Delicious Cranberry Orange Chicken: Your New Favorite Dinner!

Cranberry Orange Chicken brings tangy brightness with a touch of sweetness that you’ll want on repeat. This dish shines for holidays and weeknight dinners alike, pairing a glossy cranberry-orange sauce with tender chicken. The flavors come together with a hint of maple and a whisper of garlic, creating a comforting yet festive profile. Best of all, it’s deceptively easy to pull off—perfect for busy parents who want delicious results without spending hours in the kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love Cranberry Orange Chicken

Cranberry Orange Chicken is built for speed, flavor, and simplicity. Each bite delivers a lively balance of tart cranberries, orange zest, and caramel notes from maple syrup. It looks impressive on the table but comes together in one pan, minimizing cleanup. The sauce thickens beautifully to coat the chicken, making every serving a little celebration. It’s backbone is homey comfort with a bright twist that suits any season.

A study by Medical News Today highlights the nutritional benefits of cranberries, showcasing their rich profile of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Quick and easy to make.
Bursting with festive flavors.
Perfect for any occasion.
Healthy and satisfying.
Minimal cleanup.

Ingredients + Notes/Substitutions

For the Chicken:

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Kosher salt, paprika, black pepper
Extra virgin olive oil

For the Cranberry Orange Sauce:

Fresh or frozen cranberries
Orange juice (freshly squeezed recommended)
Pure maple syrup
Light brown sugar
Orange zest
Minced garlic
Kosher salt
Orange slices (for garnish, optional)

Notes & Substitutions

Chicken: If you prefer, swap in chicken breasts, but expect a slightly different texture and cooking time. Thicker portions may need a few extra minutes.

Cranberries: Fresh or frozen both work; no thawing needed if using frozen.
Orange: Fresh juice and zest really wake up the sauce; bottled juice works in a pinch.
Sweeteners: If maple isn’t on hand, honey makes a fine stand-in.
Seasoning: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth for fall menus.

Instructions

Prepare Chicken: Pat dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine salt, paprika, and pepper. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs.
Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Lay the chicken in a single layer; cook 5 minutes on one side, then flip.
Cook Chicken: Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

For safe food handling and preparation, the USDA recommends cooking chicken to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F.

Start Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, add cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup, brown sugar, orange zest, garlic, and salt.
Flavor & Release: Cook, mashing the cranberries gently to release juices, about 8–10 minutes. Scrape up browned bits from the pan as you go.
Thicken Sauce: Keep cooking until the mixture thickens to a glossy, spoon‑able sauce. If it’s too thin, simmer a bit longer.
Nestle Chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece. Heat through for about 1 minute.
Finish & Garnish: Coats the chicken with sauce and remove from heat. Garnish with orange slices if desired.
Serve: Serve warm, spooning extra sauce over the chicken for maximum flavor.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Chicken Doneness: A meat thermometer ensures the center hits 165°F without drying out.
Searing: Avoid overcrowding the pan to get a good golden crust.
Sauce Consistency: If the sauce thickens too quickly, lower the heat and simmer longer; if too thin, simmer a bit more with the lid off.
Cranberry Burst: Press the berries gently with the back of a spoon to release juices.
Make Ahead: Sauce can be prepared a day ahead and warmed before serving.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Serving Suggestions

Mashed potatoes or roasted Parmesan green beans or air-fryer carrots
Wild rice stuffing or simple dinner rolls

How to Store Cranberry Orange Chicken

Cool completely before storing
Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–4 days
Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, with a splash of water or juice to loosen if needed

Can I Freeze Leftovers?

Cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags
Remove air to prevent freezer burn
Freeze up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add minced jalapeño for a gentle heat.
Herbaceous: Stir in fresh rosemary or thyme for extra aroma.
Different Cuts: Try chicken tenders or bone-in pieces for varied texture.
Slow Cooker/Oven: Adapt by simmering on low in a slow cooker or finishing in the oven with the sauce.

Nutrition

Serving size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce.

Approximate values per serving (varies with exact brands and portion sizes)

Calories: 275
Protein: varies
Carbohydrates: varies
Fat: varies

FAQ

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, bone-in pieces work, but they take longer to cook and can require finishing in the oven to reach 165°F.

Can I use other berries?

Raspberries or blueberries can be used for a different twist, though the tart-sweet balance shifts.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not inherently; a jalapeño variation adds heat.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes. Sauce can be prepared 1 day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Conclusion

Cranberry Orange Chicken delivers bright, inviting flavors with minimal effort. The glossy cranberry-orange sauce coats every bite, making it feel celebratory without demanding hours in the kitchen. It’s a reliable weeknight hero that also fits holiday tables with ease. Give this easy, delicious dish a try and enjoy it with loved ones for a cozy, flavorful dinner you’ll crave again and again.