Cranberry Orange Chicken

Juicy, tender Cranberry Orange Chicken brings cozy holiday flavor to your table. This Cranberry Orange Chicken is coated in a tangy-sweet glaze made from fresh cranberries and bright orange zest. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for a festive weeknight or elegant Christmas dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Cranberry Orange Chicken for how easy, flavorful, and festive it is. It’s a one-pan meal with minimal cleanup — perfect for busy holiday nights.

Each piece of Cranberry Orange Chicken bursts with juicy flavor, blending tart cranberries, zesty orange, and a drizzle of maple sweetness. The sauce thickens into a glossy glaze that clings to golden chicken thighs beautifully.

You can make this Cranberry Orange Chicken ahead and reheat it without losing texture or flavor. It’s fancy enough for Christmas dinner yet simple enough for a cozy weeknight meal. And that smell? It fills your kitchen with warm holiday joy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish.
Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs stay juicy and flavorful during cooking.
Kosher salt, paprika, and black pepper: Season the chicken perfectly for a savory base.
Olive oil: Helps achieve that beautiful golden sear.
Cranberries: Fresh or frozen both work well; they add tartness that balances the sweetness.
Orange juice: Provides a bright citrus note and helps create the sauce.
Maple syrup: Brings warm sweetness and depth—use pure maple for the best flavor.
Brown sugar: Softens the cranberry tang and caramelizes beautifully.
Orange zest: Adds a pop of citrus aroma that feels so fresh and festive.
Garlic: Adds mild savory balance to the sweetness.
Optional garnish: Fresh orange slices make the dish look extra special.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

If you don’t have maple syrup, honey or more brown sugar works just fine, though the flavor will be slightly different. Frozen cranberries can go straight into the pan—just cook a few minutes longer so the sauce thickens nicely. Prefer chicken breasts? That’s fine too—just reduce the cooking time so they don’t dry out. You can also add a touch of rosemary or thyme for a more aromatic, earthy flavor. For a lighter option, use olive oil spray instead of regular oil.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Chicken

Pat your chicken thighs dry, then season both sides with salt, paprika, and pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, lay the chicken in a single layer and cook for about five minutes per side until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken and cover to keep warm.

Next, reduce heat to medium-low and add cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup, brown sugar, orange zest, garlic, and a pinch of salt to the same skillet. Stir and cook for about ten minutes, gently pressing the cranberries so they release their juices.

The sauce will start to bubble and thicken into a rich glaze. Return the chicken to the pan, spoon the sauce over each piece, and let it simmer for one more minute.

Serve warm with orange slices on top. The glossy sauce coats each piece beautifully and tastes incredible over mashed potatoes or rice.

Step-by-Step Summary

1. Season chicken and sear until golden.
2. Mix cranberries, orange juice, and sweeteners in the same pan.
3. Simmer until sauce thickens.
4. Return chicken to coat in the glaze.
5. Garnish with orange slices and serve.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Cranberry Orange Chicken warm alongside creamy mashed potatoes or roasted carrots. It also pairs beautifully with wild rice stuffing or crisp green beans. For a festive look, garnish with fresh orange slices or extra zest before serving. You can even spoon extra sauce over your sides—it’s that good. For a full Christmas spread, pair it with a festive orange chicken Christmas dinner or add a drink like cranberry orange whiskey sour cocktail or sparkling cranberry orange Prosecco punch.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, add a splash of water or orange juice to keep the sauce glossy. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through or use the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. This keeps the texture tender and juicy. If you plan ahead, make the sauce a day early—it thickens even more overnight, intensifying the flavor.

Can You Freeze Cranberry Orange Chicken?

Absolutely. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or zip bag. Label and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of orange juice or broth to restore that lovely glaze. Freezing doesn’t affect the flavor much, so it’s perfect for make-ahead holiday meals.

Recipe Notes & Variations

This dish tastes sweet, tangy, and slightly savory. The sauce thickens into a rich glaze that clings perfectly to juicy chicken. You can add chopped rosemary or thyme for more earthy depth, or toss in a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle kick. If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer the sauce a few minutes longer. The same sauce works wonderfully on pork chops or salmon for a flavorful twist.

FAQs

Related Recipes to Try

• roasted orange chicken with fennel and shallots
• holiday cranberry roast beef
• tangy cranberry roll ups appetizer
• festive orange chicken Christmas dinner

Conclusion

This Cranberry Orange Chicken is your ticket to a cozy, flavorful, and festive dinner that feels like Christmas in a skillet. It’s quick, colorful, and loaded with seasonal cheer. Try it for your next holiday meal, share it with family, and let that sweet-tart glaze steal the spotlight. Find more joyful recipes on Pinterest for your next gathering.

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