Cranberry Orange Chicken

this Recipe

Tender, tangy, and bursting with festive flavor—Cranberry Orange Chicken is a bright, sweet-savory dinner that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy winter night or hosting a cheerful gathering, this dish brings bold flavor with minimal effort. The combination of tart cranberries, fresh orange zest, and aromatic herbs is simply irresistible!

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What is Cranberry Orange Chicken?

Cranberry Orange Chicken is a beautifully balanced main dish that features juicy chicken breasts or thighs baked in a zesty orange and cranberry sauce. The sauce caramelizes slightly as it bakes, creating a sticky glaze that clings to every bite of the chicken. It’s sweet, tangy, a little savory, and absolutely full of flavor.

This recipe is perfect for fall and winter, especially during the holidays when fresh cranberries are in season. That said, I love it year-round using frozen cranberries (I stock up and freeze them for exactly this reason!).

Reasons to Love This Cranberry Orange Chicken:

• It’s a one-pan wonder! Less cleanup, more flavor.
• Holiday flavors without the fuss. Elegant enough for company, easy enough for weeknights.
• Freezer-friendly and meal prep approved. It reheats beautifully.
• Crowd-pleaser. Even picky eaters love this juicy, fruity chicken!

What Does It Taste Like?

This dish is everything I love about a balanced dinner:
Bright, slightly sweet orange notes dance with the tartness of cranberries, all grounded by savory garlic, rosemary, and a hint of spice. The chicken comes out incredibly juicy, with the sauce forming a sticky, jammy coating. It’s festive, comforting, and anything but boring!!

Benefits of This Recipe

• Nutritious and wholesome. High in protein and made with real, whole ingredients.
• Naturally gluten-free.
• Can be made low-sugar or low-carb with simple swaps (see below).
• Elegant presentation. It looks stunning straight from the oven!

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible chicken dish:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• Zest and juice of 1 large orange
• 2–3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tsp fresh)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh rosemary sprigs
• Orange slices or zest curls
• Extra cranberries

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Baking dish (9×13 inch works well) or oven-safe skillet
• Small mixing bowl
• Microplane or zester for the orange
• Measuring spoons
• Meat thermometer (optional, but super helpful!)

Ingredient Swaps and Additions

I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!

• Chicken thighs instead of breasts = more tender, juicier results.
• Maple syrup for a richer, deeper sweetness than honey.
• Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth.
• Use cranberry sauce if you don’t have whole cranberries—just cut the honey in half.
• Chili flakes or cayenne for a subtle heat twist.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Chicken

This is a quick-prep, high-reward kind of dish. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Prep the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease your baking dish or skillet.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the cranberries, orange zest and juice, honey, olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and rosemary. Stir everything until well mixed.

Step 3: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in your prepared baking dish.

Step 4: Pour and Bake

Pour the cranberry-orange mixture over the chicken, making sure to coat each piece well.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The cranberries will burst and become jammy!

Step 5: Broil for Caramelization (Optional but WOW!)

Want sticky, caramelized tops? Broil for the last 2–3 minutes. Watch closely!

What to Serve with Cranberry Orange Chicken

This dish sings with sides that let the sauce shine. Some of my favorites:

• Creamy mashed potatoes (perfect for catching the sauce!)
• Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans
• Wild rice or quinoa
• Buttery egg noodles
• Crispy roasted sweet potatoes

And don’t forget a simple arugula or spinach salad with a citrus vinaigrette to keep things fresh.

Tips for Perfect Cranberry Orange Chicken

• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
• Frozen cranberries are fine! No need to thaw first.
• Adjust sweetness to your liking—cranberries are tart, so tweak the honey as needed.
• Double the sauce if you want extras for drizzling over sides or sopping with bread. (Highly recommend!)

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Storage:

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Reheating:

• Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or in a covered skillet over low heat.

General Information

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Cuisine: American, Holiday
• Course: Main Dish

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless, skin-on chicken?

Yes! Just adjust the cook time slightly and use the broiler to crisp the skin at the end.

Can I make this in advance?

Definitely. Assemble the dish (minus the cranberries if using fresh) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add cranberries right before baking.

What if I only have cranberry sauce?

You can use 1 cup of whole berry cranberry sauce—just reduce or skip the honey to prevent over-sweetening.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours. The sauce will be thinner, but still flavorful.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Orange Chicken is proof that bold flavor doesn’t need complicated steps. It’s festive, simple, and absolutely delicious—perfect for a holiday meal or just a Tuesday night when you need something cozy and bright. I love how this dish brings people together with its unique flavor combo and vibrant look.

Craving more cozy or flavor-packed dinners? Don’t miss these other recipes you’ll love:

• Grilled Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Sauce
• Coconut Curry Baked Cod
• For dessert, you’ve got to try these Strawberry Cheesecake Cinnabon Rolls—they’re pure magic!

Join the Flavor Party!

If you make this Cranberry Orange Chicken, I’d love to see your photos and hear what you think!
Tag me on Pinterest at RecipeDune and drop a comment below with your thoughts. Your support and feedback truly mean the world!

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Sugar: 18g
• Fiber: 2g

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