Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dinner that’s refreshingly bright yet beautifully comforting, Cranberry Orange Chicken will absolutely steal your heart (and your tastebuds!). Succulent chicken thighs are glazed in a tangy-sweet cranberry orange marinade and roasted until golden, making every bite an irresistible balance of zing, sweetness, and savoriness.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe uses everyday ingredients that come together in such a fresh, colorful way! Each item in the lineup adds its own punch—zest adds pop, cranberries bring tangy brightness, and honey smooths out the tartness for the most balanced flavor.

• Chicken thighs (or breasts): Thighs are extra juicy and flavorful, but breasts work great if you prefer lean.
• Fresh cranberries (plus extra for garnish): These give that glorious tart pop of color and flavor—use frozen if fresh aren’t available, but thaw and drain them first.
• Honey (or maple syrup): Sweetens and balances all the tartness from our cranberries and citrus.
• Olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and adds a subtle richness to the marinade.
• Brown sugar: Adds a deeper caramel sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize beautifully.
• Balsamic vinegar: Offers a deep, tangy undertone that makes the cranberry and orange flavors sing.
• Garlic: A couple of cloves round out the sweet and tart flavors with just enough savory bite.
• Large orange (zested and juiced): For real citrus zing—fresh is best, and you’ll need both zest and juice.
• Sea salt and black pepper: To perfectly season and elevate every note in the marinade.

Variations

Cranberry Orange Chicken is such a forgiving recipe—you can truly make it your own. Don’t be afraid to swap, adjust, or add to suit your pantry, tastebuds, or dietary needs!

• Make it Dairy-Free or Paleo: Use pure maple syrup instead of honey and check your balsamic vinegar for additives if needed.
• Swap the Protein: Boneless skinless chicken breasts, turkey cutlets, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist—just adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Dial Up the Heat: For a spicy kick, toss in a generous pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade or sprinkle over before baking.
• Citrus Swap: Try grapefruit or blood orange for a deeper, slightly more exotic citrus flavor that still pairs beautifully with cranberries.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Chicken

Step 1: Blend the Marinade

Start by tossing the marinade ingredients—fresh cranberries, orange zest and juice, honey, brown sugar, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper—into your food processor. Blend everything until smooth; the mixture should be beautifully pink, aromatic, and a little bit thick. This is what gives Cranberry Orange Chicken its signature flavor!

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Pat your chicken dry and add it to a sturdy zip-top bag, shallow dish, or container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, turning to coat thoroughly. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—overnight is even better if you want the boldest flavor infusion.

Step 3: Ready, Set, Roast

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch roasting pan or baking dish. Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer and pour any extra marinade right over the top. Scatter your extra cranberries evenly around the chicken for pretty pops of color and taste.

Step 4: Glaze and Broil

Roast the chicken for 25-30 minutes until nearly cooked through. While it’s finishing, stir together a tablespoon each of honey and olive oil. Brush this sweet glaze over the chicken, then crank your broiler to high and broil for 2-3 minutes. Watch closely! The skin should get lightly crisped and caramelized, but not burned.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes after baking so all those luscious juices stay inside. Garnish with extra orange zest and a handful of fresh cranberries just before serving for a stunning finish—this is what elevates Cranberry Orange Chicken into true holiday-worthy territory!

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Chicken

Garnishes

A flurry of fresh orange zest and a handful of glistening cranberries is all it takes to bring your Cranberry Orange Chicken to life. Not only do they boost the visual wow-factor, but they also add an enticing fresh aroma and a pop of tang to every bite. If you want to get extra fancy, add a sprig of thyme or rosemary on each plate.

Side Dishes

This vibrant chicken practically begs for simple sides that let its flavors shine. Think a fluffy mound of rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce, sautéed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts for crunch, or even a festive wild rice pilaf for holiday gatherings. A side of crusty bread is also a fan favorite!

Creative Ways to Present

For a beautiful feast, serve Cranberry Orange Chicken on a large platter surrounded by extra orange slices and a scattering of cranberries. Or, for a modern touch, slice the chicken and lay over a bed of greens, then drizzle with sauce for a salad that looks as good as it tastes. Individual cast iron skillets make for a rustic bistro vibe if you want to impress dinner guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cranberry Orange Chicken keeps beautifully in the fridge! Store the chicken, tightly covered, for up to 3 days. Let it cool before sealing to lock in moisture and avoid any condensation sogginess.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this recipe for future meals. Place fully cooled chicken pieces (no garnishes) in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a 325°F oven, covered, until heated through—about 15-20 minutes. A quick splash of broth or orange juice in the pan will help refresh the glaze. Microwave works in a pinch, but the oven keeps that lovely, just-roasted texture!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a dish that’s just as beautiful on the table as it is bold in flavor, you simply have to give Cranberry Orange Chicken a try. It’s the ideal dinner to brighten up any weeknight or make your next gathering sparkle—just a little time in the oven, and you’re treating everyone to something truly special. Happy cooking, friends!

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