This Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table or any special weeknight dinner. It features tender, juicy chicken thighs bathed in a vibrant, sweet-tart glaze made from fresh cranberries, orange juice, and a hint of warm spices. The stunning color and incredible flavor combination make this dish a guaranteed showstopper that is surprisingly easy to prepare. If you’re looking for a festive meal that will wow your guests, this is it.
We combine the festive taste of cranberries with the bright zest of oranges to create a truly unforgettable main course. It’s a simple, elegant dish that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen, but it comes together in under an hour. Let’s get cooking!
Why This Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe is a Must-Try
You are going to absolutely love this recipe, and here’s why it will become a new favorite in your home.
- Incredibly Flavorful: The balance of sweet and tart from the cranberry orange glaze is simply irresistible. It perfectly complements the savory, rich flavor of the roasted chicken.
- Perfect for the Holidays: With its beautiful jewel-toned sauce and festive ingredients, this dish is tailor-made for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday celebration. It’s a fantastic alternative to traditional turkey or ham.
- Simple & Quick: Despite its gourmet appearance, this recipe is straightforward and uses simple ingredients. You can have a stunning dinner on the table in less than 60 minutes.
- Versatile Main Course: This chicken pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of side dishes, from roasted vegetables to creamy mashed potatoes.
The Perfect Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Chicken
This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients to create its signature flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
For the Chicken
- Chicken Thighs: We use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the best flavor and juiciest results. The skin gets wonderfully crispy while the meat stays tender.
- Olive Oil: Used to help crisp up the chicken skin and prevent sticking.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken properly.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These add a foundational layer of savory flavor to the chicken.
For the Cranberry Orange Glaze
- Fresh Cranberries: Provide the signature tartness and beautiful red color.
- Orange Juice & Zest: Use freshly squeezed juice and zest for the brightest, most vibrant citrus flavor.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Adds sweetness to balance the tart cranberries. You can adjust the amount to your liking.
- Chicken Broth: Creates the base of the sauce, adding depth and savory notes.
- Rosemary: A fresh sprig of rosemary infuses the sauce with a subtle, woodsy aroma that is perfect for the holidays.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Chicken (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create a showstopping main course. We’ll start by searing the chicken and then finish it in the oven with the delicious glaze.
- Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. This is the key to getting that perfectly crispy skin. Season generously on all sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5-6 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crisp. Flip the chicken and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Make the Glaze: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey (or maple syrup), chicken broth, and the sprig of rosemary. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the cranberries begin to burst and the sauce starts to thicken.
- Combine and Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the cranberry sauce. Spoon some of the glaze over the top of each piece of chicken.
- Roast to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Spoon the extra cranberry orange sauce from the pan over the chicken just before serving.
Tips for the Best Results
Want to make sure your Cranberry Orange Chicken is absolutely perfect? Here are a few tips from our kitchen.
- Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the chicken skin before baking is crucial for a crispy texture. It locks in the juices and creates a delicious flavor base.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed orange juice and fresh cranberries will always yield a more vibrant and flavorful sauce than their processed counterparts.
- Check for Doneness: The most reliable way to know if your chicken is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. It should register 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste your glaze before adding the chicken back to the pan. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more honey or maple syrup. For more tartness, a squeeze of lemon juice works well. For a different kind of sweet treat, try these delicious White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies.
What to Serve with Cranberry Orange Chicken
This versatile main course pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a truly festive meal, consider serving it with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a simple green salad. It’s also fantastic with wild rice or quinoa to soak up all that delicious sauce. For another fantastic holiday side, these Cranberry Brie Bites are always a crowd-pleaser.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, they are just as delicious the next day! Store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also gently reheat it in a skillet over medium-low heat. For another great leftover idea, this Leftover Turkey Sandwich recipe is a winner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Sear them for 2-3 minutes per side and reduce the baking time to 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more easily than thighs.
Absolutely! You can use frozen cranberries without thawing them first. The cooking time for the glaze might increase by a few minutes as the cranberries release their liquid.
The most important step for crispy skin is to pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels before seasoning. A hot skillet is also essential for getting a perfect initial sear.
Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply sear the chicken, add the sauce, and bake as directed.
You can substitute brown sugar for the honey or maple syrup. Start with 3 tablespoons and adjust to your preferred level of sweetness.
Discover More Delicious Holiday Recipes
We hope you love this incredible Cranberry Orange Chicken! It’s a dish that’s sure to bring warmth and joy to your table. If you make it, we’d love to hear from you. Please leave a comment and a rating below to let us know how it turned out. For more recipe inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!
Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe
Cranberry Orange Chicken (The Ultimate Festive Recipe!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. Season generously on all sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5-6 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crisp. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet over medium heat, add the fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey (or maple syrup), chicken broth, and rosemary. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, until cranberries begin to burst and the sauce thickens.
- Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some of the glaze over the top of the chicken.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Serve warm, spooning extra sauce over the top.
Notes
Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every time.
Fresh orange juice and zest provide the best flavor for the glaze.
