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 (150 g) cranberries, fresh or frozen; ⅔ cup (166 g) orange juice; ¼ cup (79 g) pure maple syrup; ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons orange zest; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; Orange slices, for garnish (optional)

Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe is the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with such a wonderful aroma—you'll want to dive right in. The tangy cranberries combined with the bright orange give this chicken a deliciously fresh and festive flavor that's perfect for any night, but especially those that call for something a little special.

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

This Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe has quickly become one of my favorites to make on busy weeknights or when I want to impress guests without breaking a sweat. The balance of sweet, tart, and savory hits all the right notes, and the sauce practically makes itself while you cook the chicken. It’s a total crowd-pleaser—and here’s why you’ll love it too.

Simplicity Meets Flavor: It’s straightforward enough for weeknights but feels fancy and festive with the vibrant cranberry orange sauce.
One-Skillet Wonder: You cook the chicken and the sauce right in the same pan, saving on dishes and locking in amazing flavor.
Perfect Balance: The tartness of cranberries paired with the sweetness of orange and maple syrup creates a sauce that's neither too sweet nor too tangy.
Great for All Seasons: This recipe works well for a cozy winter dinner or a bright spring meal, and leftovers are just as good the next day.

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

I love how a handful of simple ingredients come together here to create a sauce that’s bursting with fresh flavor all while complementing juicy chicken thighs. Picking quality ingredients really makes a difference, especially when it comes to your citrus and cranberries.

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: They stay juicy and tender, which works perfectly with the bright sauce coating them.
Kosher Salt, Paprika & Black Pepper: These seasonings add a simple but flavorful base to the chicken before cooking.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Gives a nice sear and depth without overpowering the subtle flavors.
Cranberries (fresh or frozen): They’re the star of the sauce, bringing that signature tart punch and a beautiful ruby color.
Orange Juice & Orange Zest: Adds brightness and layers of citrus flavor that elevate the sauce beyond just sweetness.
Pure Maple Syrup & Light Brown Sugar: A natural, caramel-like sweetness balances the tart cranberries perfectly.
Minced Garlic: Adds savory warmth that cuts through the sweet and tart elements nicely.
Orange Slices (optional): For garnish—they add visual appeal and a pop of freshness when served.

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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

One of the things I love about this Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to make your own spin on it. Once you’ve got the basics down, feel free to tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Add Heat: Sometimes I like to sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a subtle kick that warms up the sweetness without overpowering it.
Swap the Sweetener: If you want a lower glycemic option, try honey or even agave syrup instead of maple and brown sugar.
Use Chicken Breasts: Though thighs are my favorite for their juiciness, boneless skinless breasts work too—just watch your cooking time carefully to avoid drying out.
Make It Gluten-Free: This recipe naturally is gluten-free, so it’s great if you’re cooking for someone with gluten sensitivities.

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

Step 1: Seasoning and Preparing the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken thighs dry with paper towels—this helps them get that golden sear everyone loves. Then, mix kosher salt, paprika, and black pepper in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly on both sides of the chicken. I usually rub it in lightly with my fingers so the seasoning really sticks.

Step 2: Searing the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once you see the oil shimmer, lay the chicken thighs skin side down if they had skin (mine don’t, but if you use skin-on it’s a bonus). Cook in a single layer for about 5 minutes on the first side without moving them—this helps develop that beautiful crust. Flip and cook another 5 minutes or until the internal temperature hits 165°F. Don’t forget to check with a meat thermometer for perfection! Then transfer the chicken onto a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Making the Cranberry Orange Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low and add your cranberries, orange juice, pure maple syrup, light brown sugar, orange zest, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt right into the same skillet. Those browned bits stuck to the pan from the chicken? Scrape them up—they’re flavor gold! Let everything simmer for about 10 minutes. You’ll notice the cranberries soften and burst, releasing a vibrant, tangy sauce that thickens as it cooks. I gently press cranberries with a spoon to help them pop, giving the sauce that beautiful texture.

Step 4: Bringing It All Together

Now nestle the cooked chicken back into the skillet, spooning that glossy sauce over each piece. Let it warm through for about a minute to marry the flavors. Then, for a pretty finish, garnish with fresh orange slices if you like. Serve it hot and watch how everyone dives right in!

Top Tip

From my own kitchen adventures, a few tips make this Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe shine every time without stress.

Patience with the Sear: Resist the urge to move the chicken around too soon—it needs that undisturbed heat to get a gorgeous golden crust.
Don’t Skip the Zest: Orange zest amps up the citrus flavor without extra juice, giving the sauce a fresh, bright punch.
Use a Meat Thermometer: This helped me end my guesswork for perfectly cooked chicken—165°F is your go-to number.
Let the Sauce Thicken Slowly: Keep heat moderate so your sauce doesn’t burn on the bottom but gets rich and spoonable instead.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

cranberry orange chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping the finished chicken with fresh orange slices and a sprinkle of chopped parsley or thyme. The citrus slices bring a fresh zing and a splash of color, while herbs add a subtle earthiness that balances the sweet-tart sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

For sides, I like fluffy jasmine rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every bit of that delicious cranberry orange sauce. Roasted green beans or a simple arugula salad with a light vinaigrette also add a fresh, crisp contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, you could serve this Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe on a bed of wild rice pilaf and drizzle extra sauce artistically around the plate. Adding pomegranate seeds or edible flowers really turns it into a showstopper that guests will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and usually they stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so I often find reheated portions taste even better the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen fully cooked Cranberry Orange Chicken a couple of times, and it works well. Just cool it completely, pack in freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the chicken moist and prevent the sauce from drying out. You can add a splash of water or orange juice if it seems too thick. Microwave works in a pinch but be careful not to overcook your chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! You can use boneless skinless chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner option. Just reduce the cooking time slightly and monitor closely to avoid drying out the meat.

Can I make the cranberry orange sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. When ready to serve, warm it up gently in a pan and then add the cooked chicken to heat through.

What can I serve with this Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe?

Great sides include rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. The sauce is versatile enough to complement a variety of dishes and make your meal feel complete.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free ingredients like pure maple syrup and check your brown sugar label.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe feels like a warm hug from my kitchen to yours. It’s one of those dishes I make over and over because it never disappoints, whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a fancy dinner with friends. I hope you’ll give it a try and discover how easy it is to layer flavors in this simply elegant way. Trust me—you’re going to love how the tangy cranberry and zingy orange come together to make ordinary chicken truly memorable.