Name: Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 cup fresh cranberries; 1 large orange, zested and juiced; 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary, or 1/2 teaspoon dried; Salt and pepper to taste; ½ cup chicken broth or water; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar for extra depth of flavor; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard for a slight tang

If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that’s both vibrant and comforting, you’re going to want to try this Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe. I absolutely love how the tartness of fresh cranberries and bright orange zest come together to create a sauce that feels festive yet perfectly balanced. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this dish never fails to impress, and I’m excited to share how easy it is to make right in your own kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright and Flavorful: The cranberry and orange combo gives a fresh, tangy twist that wakes up the chicken beautifully.
Simple and Quick: I love how this recipe comes together in about 40 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
Versatile Protein: You can use either chicken breasts or thighs depending on what you prefer or have on hand.
Show-Stopping Sauce: The sauce thickens naturally, requiring just a few pantry ingredients, and tastes like you spent hours simmering it down.

This image shows a close-up of four golden brown cooked chicken pieces arranged closely together. Each piece is glazed with a shiny sauce that has small red berry bits on top. Bright orange slices are tucked between the chicken pieces, adding a fresh look with their juicy texture and vibrant orange color. Whole red cranberries are scattered around the chicken and orange slices, adding pops of deep red. Small green herb leaves are sprinkled over the dish, giving it a fresh touch. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cranberry Orange Chicken, easy cranberry chicken recipe, festive chicken dinner, quick citrus chicken, healthy cranberry chicken

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe uses ingredients that combine fresh, sweet, and savory elements — all easy to find and wonderfully complementary. When shopping, look for plump cranberries and a juicy, fragrant orange for the best sauce.

Flat lay of fresh boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small pile of bright red fresh cranberries, a whole large orange alongside a small white bowl of freshly grated orange zest and a small white bowl of orange juice, a small white bowl filled with golden honey, a small white bowl with clear olive oil, two whole uncracked garlic cloves, a few sprigs of fresh thyme and rosemary, a small white bowl of light chicken broth, a small white bowl with dark balsamic vinegar, a small white bowl containing smooth Dijon mustard, and a small white bowl with coarse salt and mixed black peppercorns, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Cranberry Orange Chicken, easy cranberry chicken recipe, festive chicken dinner, quick citrus chicken, healthy cranberry chicken

Chicken breasts or thighs: I prefer thighs for their juiciness, but breasts work great if you want leaner meat.
Fresh cranberries: Fresh works best for bursting little pockets of tart flavor; frozen can work too if fresh isn’t available.
Orange zest and juice: Zesting the orange yourself gives so much more brightness than pre-packaged.
Honey or maple syrup: Either adds the perfect touch of natural sweetness to balance the tart cranberries.
Olive oil: For browning the chicken to get that beautiful caramel color and flavor.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds great aroma and depth.
Herbs (fresh thyme or rosemary): Fresh herbs brighten the dish—if you only have dried, use half the amount.
Salt and pepper: To season and enhance all the natural flavors.
Chicken broth or water: Helps make the sauce silky and ensures the chicken stays tender during simmering.
Optional: balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard: I sometimes add these for a subtle tang and extra complexity.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe is—it’s really easy to tweak based on what you like or what’s in the fridge. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Using chicken thighs instead of breasts: My family goes crazy for the extra juiciness and flavor thighs offer in this dish.
Swap honey for maple syrup: Gives a slight earthiness, especially nice during fall and winter.
Add a splash of white wine: I sometimes add a bit when deglazing the pan for a more nuanced sauce flavor.
Make it gluten-free: Just double-check your chicken broth and Dijon mustard, many brands are naturally gluten-free.
Bulk it up: Add diced sweet potatoes or carrots to the skillet for a one-pan meal that’s hearty and colorful.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Chicken

Season your chicken breasts or thighs generously with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh thyme or rosemary. If you have 30 extra minutes, marinate it briefly; but if you’re pressed for time like me on busy nights, just seasoning right before cooking works just fine. The herbs add a lovely aroma that sets this recipe apart.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken to Lock in Juices

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add your chicken and cook 4 to 6 minutes per side until golden and slightly crispy — this step is key to getting that nice texture. Don’t crowd the pan; if your skillet feels too small, cook the chicken in batches to ensure even browning. Once browned, remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cranberry Orange Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t clean it – those browned bits are pure flavor), toss in minced garlic and let it get fragrant for about 30 seconds. Add fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and honey or maple syrup. Stir everything to combine and bring it to a gentle simmer. After about 5-7 minutes, those cranberries will burst, releasing a deliciously tangy juice that thickens into a beautiful sauce.

Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce and Simmer

Place the browned chicken back into the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any tasty browned bits stuck on the bottom with your spoon—this adds unbeatable depth. Cover the pan, turn heat to low, and let it gently simmer for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temp). You’ll notice the sauce thickens further and the chicken soaks up those bright flavors.

Step 5: Serve It Up with Flair

Spoon the glossy cranberry-orange sauce generously over your chicken, then garnish with fresh herbs or a little extra orange zest for a pop of color and zing. It’s just as pretty as it is delicious — trust me, your guests will be asking for seconds.

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Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

Don’t Skip Browning: That golden crust adds serious flavor and texture—don’t rush it!
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cranberries and zest make a noticeable difference in the brightness of the sauce.
Keep an Eye on Simmering: Low and slow for the final simmer keeps the chicken tender and the sauce silky.
Taste as You Go: Adjust sweetness or tang by adding more honey or a splash of balsamic vinegar if you like it deeper.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I usually finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves or a little extra orange zest to tie everything together visually and flavor-wise. Sometimes, a few chopped toasted walnuts on top add a pleasant crunch that my family really enjoys.

Side Dishes

We love serving this with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy couscous to soak up all that amazing sauce. Roasted green beans or a bright arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette pair beautifully, balancing the sweetness with a little peppery bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or special occasions, I like plating the chicken over a bed of wild rice mixed with dried cranberries and toasted pecans. It makes a colorful, restaurant-worthy presentation that’s sure to impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken stays juicy and the sauce thickens nicely overnight—it actually tastes even better the next day in my opinion!

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times by placing the fully cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag. Just thaw overnight in the fridge then reheat gently for a quick, delicious meal later on.

Reheating

Reheating in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth works best to keep the chicken moist. You can also microwave it covered, but be careful not to overcook the chicken to avoid dryness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe?

Yes, frozen cranberries can be used if fresh are unavailable. Just note that frozen ones may release more liquid, so you might need to simmer the sauce a little longer to thicken it properly.
Is it better to use chicken breasts or thighs?

Both work well! Chicken thighs tend to stay moister and have a richer flavor, which many people prefer, but breasts are leaner and cook a little faster.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

You can make the cranberry orange sauce ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, gently warm it and toss with browned, cooked chicken to save time.
What sides pair best with this recipe?

Mashed potatoes, couscous, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad all complement the tangy cranberry orange flavor nicely and round out the meal.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe has become a favorite in my household because it balances sweet, tart, savory, and fresh all in one skillet. I remember the first time I made it, my family couldn’t stop raving about the sauce and kept asking what the secret was. Now, I’m sharing it with you because I truly believe you’ll enjoy both the flavor and the simplicity. Give it a try for your next dinner—you might just find your new go-to weekday feast!