The scent of orange zest fills the kitchen, mingling with the tang of fresh cranberries and sizzling garlic. It’s the kind of aroma that feels like Christmas evening in a single breath. This Cranberry Orange Chicken brings warmth to cold nights — sweet, tart, and perfectly balanced — ready in under an hour for a cozy dinner at home.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Chicken
This dish shines with its sweet and tart flavor combination. The citrusy orange pairs beautifully with juicy cranberries and savory chicken, creating a comforting balance that’s festive yet simple.
It takes only 40 minutes total, making it perfect for busy evenings when you still want something special. It’s healthy, bright, and full of seasonal flavor that feels like a celebration on any weeknight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Fresh, simple ingredients make this recipe shine. Each one adds a layer of color and taste that turns basic chicken into something you’ll crave again.
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen)
- 1 large orange, zested and juiced
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary
- ½ cup chicken broth or water
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins
For extra depth, add 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or 1 tsp Dijon mustard to the sauce. A pinch of cinnamon also adds warmth that pairs beautifully with the orange and cranberry.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Chicken (Step-by-Step)
This recipe comes together easily in one skillet, which means less mess and more time to enjoy the meal.
Step 1 – Season the Chicken
Pat your chicken dry and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and herbs. If you have time, let it rest for 30 minutes so the flavors sink in.
Step 2 – Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side until golden. Then set it aside on a plate.
Step 3 – Make the Cranberry-Orange Sauce
In the same skillet, add garlic and stir for about 30 seconds. Then add cranberries, orange juice, zest, and honey or maple syrup. Let the sauce simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the cranberries burst and thicken slightly.
Step 4 – Simmer and Combine
Return the chicken to the pan. Pour in the broth and scrape up the browned bits from the bottom. Cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F.
Step 5 – Serve and Garnish
Spoon the bright cranberry-orange sauce over the chicken. Sprinkle with fresh thyme or extra zest for color.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts. It also tastes amazing with wild rice, rice pilaf, or a crisp green salad topped with citrus dressing.
For a festive dinner, serve it on a white platter and let the glossy red sauce shine — it looks beautiful on any Christmas table.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth to keep it juicy.
You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming it up again.
Variations and Dietary Modifications
This Cranberry Orange Chicken is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. For a low-sugar version, reduce or skip the honey and use a touch of stevia instead.
You can swap the chicken for turkey breasts or pork chops for something different. Try substituting grapefruit for orange if you like a bolder, tangier flavor.
Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe Card
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Cranberry Orange Chicken | Easy & Delicious Holiday Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Cranberry Orange Chicken is a bright, sweet-tart, and savory one-skillet dinner that captures the flavor of the holidays in just 40 minutes. Juicy chicken, fresh cranberries, and sunny orange make this an easy and festive main course for Christmas or any cozy night.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1 ½ lbs total)
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1 large orange, zested and juiced
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary (or ½ tsp dried)
½ cup chicken broth or water
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Optional: 1 tsp Dijon mustard
Optional: pinch ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. Pat chicken dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and herbs. Let rest 30 minutes if possible for better flavor.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 4 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
3. Add garlic to the same skillet. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and honey or maple syrup.
4. Let the mixture simmer 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Return chicken to the pan. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits. Cover and simmer 10 to 12 minutes, until the chicken reaches 165°F.
6. If desired, stir in balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard for extra depth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Spoon the glossy cranberry-orange sauce over the chicken. Garnish with thyme and extra orange zest before serving.
Notes
Make Ahead: The cranberry-orange sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
Dried Cranberry Option: Use ¾ cup dried cranberries soaked in warm water for 10 minutes.
Serving Ideas: Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts, wild rice, or a simple green salad with citrus vinaigrette.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator or freeze up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or microwave in short intervals.
Diet Notes: Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. For low sugar, use half the honey or a stevia substitute.
Variations: Try turkey breasts or pork chops instead of chicken. Substitute grapefruit for orange for a tangier twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course; Christmas Dinner Ideas
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (about 200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
More Such Recipes
If you love easy chicken dinners, you’ll also enjoy these:
- Spicy chicken recipes for dinner
- Crockpot chicken and dumplings
- Super easy chicken lo mein
- Perfect grilled chicken wrap guide
- Chicken biscuits and gravy recipe
- Quick and easy chicken Caprese sandwich
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, cook or reheat the chicken and add the sauce to finish.
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, but soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes before cooking. This helps them plump up and mix better with the sauce.
Which chicken cut works best — breasts or thighs?
Both work well. Breasts are leaner and lighter, while thighs stay juicier and richer. Choose what fits your taste or what’s in your fridge.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Orange Chicken feels like holiday cheer in every bite. It’s bright, tender, and comforting — the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with warmth. Whether for Christmas dinner or an ordinary night that needs a little magic, it’s a dish worth making again and again.
If you try it, share your photos or tag me on Pinterest or Facebook so we can all enjoy the festive joy together.