Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken

This cranberry orange glazed chicken is the festive main dish that changed my approach to easy entertaining, blending juicy chicken with a sweet tangy glaze in under an hour. Whether you are seeking an impressive orange cranberry chicken for Thanksgiving or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe fills your kitchen with a celebration worthy aroma in just 45 minutes from start to finish. The baked chicken stays succulent under a sticky, jewel toned cranberry orange glaze, delivering holiday flavors without fuss.

One fall Sunday I gave this cranberry glazed chicken a try instead of my usual comfort recipes, and it immediately became a family favorite thanks to its vibrant flavor and easy cleanup compared to roasting a full bird. As blood oranges came into season, I discovered their floral sweet tart juice dramatically enhances the glaze, creating what my kids now request as their top orange cranberry chicken every winter holiday. The simplicity of this dish, with no fuss and stunning flavor, keeps it in our regular rotation.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Soak up the glaze and stay juicy while baking; opt for organic chicken if possible for best texture, or use thighs for extra richness
• Fresh cranberries: Add a punchy tartness and give the glaze its signature ruby red color; frozen cranberries work just as well when fresh are out of season
• Orange juice: Gives brightness and natural sweetness; fresh squeezed orange juice is best for bold citrus flavor, and blood orange juice creates a more dramatic presentation
• Orange zest: Lends concentrated citrus aroma and depth; zest only the colorful outer peel using a microplane for optimal results
• Honey: Balances the tartness of cranberries and adds glossiness; local raw honey provides richer taste, substitute with maple syrup for a vegan option
• Soy sauce: Brings subtle umami and saltiness; low sodium soy sauce can be used to reduce salt
• Extra virgin olive oil: Ensures golden, flavorful seared chicken and richer mouthfeel; avocado oil is a good alternative if preferred
• Dijon mustard: Adds gentle tang that balances the glaze; swap with whole grain or spicy brown for different flavor profiles
• Garlic powder: Supplies savory undertones that enhance all the other ingredients without overwhelming the citrus and fruit
• Salt and black pepper: Seasons the chicken thoroughly, giving each bite a balanced, savory finish

How to Make Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken

Preheat the Oven and Prepare Equipment:

Set your oven to 375°F. Use a large oven safe skillet or cast iron pan, making sure the chicken pieces fit in a single layer. This setup allows the glaze to bubble evenly around each piece, key for both chicken breasts and thighs to finish with a shiny, deep flavored topping.

Season the Chicken Generously:

Pat the chicken dry so seasoning clings well. Sprinkle both sides evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, pressing with your hands to help build a flavorful crust and optimize juicy results after baking.

Sear the Chicken for Caramelized Flavor:

Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium high heat until shimmering. Add chicken and cook five minutes, undisturbed, to develop a deep golden crust. Flip and repeat for another five minutes. Listen for gentle sizzling and look for a rich caramel edge, which builds savory depth and locks in natural juices.

Mix the Cranberry Orange Glaze:

Combine fresh cranberries, orange juice, zest, honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard in a mixing bowl. Stir until honey dissolves and the berries are well coated. The mixture should be thick, citrus scented, with a tangy aroma signaling it is ready for the chicken.

Glaze and Bake the Chicken:

Pour the cranberry orange glaze over the seared chicken, making sure berries and liquid are evenly distributed. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for twenty five to thirty minutes, basting halfway through so the chicken remains moist and soaks up maximum flavor. Cook until the juices run clear or the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the glaze reduces to a sticky, glossy sauce.

Let Rest and Garnish:

Remove skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest in the glaze for five minutes to reabsorb the juices and relax the texture. For a final touch, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for added color and flavor.

The first time I swapped blood oranges for regular ones in this cranberry chicken, the color was so vibrant and the floral citrus flavor wowed everyone at our holiday table. Now, my kids request this orange cranberry glazed chicken for both winter celebrations and simple Sunday dinners, and I love that it always leaves leftovers for easy lunches. Its cheerful presentation and ease have made it a new cold weather tradition in our house.

Smart Swaps and Variations

This cranberry chicken recipe adapts easily for almost any diet, season, or pantry. Try chicken thighs for even richer flavor and juiciness, or switch honey for maple syrup to create a vegan friendly glaze with a hint of smokiness. Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten free option, and blood orange juice for a special occasion twist. Even frozen cranberries work perfectly if fresh are not available, ensuring you can make this festive baked orange cranberry chicken any time of year.

How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken

Storing cranberry orange chicken is simple and makes meal prep easy for holidays or busy weeks. Place leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to four days, or freeze in freezer safe containers labeled with the date for up to three months. To reheat, add a splash of orange juice to the pan or container and warm covered in a 325°F oven or gently in the microwave to restore the glaze’s shine and keep the chicken juicy. Slice chicken and divide with extra sauce for effortless, flavorful lunches throughout the week.

What to Serve with Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken

Pair orange cranberry chicken with sides that soak up its vibrant glaze and add color to your table. Creamy mashed potatoes or wild rice pilaf complement the tangy sauce beautifully, and couscous works for a lighter, quicker carb. Roasted green beans with a hint of garlic or honey roasted carrots make for a festive, balanced plate, while a fresh green salad with citrus vinaigrette brings brightness. For drinks, try a dry rosé or sparkling non alcoholic cider to keep things celebratory and refreshing.

Nutritional Benefits

This cranberry orange glazed chicken recipe brings impressive nutrition to your table with plenty of flavor. Lean chicken breast is packed with high quality protein to help you feel satisfied, while fresh cranberries supply antioxidants and vitamin C. Orange juice and zest offer more vitamin C and potassium, supporting your immune system and overall wellness, all without added gluten or excess saturated fat for a health conscious holiday main dish.

Recipe Success Tips

If the cranberry orange glaze reduces too quickly in your oven, check at fifteen minutes and add a little extra juice to keep it glossy. For best browning, make sure the oil is shimmering before adding chicken to prevent sticking and maximize caramelization. To keep baked chicken ultra juicy, let it rest covered for five minutes after baking so the juices redistribute and every slice is tender.

This orange cranberry glazed chicken delivers tangy, sweet flavor that transforms any weeknight or holiday meal into a special celebration. Try your favorite citrus twist or side pairing, and enjoy how easily this dish impresses your guests and family alike.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well in this dish. No need to thaw them beforehand—simply add them directly to your glaze mixture for great results.

→ How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The juices should run clear when sliced, and the chicken will be moist and tender.

→ What side dishes pair well with cranberry orange glazed chicken?

Serve alongside roasted vegetables, wild rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal that complements the citrusy glaze.

→ Can I substitute chicken thighs for breasts?

Absolutely. Chicken thighs will yield a juicier texture; just adjust the cooking time to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature.

→ Is it possible to prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, the glaze can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Stir well before using to ensure the flavors are well combined.

→ Does this dish freeze well?

Cooked cranberry orange glazed chicken can be frozen for up to two months. For best texture, reheat gently in the oven to preserve moisture.