30-MINUTE MEALS! Get the email series now →

Cranberry Orange Chicken

By Jill MillsPublished Dec 02, 2023

Jump to Recipe ▼

5 from 2 votes

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 45

Total Time 55

Servings 6

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Cranberry Orange Chicken is a perfect dinner for the Holiday season, but it’s also great for any time of the year. This chicken thigh recipe combines the sweetness of cranberries with the tangy flavor of orange zest to create a mouthwatering chicken dish.

This was heavenly! There was utter quiet around the table while we all focused on enjoying this meal.

– Teresa

Orange Cranberry Chicken Recipe

Cranberry orange chicken has an unbelievably juicy and tangy flavor. This savory dish is sure to be an instant hit with everyone in your home and stay in the rotation for your holiday meals. The sweet cranberries are balanced perfectly by the tartness of the oranges, while the tender chicken remains moist. Not only does this meal come together effortlessly but also you can enjoy it with any side dish of your choosing — making it ideal for everyone from experienced cooks to busy parents.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken thighs: Skin-on chicken thighs are cooked in butter and seasoned with garlic salt and pepper.
Cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, and minced garlic create the sauce for the chicken thighs.
Orange, fresh cranberries, and parsley are used for garnish.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Chicken

Sear the Chicken: Add butter to the oven-proof skillet. Season the chicken and sear the chicken skin side down until the skin is crispy and brown. Remove the chicken from the pan.

Create the Sauce: Add the cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, and garlic to the drippings in the pan. Whisk together. Add the chicken back to the pan, skin side up. Place the oranges on top.

cranberry orange after baking in the oven

Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken for 40 minutes, until the chicken is 165 degrees. Garnish with parsley and fresh cranberries. Serve over mashed potatoes (if desired).

FAQS

Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs? Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs for this dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as chicken breasts may cook faster than thighs.
What Can I Serve with Cranberry Orange Chicken? Cranberry orange chicken goes well with a variety of side dishes such as rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, Brussels sprouts or a simple green salad. You can also pair it with your favorite starch like mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes.
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries? Yes, you can use frozen cranberries for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them beforehand and adjust the cooking time if necessary.
How Long Will Leftovers Last? Leftovers of cranberry orange chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven or microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze the leftover chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it before reheating.
What Other Seasonings Can I Add? Aside from parsley, you can also add other herbs and spices to the chicken before baking. Some popular options include rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, or chili flakes for a kick of heat. You can also experiment with different citrus fruits like lemon or lime for a twist on the classic recipe.

More Easy Chicken Recipes

We love for you to share our ideas, but require a link back to us for credit. Any of our creations or ideas that are shared without permission are a violation of copyright. On occasion I create posts for sponsors and often use affiliate links. I’ll let you know when that is the case and appreciate your support.

About Jill Mills