Go Back
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh cranberries - 1/2 cup orange juice - Zest of 1 orange - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste When making cranberry orange chicken, use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Chicken breasts are the main protein in this dish. I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they cook evenly and stay juicy. Fresh cranberries add a tart taste. The orange juice and zest give a bright, sweet flavor. Honey balances the tartness and adds a touch of sweetness. Olive oil helps in cooking the chicken and adds richness. Aromatics like garlic and ginger give depth to the sauce. Thyme brings an earthy note, while salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. This mix creates a tasty dish that feels both gourmet and comforting. - Fresh parsley Fresh parsley is a great garnish for this dish. It adds a pop of color and freshness. While optional, it makes your plate look beautiful and inviting. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheating Oven and Sauce Preparation Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. In a medium saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, garlic, ginger, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir the mix over medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the cranberries pop and the sauce thickens. Once ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside. 2. Searing Chicken Breasts While the sauce cooks, heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet. Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This adds flavor. When the pan is hot, add the chicken. Sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step gives your chicken a nice crust. 3. Pouring Sauce Over Chicken Carefully pour the cranberry-orange sauce over the seared chicken in the skillet. Make sure each piece is well coated. This adds flavor and moisture to the dish. 4. Baking Time and Temperature Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. 5. Resting Chicken Before Serving Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. 6. Drizzling Remaining Sauce Serve the chicken drizzled with the remaining sauce. If you like, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your meal! Best Practices for Searing Chicken To get the best sear, dry the chicken first. Pat it with paper towels. This helps the chicken brown better. Heat your skillet until it's hot. Use olive oil for a nice flavor. Place the chicken in the pan. Don't move it for 4-5 minutes. This forms a crust. Flip it carefully and sear the other side. A good sear keeps the juices in. Achieving the Right Sauce Consistency To make your sauce thick and tasty, watch the cooking time. Cook the cranberries and orange juice until they pop. This releases natural pectin. Stir often to keep it from burning. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of water. If it’s too thin, let it cook longer. You want a nice glaze for your chicken. How to Adjust Sweetness and Acidity If your sauce needs more sweetness, add more honey. This balances the tartness of the cranberries. For acidity, add a splash of orange juice. Taste as you go. This helps you find the right balance for your dish. Recommended Pairings with Side Dishes Cranberry orange chicken pairs well with rice or quinoa. Both soak up the sauce nicely. Roasted vegetables add color and nutrients. A fresh salad brightens the meal. Choose sides that complement the sweet and tangy flavors. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cranberries and oranges will give your dish a vibrant flavor. Avoid canned or frozen cranberries for the best results. Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken more tender and juicy. Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your taste preference, you can adjust the amount of honey. If you prefer a tangier sauce, reduce the honey slightly. Serve with Sides: Pair this chicken with a side of rice or roasted vegetables to create a complete meal that balances the flavors beautifully. {{image_2}} Using Different Types of Citrus You can switch the orange for other fruits. Lemon or lime works well. They add a nice tang. Grapefruit offers a unique twist too. Each option gives a fresh taste to the dish. Alternative Sweeteners Honey is great, but you can use maple syrup or agave. These sweeteners add different flavors. For a lower-calorie option, try stevia or monk fruit. Adjust the amount based on your taste. Slow Cooker Version To make this dish in a slow cooker, follow a few simple steps. First, sear the chicken lightly. Then, place it in the slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the chicken and cook on low for 6-7 hours. This method keeps the chicken tender and juicy. Grilling Option Grilling is another fun way to prepare this dish. Marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours. Then grill it over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side. Baste with extra sauce while grilling for added flavor. After you enjoy your cranberry orange chicken, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure the chicken cools down first. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This keeps it safe to eat later. Leftovers can last for up to three days in the refrigerator. When you are ready to eat it again, reheat the chicken in the oven for the best taste. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the chicken cool completely. Then, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag or container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze cranberry orange chicken for up to three months. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it gently in the oven or on the stove. This keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful. Can I use frozen cranberries? Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Thaw them first for best results. They will cook down well and still give you that tangy flavor. Just remember they may release more water, so adjust cooking time slightly. What to serve with Cranberry Orange Chicken? This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables. You could also enjoy it with a fresh salad. The bright flavors of the chicken work great with mild sides. Can I make this dish spicy? Absolutely! Add some red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the sauce. This will give it a nice kick without overpowering the dish. Adjust the spice level to your taste. How can I prepare this ahead of time? You can make the cranberry-orange sauce a day before. Store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before pouring over the chicken. You can also marinate the chicken for a few hours for extra flavor. What are the health benefits of cranberry? Cranberries are rich in antioxidants. They support heart health and help prevent infections. They also provide vitamin C and fiber, making them a healthy choice. How many calories per serving? Each serving of Cranberry Orange Chicken has about 250 calories. This makes it a healthy option for a filling meal. Enjoy without guilt! This blog post detailed a simple yet tasty recipe for Cranberry Orange Chicken. We covered the main ingredients and how to prepare and cook the dish. I shared tips for perfecting flavors and suggested variations to suit your taste. Storing leftovers was also discussed for easy meals later. Overall, this dish brings joy and nutrition to your table. With these steps, you can impress your family and friends with ease. Enjoy making this flavorful meal!

Cranberry Orange Chicken

A delicious chicken dish featuring a sweet and tangy cranberry-orange sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 0.5 cup orange juice
  • 1 piece zest of orange
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • optional fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, garlic, ginger, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well and allow to cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the cranberries begin to pop and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • While the sauce is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  • Once the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  • Pour the cranberry-orange sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Ensure the chicken is well coated in the sauce.
  • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  • Serve the chicken drizzled with the remaining cranberry-orange sauce, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.
Keyword chicken, cranberry, dinner, orange