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Cranberry Orange Chicken

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This elegant dish combines tender chicken with a bright sauce of fresh cranberries and orange zest. The sweet-tart flavors and fresh herbs create a memorable meal that's perfect for special occasions.
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Aisha
Updated on Fri, 17 Jan 2025 00:24:49 GMT
A skillet filled with golden-brown chicken thighs surrounded by fresh cranberries and orange slices in a savory sauce. Pin it
A skillet filled with golden-brown chicken thighs surrounded by fresh cranberries and orange slices in a savory sauce. | www.cookingflavor.com

Our kitchen comes alive with holiday magic whenever I make this cranberry orange chicken. The recipe came to life one autumn evening when I had fresh cranberries leftover from baking. Now the sweet tangy sauce and tender chicken creates such warmth that my little Sophie says it smells just like Christmas in here!

What Makes This Chicken Special

The magic happens when sweet cranberries and bright orange melt into the most gorgeous sauce. Simple chicken becomes something truly memorable. My friend Maria asked for the recipe after a casual Tuesday dinner yet I served the same dish at my holiday party to rave reviews.

Ingredients You'll Need

  • Chicken: Fresh chicken breasts or thighs, seasoned well.
  • Olive Oil: High-quality oil for searing the chicken.
  • Fresh Thyme or Rosemary: Adds earthy, aromatic notes.
  • Cranberries: Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and vibrant color.
  • Orange: Provides zest and juice for a bright, citrusy flavor.
  • Honey or Maple Syrup: Balances the tanginess with natural sweetness.
  • Garlic: Fresh cloves for depth of flavor.
  • Chicken Broth: Creates a rich, savory base for the sauce.
  • Balsamic Vinegar: Optional, but adds depth and complexity.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sear the Chicken
Season chicken generously with salt, pepper, and herbs. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden brown on both sides, then remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce
Add fresh cranberries, orange zest, and juice to the skillet. Stir in honey or maple syrup, garlic, and chicken broth. Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst and sauce thickens.
Combine and Simmer
Return chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and coated in the glossy sauce.
Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra orange zest and fresh herbs for a festive touch.
A skillet contains cooked chicken thighs garnished with herbs, surrounded by cranberries and a slice of orange in a glossy sauce. Pin it
A skillet contains cooked chicken thighs garnished with herbs, surrounded by cranberries and a slice of orange in a glossy sauce. | www.cookingflavor.com

Kitchen Secrets

Fresh cranberries make all the difference in this sauce. Always grab that orange zest before juicing it trust me. A few extra minutes of simmering turns the sauce into liquid gold. My mom taught me to let the chicken rest before serving it stays so much juicier.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this chicken over a bed of wild rice to soak up every drop of sauce. Last night I roasted some Brussels sprouts alongside and the combo was incredible. For dinner parties I add extra orange zest and fresh herbs on top it looks stunning on the table.

Keep It Fresh

Tuck leftovers in the fridge and they'll stay delicious for three days. A quick warm up on the stove brings everything back to life. Sometimes I make extra sauce and keep it ready to go. Such a lifesaver on busy weeknights.

Mix It Up

My sister Lucy adds a cinnamon stick to the sauce for extra holiday warmth. Try it with pork chops instead of chicken totally different but just as good. Fresh sage from my garden gives it a whole new personality. This recipe loves when you play with flavors.

More Than Just Dinner

This recipe brings holiday joy to our table any time of year. The kids help zest oranges and watch the cranberries pop in the pan. Sharing these cozy flavors with family and friends makes every dinner feel like a celebration.

A plated dish of glazed chicken breasts garnished with cranberries and orange slices. Pin it
A plated dish of glazed chicken breasts garnished with cranberries and orange slices. | www.cookingflavor.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well in this recipe. No need to thaw them first, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time for the sauce.
→ How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. When cut, the meat should be white throughout with no pink areas.
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can make the cranberry orange sauce ahead and reheat it when ready to cook the chicken. The complete dish is best served fresh for optimal texture.
→ What sides go well with this chicken?
This chicken pairs beautifully with rice, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes. The sauce is perfect for spooning over any side dish.
→ Why let the chicken rest with seasonings?
Letting the seasoned chicken rest allows the salt and herbs to penetrate the meat, resulting in better flavor throughout. Even a short rest makes a difference.

Cranberry Orange Chicken

Juicy chicken in a flavorful sauce of fresh cranberries and orange, sweetened with honey and herbs. An elegant dish that's surprisingly easy to make.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Aicha

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 chicken pieces)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 4 chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless.
02 1 cup fresh cranberries.
03 1 large orange, zested and juiced.
04 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup.
05 1 tablespoon olive oil.
06 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped.
07 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried).
08 Salt and black pepper to taste.
09 1/2 cup chicken broth or water.
10 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional).
11 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional).

Instructions

Step 01

Rub chicken with salt, pepper, and herbs. Let it rest while preparing other ingredients.

Step 02

Heat oil in a large pan. Cook chicken 4-6 minutes each side until golden. Set aside.

Step 03

In same pan, cook garlic until fragrant. Add cranberries, orange juice and zest, and honey. Simmer 5-7 minutes until berries burst.

Step 04

Return chicken to pan, add broth, and scrape pan bottom. Cover and cook 10-12 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F.

Step 05

Top with sauce and fresh herbs or orange zest before serving.

Notes

  1. Can use either chicken breasts or thighs.
  2. Sauce can be made ahead.
  3. Optional ingredients add extra depth of flavor.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet with lid.
  • Zester.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Protein: 38 g