introduction
This dish uses bright orange and tart cranberries. It cooks fast and tastes fresh. You can make it for a weeknight meal or a small get together. Try a similar dish like the easy orange chicken if you want a simpler orange sauce.
why make this recipe
You get sweet, tart, and savory all in one plate. The sauce shines on plain rice or soft potatoes. The dish looks bright and works for family meals. If you like very simple recipes, you might also like the 3-ingredient orange chicken for a quick option.
how to make Easy Cranberry Orange Chicken
Follow clear steps and watch the sauce. Brown the chicken first to add flavor. Let the cranberries pop in the pan so the sauce gets thick. For a fun twist on sides, pair with a bread like cranberry orange bread.
Ingredients :
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (breasts are leaner; thighs are juicier)
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (frozen works too if needed)
- 1 large orange (zested and juiced — about 1/2 cup juice)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (balances tartness of cranberries)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning chicken)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water (creates silky sauce)
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (for extra depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for a slight tang)
Directions :
- Pat chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme or rosemary. For extra flavor, marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature (optional).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add chicken to hot skillet and cook for 4-6 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked yet. Transfer browned chicken to a plate and set aside.
- In the same skillet (do not clean it), add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and honey to the skillet. Stir to combine.
- Bring sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and release their juice. The sauce should reduce and thicken slightly.
- Return browned chicken to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the tops.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor.
- Cover skillet and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Spoon the cranberry-orange sauce over chicken. Garnish with fresh herbs or extra orange zest if desired. Serve immediately.
how to serve Easy Cranberry Orange Chicken
Serve the chicken hot with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. Spoon extra sauce over each plate. A light salad and warm bread make a nice set. For a sweet finish, serve with a white chocolate cake with cranberry orange compote if you want a matching dessert.
how to store Easy Cranberry Orange Chicken
Let the chicken cool to room temperature first. Put it in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan on low heat so the sauce stays smooth. You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
tips to make Easy Cranberry Orange Chicken
- Use fresh orange juice for the best taste.
- Do not overcook the chicken; use a thermometer if you can.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few minutes to thicken.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth.
- You can use thighs for more flavor and breasts for less fat. Try a test batch if you like the flavor of crack chicken tenders and want to mix ideas.
variation (if any)
- Add a splash of orange liqueur for a deeper orange taste.
- Stir in a small pat of butter at the end for a silkier sauce.
- Add sliced apples or pears with the cranberries for fall flavors.
- Use turkey cutlets the same way for a lean swap.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries?
A: Yes. Use frozen cranberries. Do not thaw first. They will cook in the sauce.
Q: Can I make this in the oven?
A: Yes. Brown the chicken in a pan, then add the sauce and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until done.
Q: Is this safe for kids?
A: Yes. The sauce is sweet and tart. Cut the chicken small for young kids.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: Yes. Make the sauce and keep it in the fridge. Warm it and add to cooked chicken before serving.
Q: What side goes best with this dish?
A: Rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed green beans all work well.
Easy Cranberry Orange Chicken
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Poultry
Description
A quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken cooked with fresh cranberries and a tangy orange sauce, perfect for weeknight meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 large orange (zested and juiced)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Marinate for 30 minutes if desired.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 4-6 minutes per side until golden brown. Set aside.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and honey. Stir to combine.
- Simmer for 5-7 minutes until cranberries burst and sauce thickens.
- Return chicken to skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits.
- Cover and simmer on low for 10-12 minutes until chicken is done.
- Garnish and serve immediately.
Notes
Use fresh orange juice for the best flavor. Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
