Zesty Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe: A Sweet-Tangy Delight

Succulent cranberry orange chicken brings vibrant flavors to your dinner table with surprising depth and color.

Zesty citrus notes complement the tender meat perfectly.

Bright orange zest and tangy cranberries create a delightful fusion that feels both familiar and exciting.

Winter comfort meets elegant dining in this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Each bite promises a balanced blend of sweet and savory elements.

Seasonal ingredients shine through, making this recipe a standout choice for casual weeknight meals or special gatherings.

You will love how quickly this meal comes together with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Tips for Zesty Chicken Success

• Marinate the chicken in salt, pepper, and herbs for deeper, more intense taste even if only for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Use medium-high heat and watch the skillet carefully to achieve golden-brown chicken without scorching or drying out the meat.
• Let cranberries simmer and burst naturally to create a rich, slightly thick sauce that coats the chicken beautifully with sweet and tangy flavors.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and juicy results every single time.
• Sprinkle fresh herbs or extra orange zest on top for a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire dish's presentation and taste.

How to Save Chicken for Later

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the chicken completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and potential bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, checking temperature to avoid drying out.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a few tablespoons of broth or sauce. Cover with foil to prevent drying, warm for 10-15 minutes until heated evenly.

Pairings for Cranberry Chicken

• Pair with Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the bright citrus and tangy cranberry flavors in the dish, cutting through the richness of the chicken.
• Serve with Herbed Quinoa Pilaf: Create a light, fluffy quinoa side that absorbs the cranberry-orange sauce, adding texture and a nutritious base that enhances the overall meal experience.
• Match with Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Prepare caramelized Brussels sprouts with a touch of olive oil and sea salt, which provide a slightly bitter and nutty contrast to the sweet and tangy chicken sauce.
• Enhance with Fresh Citrus Salad: Prepare a simple mixed green salad with segments of fresh orange, a light vinaigrette, and toasted almonds to echo the citrus notes and add a refreshing counterpoint to the main dish.

Variations of Cranberry Chicken

• Vegan Cranberry Orange Tofu: Replace chicken with firm tofu, pressed and cubed. Marinate tofu in orange juice and herbs before pan-frying for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Verify chicken broth meets gluten-free standards.
• Low-Carb Swap: Substitute honey with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Replace cranberries with raspberries or strawberries for fewer carbohydrates while maintaining fruity flavor profile.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Add kalamata olives and swap thyme for oregano. Include crumbled feta cheese as a garnish to enhance the Mediterranean culinary experience.

FAQs

• Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh ones?

Fresh cranberries are best for this recipe as they burst and create a natural sauce texture. Dried cranberries won’t provide the same juicy consistency and might make the sauce too sweet.

• What if I don't have fresh herbs?

You can substitute dried thyme or rosemary. Use about 1/3 the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh herbs. If you don’t have either, the dish will still taste great with just salt and pepper.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, this chicken stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The sauce keeps the chicken moist, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Just reheat gently to prevent drying out the chicken.

• Can I make this recipe with other meats?

Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with turkey breast or pork tenderloin. The cranberry-orange sauce complements different proteins nicely, so feel free to experiment.

Why Cranberry Orange Chicken Works

• Transform ordinary chicken into a gourmet meal with minimal effort, using simple ingredients that create a restaurant-worthy dish right in your kitchen.
• Blend sweet cranberries, zesty orange, and savory chicken for a perfectly balanced meal that tingles your taste buds and breaks away from traditional recipes.
• Prepare a delicious meal in under 30 minutes with just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze and perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum taste with minimal work.
• Easily adapt the recipe by using different proteins like turkey or pork, or adjusting sweeteners between honey and maple syrup to suit your pantry and preferences.

Ingredients in Cranberry Orange Chicken

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Tender meat as the primary protein for the dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers.
• Fresh Thyme or Rosemary: Aromatic herbs that add depth to the chicken.

• Cranberries: Tart berries that provide a vibrant fruity sauce.
• Orange Juice, Orange Zest: Bright citrus components that add freshness.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Natural sweeteners to balance the tartness.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds savory depth.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid that helps create a rich, flavorful sauce.

• Olive Oil: Fat used for cooking and creating golden-brown chicken.

Cooking Instructions for Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts or thighs and sprinkle them with a flavorful blend of salt, pepper, and a dash of fresh thyme or rosemary.

If you’ve got a bit of extra time, let the chicken marinate for a quick 30 minutes to amp up the taste.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Fire up a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat.

Once the oil is sizzling hot, carefully place the chicken in the pan.

Cook each side for 4-6 minutes until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms.

Gently transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 3: Create the Cranberry Orange Sauce

In the same skillet, toss in minced garlic and let it dance for about 30 seconds until it releases its aromatic magic.

• Cranberries
• Orange juice
• Orange zest
• Honey (or maple syrup)

Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.

Let the sauce bubble away for 5-7 minutes, watching the cranberries burst and create a luscious, slightly thickened sauce.

Step 4: Simmer and Finish Cooking

Carefully return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the vibrant sauce.

Pour in chicken broth and use a spatula to scrape up those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low, letting everything simmer for 10-12 minutes.

Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, generously spoon the cranberry-orange sauce over the top.

Add a final flourish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of orange zest to make the dish look as incredible as it tastes.

Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Festive cranberry orange chicken brings zesty Mediterranean flair to weeknight dinners. Juicy roasted chicken gleams with tangy citrus glaze, promising a delightful meal you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless (skinless) chicken breasts or thighs

Fruits and Herbs:

• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 large orange (zested and juiced)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth or water

Optional:

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by seasoning with salt, pepper, and an aromatic herb like thyme or rosemary. Allow the chicken to marinate for up to 30 minutes to enhance flavor penetration.
2. Preheat a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot pan, cooking for 4-6 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust develops. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.
3. In the same skillet, quickly sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Introduce cranberries, fresh orange juice, vibrant orange zest, and sweet honey, stirring to combine. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing cranberries to burst and create a luscious, slightly thickened sauce.
4. Gently return chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces into the tangy sauce. Pour chicken broth around the meat, using a spatula to deglaze and incorporate those flavorful browned bits from the pan bottom. Cover and reduce heat to low, simmering for 10-12 minutes until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Plate the chicken and generously spoon the cranberry-orange sauce over the top. Elevate the presentation by garnishing with fresh herb sprigs or additional orange zest for a bright, aromatic finish.

Notes

• Marinate the chicken in citrus juices or buttermilk beforehand to enhance tenderness and prevent dryness during cooking.
• Swap honey with agave nectar for a vegan-friendly option or use brown sugar for deeper caramelized flavor notes.
• Choose fresh cranberries over dried for a more vibrant sauce texture and brighter taste profile.
• Reduce sauce further if you prefer a thicker, more concentrated glaze by simmering an extra 2-3 minutes after chicken is cooked.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg