Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a meal that’s bright, flavorful, and just a little bit unexpected, you’re going to love this Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe. I absolutely love how the tangy cranberries and fresh orange work together to create a sauce that’s both sweet and slightly tart—perfect for jazzing up simple chicken. When I first tried this, it quickly became a favorite in my weekly dinner rotation, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy it too!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the things I like about this Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe is how basic yet fresh the ingredients are—their natural flavors really shine together. When shopping, I recommend picking the freshest cranberries you can find; they burst nicely to create a vibrant sauce.

• Chicken breasts or thighs: I prefer thighs for juiciness, but breasts work just as well—choose what you like.
• Fresh cranberries: Fresh ones give that perfect pop and tart-sweet balance in the sauce.
• Orange (zest and juice): Using the whole orange brightens the flavor and adds a natural sweetness.
• Honey or maple syrup: This adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the tart cranberries.
• Olive oil: For browning the chicken beautifully without overpowering the flavors.
• Garlic: Minced garlic perks up the sauce with a little savory warmth.
• Fresh thyme or rosemary: Herbs add a lovely earthy note; fresh is best, but dried works too.
• Salt and pepper: Don’t be shy here; seasoning is key for bringing everything together.
• Chicken broth or water: To loosen the sauce and infuse it with some savoriness.
• Optional – balsamic vinegar: Adds a subtle depth—try it if you want a tiny kick of complexity.
• Optional – Dijon mustard: A bit of tang that complements the citrus and berries nicely.

Variations

I like to switch things up depending on the season or what’s in my pantry. Don’t hesitate to make this recipe your own — it’s very forgiving and loves a little creativity.

• Add toasted nuts: Sprinkling chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top gives a wonderful crunch that my family goes crazy for.
• Use turkey instead of chicken: I’ve swapped in turkey breast during the holidays, and it works beautifully with the cranberry-orange flavors.
• Make it spicy: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce gives a surprising but delightful kick that wakes up your taste buds.
• Gluten-free: Everything here is naturally gluten-free—just check your broth ingredients to be sure.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season and Prep the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken generously with salt, pepper, and either thyme or rosemary. I like to rub the seasoning in well so every bite has flavor. If you have 30 minutes, let the chicken marinate to soak up those herbs, but if you’re short on time, don’t worry—the sauce will shine regardless.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken Until Golden

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke. Add the chicken and cook for about 4 to 6 minutes per side—this browning step adds so much flavor and helps lock in the juices. Once golden, transfer the chicken to a plate; you’ll come back to it soon.

Step 3: Make the Cranberry Orange Sauce

Using the same skillet means you get all those tasty browned bits in your sauce, which is a game changer. Toss in minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—around 30 seconds, no more or it’ll get bitter. Then add your fresh cranberries, orange juice and zest, honey or maple syrup, and stir it all up. Let it simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens up nicely.

Step 4: Simmer Chicken in the Sauce

Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into your sauce. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pan—this is pure flavor magic. Cover the skillet, turn the heat down to low, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F internally. This gentle cooking keeps the meat tender and juicy while soaking up that gorgeous cranberry-orange goodness.

Step 5: Serve it Up!

Once your chicken is cooked through, spoon lots of sauce over the top and garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of orange zest for color and fresh brightness. It looks as lovely as it tastes, I promise!

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I always top my cranberry orange chicken with a little fresh thyme or rosemary and a scatter of orange zest. It adds a pop of color and freshness right before serving, making the dish feel extra special even on a regular weeknight.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs fantastically with simple roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or fluffy couscous. I especially like steamed green beans or a crisp arugula salad on the side to balance the richness of the sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, try serving the chicken on a bed of wild rice with extra cranberries sprinkled around. During holidays, plating with some pomegranate seeds and a few baby spinach leaves makes for a colorful, eye-catching presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The sauce mellows and thickens overnight, so the flavors actually deepen, making the leftovers even more delicious.

Freezing

This cranberry orange chicken freezes well too—just cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. When you thaw, the sauce might separate slightly, but a gentle stir while reheating will bring it back together.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwaving is fine too, but I recommend covering the dish to keep moisture locked in.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes because it’s simple, bursting with fresh flavor, and has that perfect balance of sweet and tart that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. I hope you’ll give it a try during your next dinner—whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal. Trust me, once you taste that luscious cranberry-orange sauce over tender chicken, you’ll wonder why it hasn’t been a staple in your kitchen all along!

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