Cranberry Orange Chicken

This Cranberry Orange Chicken is a simple, flavorful dish you can make for weeknights or special dinners. It has tender chicken coated in a sweet and tangy cranberry orange glaze. The dish is easy to prepare, and the ingredients are pantry friendly. On homeandfiesta, we focus on meals that are clear, easy, and delicious. This chicken recipe fits that style perfectly. You can make it quickly, and it pairs well with rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

You can serve it for family dinners, meal prep, or holidays. Below, you’ll find what it is, why it works, step-by-step instructions, tips, and answers to common questions.

Cranberry Orange Chicken

What Is Cranberry Orange Chicken?

Cranberry Orange Chicken is a baked or pan-seared chicken dish coated in a glaze made from cranberries and orange juice. The flavor is sweet, tangy, and slightly tart.

• It combines chicken with a homemade or store bought cranberry orange sauce.
• The sauce sticks to the chicken while it cooks, keeping it moist.
• You can adjust the sweetness and tartness to your taste.

This dish works for both weeknights and special occasions. It is easy to make but feels festive. You can serve it with rice, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a simple list for 4 servings:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• ½ cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
• ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish

Tips:

• Frozen cranberries work fine. Thaw them or cook a little longer.
• Use rotisserie chicken if you want to save time.
• You can swap honey for maple syrup for a slightly different flavor.

How To Make Cranberry Orange Chicken

Follow these steps for perfect results:

1. Preheat the oven or heat a skillet. Oven: 375°F. Skillet: medium heat with a little oil.
2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Sear both sides until golden brown. If baking, this step can be done in the oven-safe dish.
3. Make the cranberry-orange glaze. In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and garlic. Cook for 5–7 minutes until cranberries soften and the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Combine chicken and glaze. Pour the sauce over the chicken. Bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F. If using a skillet, cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes.
5. Garnish and serve. Sprinkle fresh rosemary or thyme on top. Serve hot with rice, vegetables, or salad.

Pro tips:

• Taste the glaze before adding to chicken. Adjust sweetness or salt if needed.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like mild heat.
• Use a spoon to coat the chicken evenly with sauce.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works because the glaze keeps the chicken moist and flavorful. The cranberries provide natural tartness, while orange juice and honey balance the sweetness.

• The sauce sticks to the chicken, so every bite is flavorful.
• Minimal prep is required; most ingredients are pantry staples.
• The dish cooks quickly, which is great for weeknights.
• It pairs well with simple sides, making it versatile for meals.

This method also works for meal prep. You can cook the chicken and glaze separately, store in the fridge, and reheat when needed. The texture stays soft, and the flavor remains bright.

Tips and Variations

• Chicken thighs instead of breasts: Juicier meat that stays tender.
• Add nuts: Chopped pecans or almonds give a crunchy texture.
• Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or a touch of hot sauce to the glaze.
• Vegetarian version: Use tofu instead of chicken and follow the same steps.
• Creamy twist: Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or yogurt into the glaze for extra richness.

What To Serve With Cranberry Orange Chicken

This chicken goes well with a variety of sides:

• Steamed white or brown rice
• Roasted green beans, asparagus, or carrots
• Simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash
• Warm bread rolls to soak up the sauce

You can mix and match sides depending on what’s in your pantry or fridge.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

You can prepare this dish ahead and store it safely:

For Meal Prep

• Cook the chicken and glaze separately.
• Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Add fresh herbs or garnish just before serving.

Freezing

• Freeze cooked chicken with glaze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven or skillet.

Reheating

• Microwave in short intervals, stirring once or twice.
• Oven: cover with foil at 325°F until heated through.
• Add a splash of orange juice or broth if sauce thickened too much.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes. Thaw slightly or cook a few minutes longer. They soften as the sauce cooks.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Keep chicken and sauce separate in the fridge. Combine and reheat before serving.

Can I bake instead of pan-searing?
Yes. Bake chicken at 375°F for 25–30 minutes, then pour glaze on top.

Can I use green cranberries or cranberry sauce from a can?
Fresh or frozen cranberries work best. Canned sauce can be used but reduce added sweetener.

What sides pair best with this chicken?
Rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad complement the flavors well.

How do I make the glaze thicker?
Cook cranberries until soft, then mash lightly or simmer until sauce reduces to your preferred thickness.