Cranberry Orange Chicken: Sweet, Tangy, and Juicy Chicken for Any Occasion

If you’re looking for a chicken recipe that is both elegant and easy to make, Cranberry Orange Chicken is the perfect choice. This recipe combines succulent chicken breasts with a sweet and tangy cranberry orange glaze that’s bursting with flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a holiday meal, or a special brunch, this dish is sure to impress.

The bright citrus notes of fresh orange juice paired with tart cranberries create a glaze that balances sweetness and acidity beautifully. The chicken stays tender and juicy thanks to careful baking, and the sauce reduces to a glossy finish that clings perfectly to each piece.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated orange zest
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• Optional garnish: fresh cranberries, orange slices, chopped parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
3. Make Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, honey, soy sauce, garlic, orange zest, and ground ginger.
4. Add Cranberries: Scatter cranberries around the chicken in the skillet and pour the orange glaze over everything.
5. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and cranberries are soft.
6. Reduce Sauce (Optional): Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. Place skillet back on medium heat and simmer sauce for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Serve: Pour the glaze over the chicken, garnish with fresh cranberries, orange slices, and parsley. Serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect Cranberry Orange Chicken

• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh cranberries and freshly squeezed orange juice for the brightest flavor.
• Even Cooking: Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for consistent baking.
• Make Ahead: The glaze can be made a day ahead and refrigerated to save time.
• Extra Zing: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the glaze for a deeper flavor.

Cranberry Orange Chicken

Juicy chicken breasts baked with a sweet and tangy cranberry orange glaze, perfect for weeknights or holidays.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 pieces

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 280

Ingredients

  

Chicken

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Glaze

• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 0.5 cup orange juice freshly squeezed
• 0.25 cup honey
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp orange zest grated
• 0.5 tsp ground ginger

Equipment

• Oven-safe skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, honey, soy sauce, garlic, orange zest, and ground ginger.
4. Scatter cranberries around the chicken in the skillet and pour the orange glaze over everything.
5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and cranberries are soft.
6. Optional: Remove chicken and simmer sauce 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Serve chicken with glaze, garnished with fresh cranberries, orange slices, and parsley.

Notes

Glaze can be made a day ahead. Garnish with extra cranberries and orange slices for presentation.

Variations

• Skillet Version: Cook entirely on the stovetop for a quicker meal.
• Slow Cooker: Combine all ingredients (except garnish) and cook on low 4–6 hours for tender chicken.
• Cranberry Orange Chicken Thighs: Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for juicier meat.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful glaze.
• Pair with steamed vegetables or roasted Brussels sprouts for a complete meal.
• Great for holiday gatherings—make extra glaze for a festive punch of flavor.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Cranberries are native to North America and have been a staple in Native American cuisine for centuries. Combining cranberry with orange is a classic flavor pairing, especially popular during fall and winter holidays. This recipe brings traditional holiday flavors to a modern weeknight dinner in just 30 minutes.

Storage

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to retain moisture.
• Freezing the cooked chicken is possible, but the cranberries may lose some texture