If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bright, zesty flavors and just a hint of sweetness, this Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe is your new best friend. Juicy chicken thighs bathed in a vibrant cranberry-orange marinade make for a beautiful, delicious meal that’s both comforting and a little special.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
A perfect balance of sweet and tangy: The combination of fresh cranberries and orange juice creates a mouthwatering sauce that complements the chicken beautifully.
Simple ingredients, impressive flavor: You don’t need a long list of fancy components—just wholesome basics that come together magically.
Great for any occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe fits right in.
Hands-off cooking with big reward: Marinate, bake, and broil—easy steps leading to incredible results.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This recipe relies on fresh, vibrant ingredients that work in harmony to create an irresistible dish. Each element plays a key role—from the tart cranberries giving a pop of color to the orange zest that adds brightness, making each bite dynamic and delicious.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs bring juiciness and flavor, but breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat—just pound them gently for even cooking.
- Fresh cranberries: Best for that authentic tangy burst, but thawed frozen cranberries can be used in a pinch—just drain off excess liquid.
- Honey or maple syrup: Adds a touch of natural sweetness and helps balance the tartness of the cranberries.
- Orange zest and juice: Fresh ingredients here make all the difference; avoid bottled juice for the most vibrant flavor.
- Balsamic vinegar: Provides a subtle depth and enhances the sweetness through gentle acidity.
- Garlic and olive oil: Essential aromatics that help round out the flavor profile beautifully.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Combining the fresh cranberries, brown sugar, olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, garlic, orange zest and juice, sea salt, and black pepper in a food processor results in a smooth, fragrant marinade. This mixture is where the magic starts, infusing your chicken with layers of sweet and tangy flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken thighs or breasts into a large ziplock bag, container, or deep dish, and pour the marinade over. Seal and toss to fully coat each piece. Let it rest in the fridge for at least two hours—or even better, overnight—to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
Step 3: Baking the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F and transfer the chicken along with the marinade to a greased 8×8-inch roasting pan. Scatter the remaining cranberries evenly around the chicken ribbons of bright fruit contrasting with the savory meat. Bake for 25-30 minutes to let everything come together beautifully.
Step 4: Sweet Glaze and Broil for Crispy Skin
Mix honey with olive oil and brush over the chicken skin before switching your oven to broil. Broil for about 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to achieve that perfect golden, crispy skin that everyone loves. Then, discard the sauce from the pan as the chicken is ready to serve.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh orange zest and a few whole cranberries scattered over the baked chicken add an inviting pop of color and a hint of freshness that elevates the dish visually and taste-wise. It’s these little touches that make it feel like a special meal.
Side Dishes
This chicken shines when paired with simple, wholesome sides like roasted sweet potatoes, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. Steamed asparagus or lightly sautéed green beans add great texture contrast and keep the meal balanced and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve this Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh herb sprigs and sliced oranges. Or plate it over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa with the pan cranberries spooned on top for a colorful, heartwarming presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavor tends to develop even more overnight, making for delicious next-day meals with minimal effort.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked cranberry orange chicken for up to 2 months. Store it in a freezer-safe container or bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible to preserve freshness and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the skin flavorful and the chicken juicy. Avoid microwaving if possible, since that can make the chicken rubbery or dry out the beautiful glaze.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, but since they are leaner and cook faster, consider pounding them lightly to an even thickness and keep a close eye on the cooking time to prevent dryness.
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Can I make this recipe without a food processor?
Yes! You can finely mince the garlic and mash the cranberries with a fork or potato masher. Then whisk all marinade ingredients together until well combined. The flavor will still be just as delightful.
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Is it okay to use frozen cranberries?
Definitely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the cranberries well to avoid excess moisture in your marinade and baking pan. Frozen cranberries are a fantastic substitute when fresh aren’t available.
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How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 155°F; it will continue to cook during resting and broiling steps. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure juicy, safe-to-eat chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that’s sure to become a favorite around your table. It’s approachable enough for a weekday meal but special enough to impress guests. Give it a try, and you’ll be reaching for this vibrant combination again and again!
Print
Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–5 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cranberry Orange Chicken is a flavorful baked chicken dish featuring a tangy and sweet marinade made from fresh cranberries, orange zest and juice, honey, and balsamic vinegar. The chicken thighs or breasts are marinated to infuse vibrant citrus and berry flavors, then baked to juicy perfection with a crispy skin finish under the broiler. This recipe is perfect for a festive dinner or a special weeknight meal with a bright, fresh twist.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4–5 chicken thighs with skin or chicken breasts
Fresh Cranberries
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries or frozen, thawed
Honey Glaze
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Marinade
- 1/4 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large orange, zested and juiced
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: Combine all the marinade ingredients including the cranberries, brown sugar, olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, orange zest and juice, sea salt, and black pepper in a food processor. Blend until smooth and well-mixed to create a vibrant cranberry orange marinade.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken thighs or breasts in a large ziplock bag, container, or deep dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well coated. Refrigerate and marinate for at least two hours or overnight for best flavor penetration.
- Preheat Oven: When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch roasting pan to prevent sticking.
- Bake Chicken: Arrange the marinated chicken in the roasting pan and pour any remaining marinade over the top. Evenly scatter the remaining 1/2 cup of cranberries across the pan around the chicken. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is nearly cooked through.
- Apply Honey Glaze: Mix 1 tablespoon honey with 1 tablespoon olive oil and brush this glaze over the chicken pieces to add a sweet sheen and promote caramelization during broiling.
- Broil for Crispiness: Preheat the oven broiler and broil the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes, watching carefully until the skin turns crispy and golden brown, but not burnt.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and discard the cooking sauce—it is no longer needed. Allow the chicken to rest for at least 10 minutes so the juices redistribute. Garnish with fresh orange zest and additional fresh cranberries before serving to enhance the fresh citrus and berry notes.
Notes
- Fresh ingredients, especially fresh orange juice and zest, produce the most flavorful and vibrant sauce.
- If using frozen cranberries, thaw and drain them well to avoid excess water diluting the marinade.
- Use a meat mallet to lightly pound chicken breasts for even cooking and tenderness.
- Do not overcook the chicken; it should reach an internal temperature of 155°F as it will continue cooking while resting.
- Resting the chicken for at least 10 minutes after baking is essential for juicy results.
