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Cranberry Orange Chicken

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Juicy baked chicken drenched in a zesty, sweet-tart cranberry orange sauce! This one-pan wonder is festive, flavorful, and surprisingly simple—perfect for holiday gatherings or easy weeknight dinners. Fresh cranberries, orange zest, and honey create a sticky glaze that turns ordinary chicken into a wow-worthy main dish.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 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 (to taste)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • ½ teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 teaspoon fresh)

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh rosemary sprigs

  • Orange slices or zest curls

  • Extra cranberries

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or oven-safe skillet.

  • In a bowl, stir together the cranberries, orange zest and juice, honey, olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and rosemary.

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

  • Pour the cranberry-orange mixture evenly over the chicken.

  • Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

  • For caramelized tops, broil for the last 2–3 minutes—keep a close eye!

 

  • Garnish as desired and serve hot with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Swap chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier result.

  • Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper, richer sweetness.

  • If using whole berry cranberry sauce, reduce or omit the added sweetener.

  • Double the sauce if you want extra for serving or leftovers!

 

  • Store leftovers in the fridge for 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry orange chicken, cranberry chicken, baked chicken with cranberries, holiday chicken recipe, sweet and savory chicken, festive baked chicken

Find it online: https://recipedune.com/cranberry-orange-chicken/