If you’re searching for a dish that brings a burst of color, flavor, and freshness to your table, Cranberry Orange Chicken is about to become your new favorite. Tender chicken breasts simmer in a glossy, ruby-red sauce bursting with tart cranberries, sweet honey, and vibrant orange, making every bite a celebration of sweet and savory. This is the kind of meal that impresses guests without causing any kitchen stress, and it’s just as perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner as it is for holiday entertaining. You’re going to love the way Cranberry Orange Chicken brightens up any occasion!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This stunning Cranberry Orange Chicken relies on everyday ingredients that each bring something special to the table. Every element has a role in creating a balance of flavor, texture, and a beautiful finish that makes this dish irresistible.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless and the ideal canvas for soaking up all the sweet and tangy sauce.
- Salt and pepper: These kitchen staples bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and round out the sauce.
- Olive oil: Creates a golden sear on the chicken, adding depth and richness to the final dish.
- Fresh or frozen cranberries: The star ingredient, adding vibrant color and that signature tart burst.
- Orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred): Lends fresh citrus flavor and a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with cranberries.
- Honey: Smooths out the tartness of the cranberries and gives the sauce a wonderful body and sheen.
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds a deep, tangy complexity that balances all the sweetness beautifully.
- Orange zest: Packs a powerful punch of aromatic oils that lifts the whole dish.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings in cozy warmth that complements the fruitiness of the sauce.
- Ground ginger: Adds gentle heat and another layer of brightness.
- Garlic powder: Savory, mellow seasoning that quietly enhances every bite.
- Cornstarch mixed with water (optional): For those who love a silky, thick sauce clinging to every piece.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Chicken
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Begin by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, lay the chicken in and let it sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they’re golden and delicious. The goal is to get a beautiful crust for flavor while keeping the inside juicy. Once they’re perfectly browned, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside; they’ll finish cooking later in that glorious sauce.
Step 2: Build the Cranberry Orange Sauce
In the same skillet (no need to clean it — those flavorful browned bits are gold!), add your cranberries, freshly squeezed orange juice, honey, balsamic vinegar, orange zest, cinnamon, ginger, and garlic powder. Give everything a good stir and bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer. Let this cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries start to soften and burst open. The aroma at this stage is out-of-this-world!
Step 3: Simmer Chicken in the Sauce
Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of the cranberry orange sauce over the top. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and let everything simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. This finishes cooking the chicken gently while infusing it with all those zingy, festive flavors. By the end, the chicken should be wonderfully tender and the sauce deeply colored.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you like your sauce with a bit more body, stir in the cornstarch slurry during the last 5 minutes of cooking and let it bubble until slightly thickened. This step is totally up to you, but it makes a luxurious, glossy finish that clings to every bite of Cranberry Orange Chicken.
Step 5: Spoon and Serve
Once the chicken is fully cooked and beautifully saucy, spoon more sauce over the top and serve right away. Those jewel-toned cranberries against the orange-speckled sauce are almost too pretty to eat — but one bite and any hesitation melts away!
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Chicken
Garnishes
Sprinkle on some extra orange zest, fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, or even a handful of whole fresh cranberries for a stunning finish. A flourish of something green really makes the Cranberry Orange Chicken pop, turning each plate into a work of art.
Side Dishes
Serve Cranberry Orange Chicken with fluffy jasmine rice, nutty couscous, or a side of roasted winter vegetables to soak up every drop of sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes or even wild rice make perfect partners for all those bright and balanced flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chicken and fanning it out over the sauce on a platter for a showstopping holiday centerpiece. Or serve it alongside warm, crusty bread and let everyone mop up the extra sauce. For a twist, use chicken thighs instead of breasts and arrange them family-style for extra juiciness and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cranberry Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce actually gains even more depth as it sits, so leftovers make a fabulous lunch or quick dinner later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze fully cooled chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready to enjoy it again—this makes meal prep for hectic weeks a breeze.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra orange juice if the sauce has thickened up. Microwaving in bursts also works, but stovetop ensures the chicken stays wonderfully tender and the sauce luscious.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and full of flavor, making them a delightful alternative for Cranberry Orange Chicken. Simply adjust cooking times as needed until the thighs are fully cooked through.
What can I substitute for honey?
You can use maple syrup or agave nectar for a slightly different, but equally lovely, sweetness. Both options pair well with the tangy cranberries and bright citrus.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and is no longer pink in the center. Simmering in the sauce helps it stay juicy, so keep an eye on the timing for perfect results.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Cranberry Orange Chicken is a great make-ahead dish. Just cook it completely, cool, and refrigerate it in its sauce. Reheat gently before serving and enjoy even more developed flavors.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as long as your cornstarch is free of additives. This makes Cranberry Orange Chicken a wonderful choice for sharing with friends and family who have gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
Give Cranberry Orange Chicken a spot on your menu, and experience just how simple, beautiful, and flavorful a home-cooked meal can be. Whether it’s a holiday table or a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to gather smiles and requests for seconds!
Print
Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that will impress your taste buds. Tender chicken breasts are cooked in a luscious sauce made with cranberries, orange juice, honey, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a festive dinner or a special family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add cranberries, orange juice, honey, balsamic vinegar, orange zest, cinnamon, ginger, and garlic powder. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5–6 minutes until cranberries burst.
- Cook the chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Thicken the sauce: If desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry during the last 5 minutes to thicken the sauce. Spoon sauce over chicken before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts if preferred.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in orange juice and garlic for 1 hour before cooking.
- Serve with rice, couscous, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
