Name: Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4-5 chicken thighs (with skin) or chicken breasts; 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (thawed); 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/4 cup fresh cranberries; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 large orange, zested and juiced; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

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If you’re searching for a deliciously vibrant dish that’s both simple and packed with flavor, this Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with sweet, tangy, and refreshing notes, it turns ordinary chicken into a memorable meal perfect for any night of the week. The magical combination of fresh cranberries and bright orange zest creates a sauce so inviting, it feels like a celebration in every bite. Plus, it comes together with minimal prep time and just a handful of ingredients that make the flavors sing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Four pieces of raw chicken thighs with skin sit closely together on a small wooden cutting board, placed in the center of a white marbled surface. Around the board are small glass bowls holding grated yellow ginger, orange zest, and minced garlic in a row along the bottom edge. To the left of the board is a small white bowl with honey and a honey dipper resting inside, along with small bowls containing soy sauce, black pepper, and salt. Fresh cranberries spill from a small metal scoop near the bottom left corner, while halved bright orange oranges are arranged around the top and right side. A small glass bottle of oil is positioned near the upper right corner. A white towel with blue stripes peeks in from the lower right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the juicy chicken thighs to the tart cranberries and fragrant orange, every component is essential to the final masterpiece.

4-5 chicken thighs (with skin or chicken breasts): Choose skin-on for crispy texture and extra flavor, or breasts for a leaner option.
1/2 cup fresh or thawed frozen cranberries: These provide the signature vibrant tartness and gorgeous color.
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the tartness.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps to brown the chicken nicely and lends a subtle richness.
1/4 cup fresh cranberries for marinade: Incorporates fresh bursts of flavor throughout the dish.
1 tablespoon brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness with molasses undertones.
2 tablespoons olive oil (for marinade): Ensures the marinade coats the chicken evenly and adds moisture.
2 tablespoons honey (for marinade): Sweetens and balances the tangy components beautifully.
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Brings a subtle acidity and complexity to the marinade.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the chicken with savory warmth.
1 large orange, zested and juiced: Essential to giving this recipe its bright, citrusy punch.
1/4 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
1/8 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle spice for balance.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

This is where all the flavors start to come alive. Combine the fresh cranberries, brown sugar, olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, orange zest and juice, sea salt, and black pepper in a food processor. Blend everything until it’s smooth and harmonious. This luscious marinade is going to infuse your chicken with that incredible cranberry-orange magic.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken thighs or breasts in a large ziplock bag, container, or deep dish. Pour the marinade over them, making sure every piece is fully coated. Let this chill out in the fridge for at least two hours — or even better, overnight. This patience pays off with tender, flavorful chicken.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Transfer the marinated chicken to a lightly greased 8×8-inch roasting pan, carefully spooning the marinade over the top. Scatter the remaining half cup of fresh cranberries evenly around the pan to roast alongside the chicken. Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through and the cranberries to soften and burst.

Step 4: Add the Glaze and Broil

While baking, mix a tablespoon of honey with a tablespoon of olive oil. Brush this glaze over the chicken to add a sweet, glossy finish. Then, switch your oven to broil, and place the pan back under the broiler for 2-3 minutes. Watch closely so the chicken skin crisps beautifully without burning. Once done, you can discard the remaining sauce in the pan — the chicken itself is bursting with flavor on its own now.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

The dish shows four golden-brown cooked chicken thighs placed in a white bowl, each piece with a crispy, slightly charred texture on top. Among the chicken thighs, there are several bright orange slices, some whole and some cut in half, spreading vivid color and juicy texture throughout the bowl. Small, round, deep red berries are scattered around, adding contrast on the chicken and orange slices. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface, with light reflections on the chicken skin emphasizing its glazed, shiny look. The composition feels warm and inviting, with natural lighting highlighting the colors and textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate this gorgeous dish, sprinkle it with fresh orange zest and a handful of fresh cranberries. These little touches add brightness, color contrast, and an extra pop of fruity aroma that will make every bite feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement the tart-sweet flavors. Consider serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a fluffy wild rice pilaf. A crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette is perfect for adding freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, serve this chicken on a bed of couscous or quinoa and drizzle a little extra orange juice over the top. You can also place the chicken on a platter surrounded by additional fresh cranberries and orange slices for a stunning presentation that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy that wonderful cranberry orange flavor again without hassle.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Be sure to keep the pieces separated if possible so you can thaw just what you need. Though best fresh, this recipe still tastes fantastic after freezing.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325°F until warmed through to preserve the crispy skin and juicy texture. Alternatively, a quick microwave session works if you’re in a hurry but watch for drying out. Adding a splash of fresh orange juice can help retain moisture during reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs give you a richer, juicier bite, chicken breasts work well if you prefer a leaner cut. Just be careful not to overcook since breasts can dry out faster.

Do I have to use fresh cranberries?

Nope! Fresh or thawed frozen cranberries both work perfectly. Fresh cranberries add a little more texture, but frozen are convenient and taste just as great when thawed.

What if I don’t have balsamic vinegar?

You can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar. The balsamic adds a nice depth and sweetness, but these alternatives won’t overpower the dish.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it naturally is gluten-free as long as your ingredients, like honey and vinegar, don’t contain any wheat additives. Always double-check labels if you’re cooking for someone with gluten sensitivities.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! Marinating the chicken overnight actually enhances the flavor beautifully. You can prep the marinade and chicken in advance, then simply bake when ready for a quick and impressive meal.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe is truly a gem that combines ease with unforgettable flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it brings a delightful burst of freshness and a touch of elegance to your dinner table. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for those oranges and cranberries a bit more often!

Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need