transfer the cooled chicken and sauce to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually become even richer after a day, making tomorrow’s lunch a treat.
Freezing
To freeze Cranberry Orange Chicken, place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Gently reheat the chicken with its sauce in a covered skillet over low heat, or in the microwave at half power. Add a splash of extra orange juice if the sauce thickened up too much in the fridge or freezer—it’ll be just as saucy and crave-worthy as the day you made it!
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs stay extra juicy and absorb the flavors beautifully. Just keep in mind they may need a few extra minutes in the oven to cook through.
Can I make Cranberry Orange Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! This dish can be made a day in advance. Prepare everything up to the baking step, refrigerate covered, then simply bake when you’re ready to serve—all the flavors will meld even more.
What if I don’t have fresh cranberries?
Frozen cranberries work perfectly—no need to thaw them first. Dried cranberries are not recommended for this recipe, as they won’t deliver the same juicy sauce.
How can I make it spicier?
For a little heat, sprinkle in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce when simmering. It adds wonderful warmth without overwhelming the bright flavors.
Can I double the recipe for a bigger crowd?
Definitely! Just use a larger skillet or a baking dish to fit more chicken, and double all the sauce ingredients—you’ll want plenty to go around. It’s a fantastic dish for entertaining.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to impress or just want to switch up your dinner routine with something special, give Cranberry Orange Chicken a try! It brings a cheerful burst of color and flavor to the table with minimal effort. You’ll love how it tastes as much as how it looks—this one’s sure to become a cherished favorite.
Print
Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe is a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors. Tender chicken breasts are cooked in a flavorful cranberry-orange sauce that is both tangy and slightly sweet, making it a perfect dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or orange slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sear chicken: Sear the chicken in a skillet until lightly browned, then set aside.
- Make sauce: In the same skillet, combine cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Simmer until thickened.
- Bake: Return chicken to skillet, add sauce, and bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Rest and serve: Let the dish rest before serving. Garnish with parsley or orange slices if desired.
Notes
- Pairs well with rice, couscous, or roasted vegetables.
- Try using boneless thighs for extra juiciness.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
