Cranberry Orange Chicken

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Juicy, golden chicken breasts simmered in a glossy, citrusy cranberry-orange glaze, this Cranberry Orange Chicken is what fall dinner dreams are made of. The sweet-tart cranberries burst in the pan, blending beautifully with the zesty orange juice and a hint of honey for a warm, cozy, and slightly tangy main dish that feels both elegant and effortless.

Perfect for a festive holiday meal or a simple weeknight dinner, this dish delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. It’s a one-pan wonder that fills your kitchen with the scent of winter citrus and caramelized chicken. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just craving something special, Cranberry Orange Chicken brings comfort and brightness to any table.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Chicken

This chicken is everything you want in a cold-weather dinner: easy, flavorful, and stunning. The naturally tart cranberries soften into the sauce while orange juice and zest add freshness. The sauce thickens into a rich glaze that clings to each piece of chicken, making every bite incredibly juicy and satisfying.

It’s gluten-free, crowd-pleasing, and reheats like a dream. Pair it with mashed potatoes or wild rice, and you’ve got a main course that hits all the holiday high notes.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. They cook quickly, stay tender in the sauce, and allow the vibrant glaze to shine. However, chicken thighs can work just as well if you prefer a richer cut. Just keep in mind they may require a few extra minutes of cook time.

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Ingredients for the Cranberry Orange Chicken

This recipe calls for a handful of pantry staples that come together to create a beautifully balanced sauce.

• Chicken Breasts: The hearty base of the dish, these sear beautifully and soak up all the sauce’s flavor.
• Fresh Cranberries: Bursting with tang and texture, they balance the sweet citrus and add a festive pop.
• Orange Juice & Zest: Freshly squeezed juice and zest give the glaze its bright, sunny character.
• Honey: A natural sweetener that mellows out the tartness without overpowering.
• Garlic: Adds warmth and depth to the sauce.
• Olive Oil: Used to sear the chicken to golden perfection.
• Chicken Broth: Helps create a flavorful base for the sauce.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing the final flavor.
• Cornstarch Slurry (optional): Thickens the sauce into a gorgeous glaze.

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How To Make the Cranberry Orange Chicken

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them until golden on both sides. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Start the Sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in orange juice, chicken broth, and honey, scraping up any brown bits. Stir in the orange zest.

Step 3: Add the Cranberries

Toss in the fresh cranberries and bring to a simmer. Let them cook until they begin to burst and release their juices.

Step 4: Return the Chicken

Add the seared chicken back to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the top and let everything simmer together for 8–10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

If desired, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) and cook until the sauce thickens into a glaze.

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How to Serve and Store This Cranberry Orange Chicken

This recipe feeds 4 and makes an excellent centerpiece for both casual and festive meals. Serve it right out of the skillet with the sauce spooned generously over each piece.

Storing: Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.

Freezing: You can freeze it for up to 2 months, though the texture of cranberries may change slightly upon thawing.

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What to Serve With Cranberry Orange Chicken?

Creamy Mashed Potatoes

Perfectly smooth and buttery, mashed potatoes soak up the sweet and tangy sauce beautifully.

Wild Rice Pilaf

Nutty wild rice adds texture and earthiness that pairs well with the brightness of the glaze.

Garlic Green Beans

Crisp-tender green beans tossed with garlic and butter offer a refreshing contrast.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Caramelized edges and a slight bitterness make Brussels sprouts a robust sidekick.

Cranberry Walnut Salad

For a crisp, fresh side, try a salad with greens, cranberries, goat cheese, and a citrus vinaigrette.

Buttery Dinner Rolls

Ideal for mopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce.

Maple Glazed Carrots

Sweet and earthy carrots echo the honey notes in the glaze.

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Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you’re loving this Cranberry Orange Chicken, you’ll want to add these flavorful dishes to your dinner rotation:

• Longhorn Parmesan Crusted Chicken for a cheesy, indulgent twist.
• Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs if you’re in the mood for something savory and snackable.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for seafood lovers who crave pasta.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole when you want all the comfort in one dish.
• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for a velvety, crowd-pleasing classic.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you stick with orange or try blood oranges? Did you add rosemary or a splash of balsamic?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals on Nora Nosh Recipes and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

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