Name: Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt; ½ teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries (150 g); ⅔ cup orange juice (166 g); ¼ cup pure maple syrup (79 g); ¼ cup light brown sugar (50 g); 1 ½ teaspoons orange zest; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; Orange slices, for garnish (optional)

Just imagine juicy chicken thighs glazed with a vibrant, tangy cranberry orange sauce that's bursting with flavor — that's exactly what this Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe delivers. It’s a perfect way to brighten up your dinner table with a sweet and savory twist that feels both fresh and cozy.

A black cast iron pan holds seven golden brown chicken pieces on the top layer, each with a crispy skin texture. They are topped and surrounded by a deep red cranberry sauce with whole berries, creating a shiny, slightly chunky layer over and around the chicken. Small green parsley flakes are sprinkled on the chicken for a touch of color. The pan is on a white marbled surface, and around it are scattered garnishes, orange wedges, and green herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this cranberry orange chicken more times than I can count, especially when I want a meal that feels special without a ton of fuss. The balance of sweet citrus and tart cranberries paired with tender chicken is absolutely addictive.

Bright and Vibrant Flavors: The fresh orange juice and zesty zest combined with tart cranberries bring a lively punch to every bite.
Simple Ingredients, Unexpected Taste: You only need a handful of pantry staples, yet the sauce tastes like something you'd order at a fancy restaurant.
Quick to Prepare: From start to finish, this recipe takes just about 35 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
Comforting and Elegant: Whether for a regular family dinner or a holiday meal, it strikes the right balance between cozy and impressive.

The image shows a close-up of a cooked chicken piece shaped like a small fillet covered with a thick orange-red sauce that has a slightly shiny and textured surface. On top of the sauce, there are small dark red chunks, likely cranberries, scattered unevenly. Small green parsley leaves are sprinkled for garnish, adding a fresh color contrast. The chicken piece is held by a silver spoon above a shallow white bowl that contains more chicken pieces in the same sauce with visible sauce splashes on the sides of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe plays a crucial role. The chicken thighs stay juicy and tender, while the sauce brings a balance of sweet, tart, and savory that’s impossible to resist. Grab fresh cranberries if you can; they really brighten the sauce! But frozen works perfectly fine too.

Flat lay of six raw boneless skinless chicken thighs seasoned with kosher salt, paprika, and black pepper, a small white bowl of extra virgin olive oil, a small white bowl filled with fresh cranberries, a small white bowl of bright orange juice, a small white bowl of golden pure maple syrup, a small white bowl of light brown sugar, a few strands of fresh orange zest, a small white bowl containing minced garlic, a few thin orange slices for garnish, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white ceramic surface, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Their natural fat and tenderness make them perfect for pan frying without drying out.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and prevents blandness.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth and warmth to the chicken seasoning.
Black pepper: Provides just enough kick to balance the sweetness.
Extra virgin olive oil: For a nice sear and to keep the chicken juicy.
Cranberries (fresh or frozen): The star of the sauce offering tartness and vibrant color.
Orange juice: Adds bright citrus flavor and natural sweetness without overpowering.
Pure maple syrup: Brings smooth sweetness and a hint of caramelization.
Light brown sugar: Enhances molasses notes and thickens the sauce beautifully.
Orange zest: Punches up orange flavor with aromatic oils that fresh juice alone can’t match.
Garlic, minced: Adds savory depth and balances the fruity sweetness.
Orange slices (optional garnish): Makes for a pretty presentation and a fresh bite.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this recipe depending on what’s in my kitchen or my mood. Don’t hesitate to personalize it—you might be surprised how flexible it is!

Variation: I sometimes swap chicken thighs for breasts when I want something lighter, though thighs just stay juicier and richer in flavor.
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce gives it a lovely hint of heat that pairs amazingly with the sweetness.
Holiday Spin: Toss in some chopped fresh rosemary or thyme to make it feel extra festive.
Make it Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s a great go-to for special diets.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken with Seasoning Love

First, I pat the chicken thighs completely dry with paper towels. This little step helps you get a nice golden crust when you cook them. Then, I mix the kosher salt, paprika, and black pepper in a small bowl and sprinkle that seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken. Don’t skip this—seasoning is key to flavor!

Step 2: Brown the Chicken Perfectly

Heat your nonstick skillet over medium and add the olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, place the chicken thighs skin side (well, the smooth side since skinless) down in a single layer without crowding the pan. Cook about 5 minutes per side, flipping carefully. I use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temp hits 165°F—this keeps it juicy and safe. Set the chicken aside and tent with foil to keep warm while you make the sauce.

Step 3: Build the Luscious Cranberry Orange Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low. In the very same skillet (hello, all those flavorful browned bits!), add fresh or frozen cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup, brown sugar, orange zest, minced garlic, and salt. Stir everything together and let it cook gently for about 10 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it—push the cranberries against the pan so they burst and release their juices, which thickens the sauce beautifully.

Step 4: Bring it All Together

Once the sauce has thickened nicely, nestle the chicken thighs right back into the skillet. Spoon plenty of that glossy sauce over each piece and cook for another minute or so until the chicken is heated through again. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with a few fresh orange slices before serving.

Top Tip

I’ve found that the secret to a luscious sauce is patience. Rushing the cranberry sauce step will leave it runny instead of thick and jammy. Plus, letting the chicken rest under foil before adding back to the sauce helps keep the meat tender and juicy.

Pat the Chicken Dry: Moisture prevents browning, so dry each piece well before seasoning.
Use a Meat Thermometer: It guarantees perfectly cooked chicken without guesswork.
Simmer Sauces Low and Slow: This gently melts down the cranberries and thickens the sauce beautifully.
Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cooking chicken in batches ensures even browning and better texture.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

Cranberry Orange Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to finish with a few fresh orange slices for color and a pop of extra citrus flavor that complements the sauce perfectly. A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley or thyme also adds a bit of green and freshness. They make the dish look as good as it tastes!

Side Dishes

This cranberry orange chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides like garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up all that luscious sauce. Roasted green beans or a crisp green salad add a fresh, crunchy contrast. For something heartier, I love serving it alongside wild rice or quinoa pilaf.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this on a large platter garnished with pomegranate seeds and sprigs of rosemary. It looks stunning, festive, and invites guests to dig in family-style. Another idea? Spoon the saucy chicken over a bed of warm couscous in pretty bowls, sprinkled with toasted almonds for crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I let any leftovers cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they last nicely for 3 to 4 days. The sauce might thicken up as it chills, but it reheats beautifully.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a few times with no trouble. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight and reheat gently to preserve the texture and flavors.

Reheating

I recommend reheating this on the stovetop over low heat, covered, to slowly warm the chicken and sauce without drying the meat. A splash of water or orange juice can loosen the sauce if it’s too thick. Microwave works too for convenience, but go easy on the heat to avoid toughening the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! You can swap in boneless skinless chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them since they dry out faster than thighs. Lower the cooking time slightly and check for an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead, then store both separately in the fridge. When ready, gently reheat on the stovetop and combine to keep the chicken juicy and the sauce fresh.

What can I serve as a side with cranberry orange chicken?

Great sides include creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, wild rice, or a crisp green salad. These options nicely complement the sweet and tangy flavors of the dish.

Can I use frozen cranberries for the sauce?

Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly well for this recipe. Just add them to the skillet directly from the freezer and let them cook down until they burst and the sauce thickens.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes I keep in my arsenal for when I want to impress with little effort but maximum flavor. It’s a gentle reminder that bright, fresh ingredients combined thoughtfully can turn ordinary chicken into something truly memorable. I hope you give it a try soon—you’ll be reaching for those leftovers again, just like I do!