About this recipe

This dish mixes tart cranberries and sweet orange for a bright main dish. It uses fresh fruit and a small set of pantry items. You can pair it with baked goods like cranberry orange bread for a full meal.

why make this recipe

You can make this dish fast and it can feel special. The sauce makes plain chicken taste new and bright. If you like quick orange flavors, try a simple version like the 3-ingredient orange chicken to see how orange works with chicken.

how to make Cranberry Orange Chicken

This method keeps the chicken moist and gives it a fresh fruit top. You can use the same steps for a pan roast or oven bake; see a different approach in an easy orange chicken guide if you want another view.

Ingredients :

4 chicken breasts
1 cup fresh cranberries
1 orange, juiced and zested
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon thyme (optional)

Directions :

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a bowl, mix orange juice, zest, honey, olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme.
Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the mixture over them.
Scatter fresh cranberries around the chicken.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Serve warm, garnished with additional orange zest if desired.

how to serve Cranberry Orange Chicken

Serve this dish with rice, roasted veg, or a green salad. The sauce works well on warm rice or over a bed of fresh greens. For a warm roast style, you can draw ideas from a roasted orange chicken recipe to add crisp skin or extra roast time.

how to store Cranberry Orange Chicken

Cool the chicken to room temp no more than two hours after cooking. Put it in a tight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a low oven or in a pan with a splash of water to keep it moist. You can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

tips to make Cranberry Orange Chicken

Use fresh orange juice for the best bright taste. If you like a more sweet glaze, add a bit more honey at the end and broil for one minute. For more fruit notes on the table, try a dessert that matches the flavors, like a white chocolate cake with cranberry orange compote after the meal.

variation (if any)

Use chicken thighs for more fat and a fuller taste.
Add sliced onions or carrots to the baking dish for more veg.
Swap honey for maple syrup for a different sweet note.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen cranberries?
A: Yes. Use them straight from the bag but add a few minutes to the bake time.

Q: Is this dish safe for meal prep?
A: Yes. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat before you eat.

Q: Can I make the sauce on the stove and use it as a glaze?
A: Yes. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes to thicken it, then brush it on the chicken before broil.

Q: Can I use less sugar?
A: Yes. Cut the honey to half if you want a less sweet sauce.