Cranberry Orange Chicken is a bright and tasty dish that brings together juicy chicken breasts with the zesty flavors of fresh orange and the sweet-tart punch of cranberries. The sauce is a perfect mix of fruity and tangy, making every bite pop with freshness and color. It’s a simple dinner that feels a little special without needing a lot of work.
I love how this recipe balances the sweet and citrus flavors with savory chicken. The cranberry sauce isn’t too heavy or sticky, and the orange zest adds just the right zing. When I make it, I usually double the sauce because it’s so good to spread over the chicken and spoon onto rice or mashed potatoes. It’s one of those meals where you get a little happiness in every bite.
This chicken is great for a weeknight dinner or even entertaining friends when you want something interesting but not complicated. I like to serve it with a simple green salad or some steamed veggies on the side. It feels fresh, bright, and like a dish you want to go back for seconds of — especially during colder months when a bit of citrus cheer is a welcome thing.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken thighs: Using bone-in, skin-on thighs gives more flavor and juicy meat. If you prefer white meat, boneless chicken breasts work too but watch cooking time to avoid drying out.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries add a bright tang, but frozen ones are just fine. No need to thaw before cooking—they’ll soften nicely in the sauce.
Orange juice & slices: Fresh orange juice and slices give the sauce a lively citrus zing. If fresh oranges aren’t available, bottled juice can be used, but fresh zest helps brighten flavors.
Sweetener: Maple syrup adds a nice depth, but honey is an excellent substitute. You can adjust sweetness to your liking depending on how tart the cranberries are.
Dijon mustard: This adds a subtle tang and helps balance sweet and savory elements. If you don’t have Dijon, yellow mustard can work but flavor will be milder.
How Do You Get Crispy, Golden Chicken Skin Every Time?
Achieving crispy chicken skin starts with patting the skin dry with paper towels—moisture prevents crisping.
- Heat oil in the skillet until shimmering but not smoking.
- Place chicken skin-side down, pressing gently to ensure contact.
- Cook without moving for about 5 minutes until skin is nicely browned and releases easily from the pan.
- Flip and sear the other side just to brown slightly.
- Finish cooking in the oven to keep skin crisp while ensuring meat is cooked through.
This method keeps skin crisp without burning, while locking in juicy flavor underneath.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large oven-safe skillet – perfect for searing chicken and finishing it in the oven without extra dishes.
- Tongs – help you turn chicken safely without tearing the skin.
- Sharp knife – needed for slicing onions, garlic, and orange slices neatly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – make sure your sauce ingredients are balanced every time.
- Instant-read meat thermometer – ensures your chicken is cooked perfectly without guessing.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try boneless chicken breasts or thighs if you want quicker cook time and leaner meat.
- Add fresh rosemary instead of thyme for a woodsy, piney flavor that pairs well with citrus.
- Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a crunchy texture contrast.
- Mix in a pinch of ground cinnamon or ginger to give the sauce a warm, spiced twist, especially nice in fall or winter.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken and Sauce:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ cup orange juice (preferably fresh)
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, 8 minutes to sear the chicken, and about 25 minutes baking time. In total, you’ll spend approximately 40-45 minutes making this vibrant and flavorful chicken dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Season the Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Sprinkle salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using) generously on the chicken thighs for good flavor.
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the chicken skin-side down in the pan and cook for about 5 minutes until the skin becomes golden and crisp. Flip the chicken and cook the other side for about 3 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft. Then add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup or honey, Dijon mustard, and thyme. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes so it thickens a little and the cranberries soften.
4. Bake in Oven:
Put the chicken back in the skillet, skin side up, and arrange the orange slices around it. Place the skillet in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Serve and Garnish:
When done, take the skillet out of the oven, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs, and spoon the tangy cranberry-orange sauce over the chicken. Serve hot with your favorite sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. Enjoy your tasty meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Thighs?
Yes, frozen chicken thighs can be used, but make sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator overnight for even cooking. Pat them dry before seasoning and searing to get crispy skin.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the sauce and sear the chicken a day ahead, then refrigerate separately. When ready, reheat the sauce on the stove and finish baking the chicken in the oven until cooked through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of orange juice or broth to refresh the sauce if it thickens too much.
What Are Some Side Dish Ideas?
This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or simply steamed green veggies like broccoli or green beans to balance the bright flavors.