Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 75 reviews
  • Author: Olivia
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

Find it online: https://oliviadinner.com/cranberry-orange-chicken-recipe/