Name: Cranberry Orange Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup fresh cranberries; 1/2 cup orange juice; 1/4 cup honey; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1 teaspoon orange zest; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Cranberry Orange Chicken a flavorful and festive dish featuring tender chicken breasts glazed with a tangy cranberry-orange sauce, perfect for a cozy dinner or holiday celebration. I love how the sweet and tart flavors come together beautifully in this simple, elegant meal.

Cranberry Orange Chicken

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup fresh cranberries

½ cup orange juice

¼ cup honey

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon orange zest

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

I heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. I season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

I add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown. I then remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, I combine the cranberries, orange juice, honey, balsamic vinegar, orange zest, and garlic. I bring it to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. I cook the mixture for about 5-7 minutes until the cranberries start to burst and the sauce thickens slightly.

I return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. I then transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Once baked, I remove the skillet from the oven, garnish the chicken with fresh parsley, and serve it with the extra cranberry-orange sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories per serving: 320 kcal

Variations

I sometimes swap out chicken breasts for chicken thighs when I want a richer flavor.
If I prefer a slightly sweeter sauce, I add a little extra honey.
When I want a spicier kick, I throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes while the sauce is simmering.
For a thicker sauce, I let it simmer a few extra minutes before adding the chicken back in.
I occasionally add a splash of brandy or orange liqueur to the sauce for an extra festive touch.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover Cranberry Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, I place the chicken in a covered skillet over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or extra orange juice if the sauce has thickened too much.
Alternatively, I reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, checking frequently to avoid drying it out.

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

I always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

I prefer fresh cranberries because they give the sauce the best texture and tartness, but in a pinch, I soak dried cranberries in warm water for 10 minutes before using them.

What can I serve with Cranberry Orange Chicken?

I usually serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables to soak up all the delicious sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

I sometimes make the sauce ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Then, I just brown the chicken and bake it with the sauce when I am ready to serve.

Can I freeze Cranberry Orange Chicken?

I freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. I thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion

I always find Cranberry Orange Chicken to be a delightful dish that brings a beautiful balance of flavors to my table. Whether I am looking for something special for the holidays or just a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe never fails to impress. The simple preparation and vibrant taste make it a favorite in my kitchen all year long.

Recipe:

Cranberry Orange Chicken

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Enjoy a festive and flavorful meal with this Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe — tender chicken breasts glazed in a tangy, sweet cranberry-orange sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners, Thanksgiving, or Christmas celebrations. A simple, elegant dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress!

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
Add chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, balsamic vinegar, orange zest, and garlic. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until cranberries burst and sauce thickens slightly.
Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over the top, and transfer skillet to oven.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve with extra sauce.