Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe
If you’re craving a dish with equal parts comfort and wow factor, you’re going to fall in love with Cranberry Orange Chicken. This recipe marries tangy cranberry sauce with zesty orange and a hint of spice, resulting in succulent chicken with a vibrant glaze you’ll want to scoop up over everything. It reaches that perfect sweet-savory balance, making it a fantastic centerpiece for holidays, dinner parties, or cozy Sunday suppers. Cranberry Orange Chicken is super approachable yet unique enough to make the everyday feel festive—let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You might be amazed by how simple these ingredients are—each one carefully chosen to let natural flavors shine. Every component plays a starring role, adding depth, brightness, or texture to create the signature taste of Cranberry Orange Chicken.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and ready to soak up that delicious glaze; try to choose even sizes for perfect cooking.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to highlight the fresh flavors and keep your chicken balanced.
- Olive oil: Just a tablespoon ensures a gorgeous sear for golden, juicy chicken.
- Orange juice: Adds cheerful citrus notes and keeps the sauce bright; fresh-squeezed is best, but bottled works too.
- Orange zest: Packs an aromatic punch; zest only the orange part for bold flavor without bitterness.
- Whole cranberry sauce: Sweet and tart, this transforms humble chicken into something special (a great use for holiday leftovers!).
- Honey or maple syrup: A touch of natural sweetness to round out all the tartness—use your favorite.
- Dijon mustard: Sneaks in a little tang and complexity; it’s subtle but essential.
- Garlic powder: Adds an undercurrent of warmth that ties the flavors together.
- Dried thyme: A pinch of earthy herbaceousness for an aromatic lift.
- Cinnamon: Just a whisper, but it deepens the sauce and brings a gentle coziness.
- Orange slices and fresh rosemary (optional): Turn your finished Cranberry Orange Chicken into a stunner on the plate with these fresh garnishes.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Chicken
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry, then sprinkle salt and pepper generously on both sides. This step is key—not only does it season the chicken, but it helps create unforgettable flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Sear for Flavor
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear them for 2 to 3 minutes per side, just until they develop a lovely golden crust. This seals in the juices and sets the stage for the Cranberry Orange Chicken’s signature succulence.
Step 3: Prepare the Cranberry Orange Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, orange zest, whole cranberry sauce, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried thyme, and cinnamon. You’ll notice the mix looks vibrant and smells incredible already! Pour this mixture evenly over the seared chicken in the skillet.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Carefully transfer your skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. It’s ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the sauce is thickened and bubbling around the edges. The aroma is irresistible!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Spoon plenty of that vivid sauce over each chicken breast and, if you like, finish with orange slices and a sprig of fresh rosemary. Your Cranberry Orange Chicken is now officially dinner-party gorgeous.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Chicken
Garnishes
A few simple touches can make your Cranberry Orange Chicken truly shine. Arrange fresh orange slices on the platter for a pop of color, and tuck in sprigs of rosemary for an elegant, aromatic flourish. These little extras really make the finished dish feel special and restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This main course begs for sides that will soak up the vibrant sauce. Wild rice and roasted potatoes are classic companions, absorbing all those luscious flavors. A winter greens salad with toasted pecans or goat cheese also complements the tanginess of the chicken beautifully. You can’t go wrong!
Creative Ways to Present
To impress a crowd, slice the chicken and fan it over a serving dish, drizzling the cranberry orange sauce generously over the top for that glossy, jewel-like look. Or serve family-style straight from the skillet, letting everyone spoon extra sauce as they please. For festive occasions, individual plates garnished with both orange slices and rosemary feel especially luxurious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any remaining Cranberry Orange Chicken (and sauce!) to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the poultry and sauce together, so the flavors continue to mingle and deepen.
Freezing
Cranberry Orange Chicken freezes surprisingly well. Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely, then pack them into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra orange juice if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, in short bursts to avoid overcooking the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs remain tender and juicy and are a tasty alternative in Cranberry Orange Chicken. Adjust the baking time by a few minutes if the pieces are large—just ensure they reach 165°F internally.
What if I only have leftover jellied cranberry sauce?
No problem! Jellied cranberry sauce works just fine. It will create a slightly smoother, glossier glaze, but the sweet-tart flavor will still complement the orange beautifully in this recipe.
Is fresh orange juice necessary, or can I use bottled?
Fresh orange juice gives you a slightly brighter, zippier flavor, but good quality bottled orange juice will work wonderfully. The star flavors of Cranberry Orange Chicken really come through either way.
Can I make Cranberry Orange Chicken ahead of time for a dinner party?
Yes! Prepare the dish up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake as directed, allowing a few extra minutes if the chicken is cold from the fridge.
Does this recipe work if I want to double it?
Absolutely. Arrange the chicken in a large baking dish to avoid overcrowding, and simply double all sauce ingredients. It’s a fabulous crowd-pleaser for family gatherings or potlucks!
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about sharing Cranberry Orange Chicken at your table—it’s comforting, cheerful, and just a little bit special. Whether it’s your next holiday centerpiece or a bright pick-me-up on a weeknight, I genuinely hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it part of your own culinary traditions.
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Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe combines the tangy sweetness of cranberries and oranges with tender chicken breasts for a flavorful and festive main dish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 cup whole cranberry sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Orange slices and fresh rosemary for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sear Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear in a skillet.
- Prepare Sauce: Whisk together orange juice, zest, cranberry sauce, honey, mustard, and spices.
- Bake: Pour sauce over chicken and bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Serve: Spoon sauce over chicken and garnish with oranges and rosemary.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with wild rice, roasted potatoes, or a winter salad.
- Use leftover cranberry sauce from the holidays for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
