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)

There’s something incredibly comforting about the bright zing of citrus paired with the sweet-tart burst of cranberries, especially when cooked with tender chicken. This Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe brings those flavors together into a cozy, delicious dinner that’s both elegant and easy to make.

A black cast iron pan holds seven pieces of golden-brown cooked chicken, each topped with bright red cranberry sauce and small green herb sprinkles. The chicken looks crispy on top with a juicy texture under the sauce. In the pan, the sauce pools around the chicken with visible whole cranberries adding texture. Around the pan, there are small orange wedges, green parsley leaves, and a small bowl with chopped green herbs, all set on a white marbled surface. 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 go-to weeknight meals—and here’s why. It balances sweet and savory so perfectly that it feels special without any fuss, making it a win for busy cooks like us.

Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these in your kitchen, and the few fresh ones are easy to find.
Quick to Make: From start to finish, you’re looking at about 35 minutes tops—perfect for a weekday dinner.
Flavor Explosion: The cranberry-orange sauce is both bright and comforting, lifting the chicken in a way that feels fresh but familiar.
Versatile Meal: This recipe pairs wonderfully with so many sides and works well for guests or family dinners alike.

The image shows a close-up of a single piece of cooked chicken on a spoon, coated in a thick, glossy, dark red sauce with chunks of what appear to be dried cranberries or similar berries. The chicken is golden-brown and moist, with fresh green parsley leaves sprinkled on top for contrast. The spoon is lifting the chicken from a white bowl containing more pieces of chicken covered in the same dark red sauce with visible bits of the berries and sauce spread around the bowl’s interior. The background and surface are a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Getting the right mix of fresh and pantry staples is key here. The juicy orange and tart cranberries create a beautiful sauce that complements the rich chicken thighs. Here’s a quick rundown of why each ingredient matters for this Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe.

Flat lay of six raw boneless skinless chicken thighs seasoned with visible sprinkles of paprika and black pepper, a few whole kosher salt crystals scattered nearby, a small white ceramic bowl of extra virgin olive oil with a golden sheen, a handful of fresh bright red cranberries, a small white bowl filled with vibrant orange juice, a small white bowl holding rich amber maple syrup, a small white bowl with light brown sugar crystals, a few fresh orange slices arranged neatly, a small pile of finely grated orange zest, and a small mound of minced garlic cloves all 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

Chicken thighs: I love thighs because they're juicy and forgiving—less likely to dry out than breasts.
Kosher salt: Enhances flavor without overpowering; key for seasoning both chicken and sauce.
Paprika: Adds subtle smoky warmth and a lovely color to the chicken skin.
Black pepper: Brings mild heat and depth to the seasoning blend.
Extra virgin olive oil: Perfect for searing chicken, adds a touch of fruity richness.
Cranberries: Fresh or frozen both work well—fresh brings brightness, frozen adds convenience.
Orange juice: Fresh-squeezed juice really makes a difference here, giving the sauce that authentic tangy sweetness.
Pure maple syrup: I find it balances the tart cranberries perfectly and adds a natural depth.
Light brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and helps thicken the sauce.
Orange zest: Brings intense citrus aroma without extra liquid—don’t skip this!
Garlic: Just a touch for savory complexity—helps the sauce stand out.
Orange slices (optional): Lovely for garnish and a fresh pop of color.

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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 adore about this Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to tweak depending on what you love or have on hand. I often switch up the sweeteners or add extra spices to dial up the flavor.

Variation: Once, I swapped brown sugar for honey and loved the slightly different floral sweetness it gave the sauce.
Dietary tweaks: Try using chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but watch your cooking time closely to avoid dryness.
Seasonal changes: Add fresh rosemary or thyme for a herby twist when oranges aren’t in season.

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

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken thighs dry with paper towels – this helps get that beautiful, golden crust. Then sprinkle a mix of kosher salt, paprika, and black pepper evenly over both sides. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large nonstick skillet and place the chicken in a single layer. I usually sear them about 5 minutes on one side without moving them so they develop a nice crust. Flip and cook another 5 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F internally. Then set the chicken aside, tented with foil to keep it comfy and warm.

Step 2: Make That Glorious Cranberry Orange Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low and use the same skillet (bonus points for those tasty browned bits!). Add cranberries, fresh orange juice, maple syrup, brown sugar, orange zest, garlic, and just a pinch of salt. Stir gently as the cranberries soften and the sauce thickens, which usually takes about 10 minutes. I like to gently squish the berries with my spoon—they pop and release their tangy goodness, making the sauce rich and vibrant.

Step 3: Combine and Warm Through

Once the sauce looks glossy and thickened, nestle the chicken thighs back in the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece. Let them warm through on medium-low heat for about a minute. This step lets the chicken soak up some of that zesty sauce flavor and ensures it’s perfectly heated when served.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a few thin orange slices for a pop of color and fresh aroma. Serve warm and prepare for the compliments coming your way!

Top Tip

After making this recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really boost success—especially if you’re new to cooking chicken thighs or want a sauce that’s perfectly balanced.

Dry The Chicken: I can’t stress enough how drying the chicken first helps the sear. Wet chicken steams instead of browns, and you’ll miss out on those flavorful crusts.
Don’t Rush the Sauce: Take your time letting the cranberries burst and the sauce thicken gently on medium-low heat to avoid burning or sticking.
Use a Thermometer: Checking for 165°F ensures juicy chicken without overcooking. It’s my foolproof way to nail texture every time.
Let It Rest: Tent the chicken with foil after cooking so juices redistribute nicely—you’ll thank me at mealtime.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

cranberry orange chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for simple yet pretty garnishes—orange slices are my favorite here because they echo the sauce’s citrus notes perfectly. Sometimes, I sprinkle a bit of fresh chopped parsley or thyme for that green contrast and fresh herb aroma.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs beautifully with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a wild rice pilaf to soak up all that sauce. Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans tossed with a bit of olive oil and garlic make for a fresh, easy veggie side. I often serve it alongside a simple mixed greens salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or special dinners, I like to arrange the chicken on a large platter surrounded by segments of fresh orange and a sprinkle of cranberries for a festive look. You could also serve the chicken over a bed of couscous or quinoa topped with toasted nuts and fresh herbs to add texture and color appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The sauce continues to develop flavors overnight, making the meal taste even better the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze this Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe, but I recommend freezing the sauce and chicken separately if possible. The sauce can sometimes separate slightly when frozen, but a good stir after thawing fixes that easily.

Reheating

Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water or orange juice to keep the chicken moist and the sauce silky. Avoid overheating to keep the texture balanced and the flavors bright.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine, but they cook faster and can dry out more easily. I recommend cooking them a bit more gently and checking temperature frequently to keep them juicy.

Can I make the cranberry orange sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce actually tastes great made a few hours ahead or even the day before. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently before adding the chicken.

What can I serve with Cranberry Orange Chicken to make a complete meal?

Great side dishes to serve include rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green beans, and a fresh green salad. These sides balance the sweetness and make a satisfying dinner.

Can I freeze leftovers of this Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe?

Yes, you can! For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce separately. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently to preserve texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe is one of those meals that feel like a warm hug after a long day. It’s got just the right amount of sweetness, tang, and savory goodness to make your taste buds dance. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough to serve when friends come over. Give it a try, and don’t forget to savor every saucy bite!