Name: Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 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 (optional)

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with the vibrant and zesty flavors of Cranberry Orange Chicken! This is one of those dishes that delivers a ton of wow with surprisingly little effort — plump chicken thighs soak up the sweet-tart magic of cranberries and oranges, all tied together with a fragrant sauce that’s equal parts fresh and comforting. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just looking to bring something new to the weeknight table, Cranberry Orange Chicken checks all the boxes: Elegant enough for guests, yet cozy and easy enough for a family meal.

Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Cranberry Orange Chicken come straight from your pantry and fridge but combine to create something totally special. Every single component is important, contributing either vibrant color, juicy tenderness, natural sweetness, or depth of flavor. Let’s look at what you’ll need — plus a few tips to make your cooking even easier.

Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay wonderfully juicy and absorb flavor beautifully — don’t substitute breasts if you want maximum tenderness.
Kosher salt: The right amount seasons the chicken perfectly and makes the sauce sing.
Paprika: A dash of paprika enhances the color and adds a subtle hint of warmth to the chicken.
Black pepper: Essential for balancing the sweet and tart notes in the sauce with a mild kick.
Extra virgin olive oil: Helps achieve that delicious golden sear and adds richness to the sauce.
Cranberries: Fresh or frozen both work; bursting berries add gorgeous color, tartness, and texture.
Orange juice: Use freshly squeezed if possible for the brightest citrus flavor in your sauce.
Pure maple syrup: For deep, natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the fruit.
Light brown sugar: Helps balance out the tart cranberries and gives the sauce a velvety body.
Orange zest: Zest is the secret ingredient that brings intense aromatic freshness — don’t skip it!
Garlic (minced): Just a teaspoon creates a savory base layer that makes every bite more satisfying.
Orange slices (for garnish): Completely optional but a visually stunning way to serve up your creation.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Chicken

Step 1: Pat, Season, and Prep

Begin by patting your chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture, letting the seasonings stick and helping the chicken brown beautifully. Mix 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt, ½ teaspoon paprika, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper in a small bowl, then sprinkle the blend over both sides of the chicken so every bite is well seasoned.

Step 2: Sear to Perfection

Set a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. When the oil shimmers, add your chicken thighs in a single layer (you may need two batches). Cook each side for 5 minutes or until you get that gorgeous golden crust and the chicken reaches 165°F inside. Transfer the thighs to a plate and cover loosely with foil so they stay juicy and warm.

Step 3: Build the Cranberry Orange Chicken Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low, keeping all those tasty browned bits in the pan for extra flavor. Into the skillet, toss the cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup, brown sugar, orange zest, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Those tart berries mixed with citrus and sweeteners will soon bubble into a sauce that captures the very heart of Cranberry Orange Chicken.

Step 4: Simmer and Smash

Use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently crush some of the cranberries as the sauce simmers for about 10 minutes. This helps thicken the sauce and release all those lovely juices. Scrape up any pan bits as you go — they’re packed with flavor!

Step 5: Return the Chicken

Return your reserved chicken and their juices right into the skillet. Spoon that ruby sauce over each thigh, ensuring they’re coated with both flavor and color. Let everything cook together for a minute, just until the chicken is heated through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

For a finishing touch, scatter orange slices over the top. This not only looks beautiful but hints at the bright flavors inside. Serve your Cranberry Orange Chicken warm and get ready for rave reviews!

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Chicken

Garnishes

Garnishing is where you can let your creativity shine! Try thin orange slices or a sprinkle of extra orange zest for color and aroma. If you want to really amp up the festive vibe, add a handful of whole cranberries on top or a scattering of fresh herbs like parsley for that extra pop of green.

Side Dishes

Cranberry Orange Chicken sings when paired with something that can soak up all that delicious sauce. Fluffy mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or even a wild rice pilaf work beautifully. For a lighter touch, go with steamed green beans or a simple arugula salad dressed with a citrus vinaigrette.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, try serving Cranberry Orange Chicken family-style in a big skillet, nestled amidst orange slices and cranberries. Or, for a more elegant presentation, plate each thigh individually and drizzle sauce over the top, finishing with a fresh sprig of rosemary or thyme.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cranberry Orange Chicken keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator! Place cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and get richer with a little time, making those next-day bites extra tasty.

Freezing

If you’re planning ahead, you can freeze Cranberry Orange Chicken, sauce and all. Let everything cool first, then package in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It will hold well for up to 2 months. Just be sure to label and date for best results!

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm chicken and sauce together in a skillet over gentle heat, adding a splash of orange juice or water if the sauce seems thick. This keeps the chicken tender and the sauce luscious.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs are juicier and tend to be more flavorful for Cranberry Orange Chicken, breasts can be used if you prefer. Just keep an eye on cooking time so they don’t dry out.

Will dried cranberries work if I don’t have fresh or frozen?

Dried cranberries can be used in a pinch, but the result will be a bit sweeter and lack the same tart burst. If using dried, soak them in hot water for 20 minutes before adding to the pan.

Can I make Cranberry Orange Chicken in advance for a party?

Definitely! This dish reheats like a dream, making it ideal for entertaining. Prepare up to two days ahead and gently rewarm with a splash of extra orange juice to refresh the sauce.

What can I use besides maple syrup?

If you don’t have maple syrup, honey is a fantastic alternative. It gives a different nuance but still balances the cranberries with natural sweetness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Every ingredient in Cranberry Orange Chicken is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe option for most guests. Just double check your spices and maple syrup labels if you need to be certain.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that sparkles with color, flavor, and a touch of celebration, Cranberry Orange Chicken should absolutely be on your menu. Give it a try — once you taste that dazzling sauce with tender chicken, you’ll want to make it again and again!