If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances bright, tangy, and sweet flavors with tender, juicy chicken, the Cranberry Orange Chicken is an absolute must-try. This recipe beautifully marries the zing of fresh oranges and the tart pop of cranberries with a hint of herbs and honey sweetness, creating an irresistible sauce that clings to each succulent bite of chicken. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Cranberry Orange Chicken brings a vibrant splash of color and flavor to your table that everyone will love.

Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, yet each plays a vital role in building the delicious layers of flavor and inviting texture in Cranberry Orange Chicken. Fresh, wholesome, and easily accessible, they come together to create a dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose boneless, skinless pieces for tender, evenly cooked meat that soaks up the sauce beautifully.

Fresh cranberries: These add a lively tartness and vibrant red color that brighten up the dish.
Large orange (zested and juiced): The zest offers aromatic oils while the juice delivers fresh citrus brightness and sweetness.

Honey or maple syrup: A natural sweetener that balances tartness and adds depth to the sauce.
Olive oil: Used for browning and adding richness to the pan.

Garlic cloves (finely chopped): Brings a warm, savory foundation flavor.
Fresh thyme or rosemary: Aromatic herbs for that earthy, fragrant touch (dried works as a convenient alternative).
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning, enhancing all the natural flavors.

Chicken broth or water: Adds moisture and helps build a luscious, smooth sauce.
Balsamic vinegar (optional): Introduces a subtle tang and acidity to balance richness.
Dijon mustard (optional): Adds a hint of spice and complexity to the sauce.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by rubbing your chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and your chosen herbs like thyme or rosemary. This simple seasoning step lets the natural flavors shine through while infusing the meat with a lovely aromatic foundation. Letting the chicken rest a bit while you prepare the sauce helps it absorb these seasonings better.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat, then sear the chicken for about 4 to 6 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and forms a delicious crust. This step locks in juiciness while building that irresistible caramelized flavor. Once browned, remove the chicken and set it aside for the next phase.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same pan, toss in the chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant — this only takes about 30 seconds but tremendously boosts the flavor base. Then add fresh cranberries, orange juice, zest, and honey or maple syrup to the pan. Let everything simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes as the cranberries burst open, releasing their tart juices and thickening the sauce naturally.

Step 4: Finish the Dish

Return the browned chicken pieces to the pan and pour in chicken broth (or water) to create a luscious sauce. Scrape the pan bottom to lift all those flavorful browned bits into the sauce. Cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, ensuring the chicken is cooked through and tender — aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F. For an extra depth of flavor, stir in optional balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard now.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, spoon the luscious cranberry orange sauce generously over the chicken. A sprinkle of fresh herbs or a little more orange zest on top takes this vibrant dish from fantastic to unforgettable, making every bite a joyful celebration of taste and color.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Chicken

Garnishes

Freshly chopped thyme or rosemary leaves add a fragrant, earthy note that complements the fruitiness of the sauce. A light sprinkle of bright orange zest not only enhances the citrus aroma but also gives your dish a beautiful, fresh look. These finishing touches elevate the presentation and flavor profile effortlessly.

Side Dishes

Cranberry Orange Chicken pairs wonderfully with simple, comforting sides. Think fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the tangy sauce, or a fresh green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted or steamed vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts also make a colorful and nutritious accompaniment.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, plate the chicken atop a bed of wild rice mixed with toasted nuts and dried cranberries, echoing the flavors in the sauce. Alternatively, serve this dish family-style in a rustic skillet right at the table, inviting everyone to help themselves to the vibrant sauce-drizzled chicken, making for a warm and communal dining experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Cranberry Orange Chicken, pack any leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors often deepen overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal.

Freezing

If you want to save some for longer, this dish freezes beautifully. Place cooled chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags, making sure to leave room for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months, so you can enjoy this vibrant meal at your convenience.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge if needed. Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to evenly heat the sauce and chicken. Avoid high heat to keep the chicken tender and moist.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in Cranberry Orange Chicken, offering extra juiciness and a richer flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed to ensure they reach the safe internal temperature.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free as written. The sauce relies on fresh fruit, herbs, and honey or maple syrup, so no dairy ingredients are involved unless you choose to serve it with buttery sides.

What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh cranberries?

If fresh cranberries aren’t available, frozen ones are a great alternative and readily available in most markets. You can also use dried cranberries but expect a less juicy sauce; consider adding extra orange juice or broth to balance.

Can this dish be made vegetarian?

You can transform this into a vegetarian option by swapping chicken for firm tofu, tempeh, or hearty vegetables like cauliflower steaks. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure your protein or veggies absorb all that zesty cranberry orange goodness.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Using a meat thermometer is the safest way: the internal temperature should reach 165°F. The chicken should also be firm to the touch and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly joyful about the way Cranberry Orange Chicken brings bright, fresh flavors and comforting warmth together in one dish. It’s approachable enough for a weeknight meal but elegant enough to impress at holiday gatherings. Give this recipe a try—you might just find it becoming one of your new favorites to share with friends and family over and over again!

Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 22 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 35 minutes

Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

A vibrant and flavorful Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection and coated with a tangy, sweet, and slightly savory cranberry-orange sauce. This dish brings a delicious balance of citrus brightness and autumn-inspired warmth, perfect for a wholesome family dinner or special occasion.

Instructions

Season Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts or thighs evenly with salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme or rosemary. Let the seasoned chicken rest while you prepare the other ingredients, allowing the flavors to meld.

Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Place the chicken pieces in the pan and cook for 4-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Make Sauce: In the same pan, add the finely chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the fresh cranberries, orange juice and zest, and honey or maple syrup. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until the cranberries burst and create a thickened, fruity sauce.
Finish Dish: Return the cooked chicken back to the pan with the sauce. Add chicken broth (or water) and optional balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard if using. Scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any flavorful bits. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes over low heat until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is fully cooked.

Garnish: Serve the chicken topped generously with the cranberry orange sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of additional orange zest for a beautiful presentation and extra aroma.

Notes

Use fresh cranberries for the best tart flavor, but frozen cranberries can be substituted if necessary.
Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey or maple syrup according to taste.

Chicken thighs can be used for a juicier alternative to breasts.
For a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes before adding the chicken back.
Pair with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Make sure to cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes

Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Searing and Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 10 g

Sodium: 280 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g

Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g

Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: cranberry chicken, orange chicken, cranberry orange sauce, healthy chicken recipe, autumn chicken dish, citrus chicken, boneless chicken recipe