Print

Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

4.8 from 25 reviews

This Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe is a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors, perfect for a cozy dinner. Juicy chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection and then simmered in a flavorful orange-cranberry sauce that’s both tangy and slightly sweet. Serve this vibrant dish with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
  • fresh rosemary or orange slices for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  3. Make the sauce: In the same skillet, combine orange juice, orange zest, chicken broth, honey, Dijon mustard, and dried thyme. Stir and bring to a simmer.
  4. Add cranberries: Add cranberries and return the chicken to the skillet. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes.
  5. Thicken the sauce: For a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until thickened.
  6. Serve: Spoon the cranberry orange sauce over the chicken and garnish with rosemary or orange slices before serving.

Notes

  • This dish pairs beautifully with wild rice, roasted vegetables, or mashed sweet potatoes.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if preferred.

Nutrition