Cranberry Orange Chicken (Easy, Bright & Flavorful!)
Bright, tangy, and irresistibly sweet, this Cranberry Orange Chicken is a weeknight dinner game-changer. Juicy chicken thighs are baked to perfection and glazed with a luscious cranberry-orange sauce that balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
Perfect for holiday dinners, meal prep, or family meals, this dish combines the natural tartness of cranberries with the citrusy zing of orange juice, making every bite flavorful and fresh. Plus, it’s simple to make with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cranberry Orange Glaze
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp orange zest
- ½ tsp dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh cranberries
- Orange slices or additional zest
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
2. Season Chicken
Pat chicken dry. Rub with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Prepare Cranberry Orange Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, garlic, orange zest, and thyme. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook 5–7 minutes until cranberries burst and glaze thickens slightly.
4. Bake Chicken
Place chicken in the prepared baking dish. Pour half of the cranberry-orange glaze over chicken. Bake 25–30 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
5. Glaze Again & Garnish
Remove chicken from oven, spoon remaining glaze over top, and sprinkle with fresh cranberries, orange slices, and parsley.
6. Serve
Serve immediately with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a side salad.
Tips for Success
- Juicy Chicken: Use chicken thighs for the best flavor and moisture.
- Glaze Consistency: Reduce the glaze slightly for a thicker coating.
- Make Ahead: Prepare glaze ahead of time to save 10 minutes.
- Balance Sweet & Tang: Taste glaze before baking; adjust honey or orange juice to preference.
Variations
- Cranberry Orange Drumsticks: Use chicken drumsticks instead of thighs.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne to the glaze.
- Nutty Flavor: Sprinkle toasted almonds or pecans on top before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over fluffy rice, quinoa, or couscous.
- Pair with roasted root vegetables for a festive meal.
- Add a side of fresh green beans or asparagus for color and crunch.
Fun Facts
Cranberries and oranges are a classic holiday pairing, but they add brightness to any meal. The natural tartness of cranberries balances the sweetness of honey or maple syrup, creating a glaze that enhances chicken without overpowering it. This dish reflects both traditional holiday flavors and everyday dinner simplicity.
Cranberry Orange Chicken (Easy, Bright & Flavorful!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Pat chicken dry, rub with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, garlic, orange zest, and thyme in a saucepan. Simmer 5–7 min until cranberries burst.
- Place chicken in baking dish and pour half of glaze over top.
- Bake 25–30 min until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
- Remove from oven, spoon remaining glaze over chicken, and garnish with fresh cranberries, orange slices, and parsley.
- Serve immediately with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.
