Cranberry Orange Chicken is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines the savory goodness of chicken with the bright, tangy flavors of fresh cranberries and orange. The chicken is typically cooked with a sauce made from cranberry sauce, fresh orange juice, orange zest, and seasonings like garlic, ginger, and a touch of sweetness to balance the tartness. The result is a juicy, tender chicken with a slightly sweet and citrusy glaze that’s perfect for the holiday season or any special meal.
I first made Cranberry Orange Chicken when I was looking for a dish that would be festive yet easy to prepare, and it turned out to be a real crowd-pleaser! The combination of the tart cranberries and the citrusy orange brings out the best in the chicken, making it both juicy and full of flavor. What I love most about this recipe is how it feels both elegant and approachable—perfect for a family dinner or holiday gathering. You can serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side of roasted vegetables to complement the sweet and tangy sauce. Cranberry Orange Chicken is a delicious and refreshing dish that’s sure to impress!
Perfect for:
- Holiday dinners
- Family gatherings
- Special occasions
- Chicken lovers
- Fruit-infused savory dishes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Cranberry Orange Chicken will become your new favorite dish:
- Flavorful Sauce: The cranberry-orange sauce is sweet, tangy, and savory all at once, creating a mouthwatering glaze for the chicken.
- Juicy and Tender Chicken: The chicken breasts stay moist and tender, making each bite a delight.
- Easy to Make: This dish requires simple ingredients and comes together quickly for a weeknight dinner or special event.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The combination of fresh oranges and cranberries offers a great contrast to the savory chicken.
- Versatile Pairing: Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Great for Entertaining: The beautiful presentation and unique flavor make it an excellent choice for holiday meals or dinner parties.
- Make-Ahead Sauce: The cranberry-orange sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge, making the meal prep even easier.
- Healthy Option: The dish uses lean chicken and fresh fruits, making it a delicious yet light meal.
- Customizable Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less honey or sugar to suit your taste.
- Eye-Catching Presentation: The vibrant red cranberries and orange sauce create a stunning visual contrast with the chicken.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 12g
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Cranberry Orange Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 orange, juiced and zested
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or thyme
- Orange slices
Ingredient Highlights
- Cranberries: These berries provide a tart contrast to the sweetness of the orange and honey.
- Fresh Orange Juice and Zest: Freshly squeezed orange juice enhances the sauce with a bright citrus flavor.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
- Honey: Offers a natural sweetness that complements the tart cranberries.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat Pan: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Cranberry Orange Sauce:
- Sauté Ingredients: In the same skillet, add olive oil, and sauté the cranberries, orange juice, and zest over medium heat until the cranberries begin to burst.
- Add Sweeteners and Spices: Stir in honey (or maple syrup), balsamic vinegar, and ground ginger.
- Simmer: Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cranberries soften and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Thicken Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with a little water and stir into the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until thickened.
Combine and Serve:
- Return Chicken to Pan: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet with the cranberry-orange sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak in the flavors.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme, and orange slices. Serve the chicken with your favorite sides.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Cranberry Orange Chicken:
- With Mashed Potatoes: Serve the chicken over creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- With Rice: Pair with white or brown rice for a hearty meal.
- On a Salad: Serve the chicken sliced on top of a bed of mixed greens for a light, fresh meal.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts complement the dish beautifully.
- As a Sandwich: Slice the chicken and serve it on a bun with the cranberry sauce for a tasty sandwich.
- With Quinoa: Serve the chicken alongside quinoa for a protein-packed dish.
- With Steamed Broccoli: Add some steamed broccoli for a well-rounded, healthy meal.
- With Cornbread: A side of cornbread adds a comforting touch to the dish.
- For a Holiday Meal: Serve this dish as part of a festive spread for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
- With Sweet Potatoes: Pair with mashed or roasted sweet potatoes for a naturally sweet contrast.
Additional Tips
- Make-Ahead Sauce: Prepare the cranberry-orange sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge for easier meal prep.
- Thicker Sauce: For a thicker sauce, reduce it by simmering longer or use cornstarch.
- Spicy Option: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Vary the Sweetness: Adjust the honey or maple syrup to your taste for more or less sweetness.
- Perfect Chicken: To ensure the chicken stays moist, cook it on medium heat and avoid overcooking.
Recipe Variations
- Pineapple Cranberry Sauce: Add pineapple chunks to the sauce for a tropical twist.
- Maple Orange Chicken: Replace honey with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
- Cranberry Lemon Chicken: Swap orange for lemon juice and zest for a tangier variation.
- Spicy Cranberry Chicken: Add jalapeños or chipotle peppers to the sauce for a smoky heat.
- Slow Cooker Version: Place chicken breasts and cranberry sauce ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- Lemon Zest Addition: Add extra lemon zest to the sauce for a burst of citrus flavor.
- Herb-Infused Chicken: Marinate the chicken with thyme or rosemary before cooking for added depth of flavor.
Special Equipment
- Skillet: A large, heavy-bottomed skillet works best for cooking the chicken and making the sauce.
- Citrus Juicer: For freshly squeezed orange juice and zest.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: For precise ingredients.
- Tongs: For easily flipping the chicken while cooking.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirring the cranberry sauce.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries will work fine. Just thaw them before using in the sauce. - Can I substitute the chicken breasts with thighs?
Yes, chicken thighs are a great option if you prefer a slightly richer, juicier cut of meat. - Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the cranberry-orange sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. - Can I use a different fruit?
Yes, feel free to experiment with different fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries for a unique sauce. - What can I serve with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables are excellent side dishes for Cranberry Orange Chicken. - Can I freeze the chicken with the sauce?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken with the sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating. - Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, you can add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick. - How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Cook the chicken on medium heat and avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F. - Can I skip the honey or maple syrup?
You can reduce or omit the sweetener, but the sauce will be less balanced. Consider substituting with a sugar-free alternative. - Can I use a store-bought cranberry sauce?
While homemade cranberry sauce is recommended for the best flavor, you can use store-bought cranberry sauce in a pinch.
Conclusion
Cranberry Orange Chicken is a deliciously flavorful dish that combines the savory goodness of tender chicken with the sweet-tart flavor of fresh cranberries and the bright citrusy zing of orange. The combination of the rich, juicy chicken and the tangy, slightly sweet sauce creates a perfect harmony of flavors, making it an excellent choice for festive dinners or a comforting, yet sophisticated, weeknight meal.
The cranberry orange sauce is made with fresh cranberries, orange juice, and a hint of sweetness, creating a rich, glossy glaze that perfectly complements the chicken. Whether you roast, bake, or grill the chicken, this dish is sure to bring a burst of flavor and color to your dinner table. It pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, rice, or even a simple salad for a well-rounded meal.
I can’t wait to see how your Cranberry Orange Chicken turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!