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Cranberry orange chicken served on a plate with glaze

Cranberry Orange Chicken

Cranberry Orange Chicken is a bright, cozy, and flavorful dinner made with juicy pan-seared chicken simmered in a sweet-tart cranberry orange sauce. Fresh orange zest, tangy cranberries, garlic, and a touch of honey create a perfectly balanced glaze that feels festive yet simple enough for any weeknight. This dish brings together holiday-inspired flavors with minimal effort—perfect for gatherings, meal prep, or adding a seasonal twist to your dinner rotation.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 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.

Instructions  

  • Preheat the oven or heat a skillet. Oven: 375°F. Skillet: medium heat with a little oil.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Video

Notes

📝 Notes

  • Use chicken breasts or thighs based on preference
  • Fresh cranberries and oranges give the best flavor
  • Substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly twist
  • Adjust sweetness with more or less orange juice or honey
  • Sear chicken first for extra flavor before baking
  • Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days
  • Reheat gently to maintain juiciness of the chicken

🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 320 kcal, Carbohydrates: 18 g, Fiber: 3 g, Sugars: 12 g, Protein: 32 g, Fat: 14 g, Saturated Fat: 4 g, Cholesterol: 90 mg, Sodium: 210 mg, Potassium: 580 mg, Calcium: 40 mg, Iron: 2 mg
Keyword Cranberry Orange Chicken