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)

Imagine juicy chicken thighs glazed in a vibrant, tangy sauce that sings with fresh cranberries and zesty orange. This Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe is the perfect balance of sweet and savory—trust me, it’s one you’ll want to make again and again.

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

I adore this Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe because it turns simple chicken thighs into something truly special with minimal fuss. The fresh-tasting sauce brightens every bite, making it a winner for dinner any night of the week.

Flavor Explosion: The combination of tart cranberries and sweet orange zest creates a sauce that’s lively and refreshing.
Easy Weeknight Meal: It uses everyday ingredients and cooks up quickly, perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without stress.
Juicy, Tender Chicken: Cooking with boneless skinless thighs keeps the meat moist and flavorful, even after glazing with sauce.
Impresses Guests: Serve this and you’ll get those “Wow, what’s in this?” comments—the kind that make you feel like a kitchen rockstar.

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

Each ingredient in this Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe works to build layers of flavor and texture. Using fresh or frozen cranberries guarantees that tangy pop, while the orange juice and zest add brightness to balance the sweetness of the maple syrup and brown sugar.

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

Chicken Thighs: These are juicy and tender, perfect for soaking up flavors without drying out—plus, they cook evenly and fast.
Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out moisture, it helps the chicken taste seasoned through.
Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and a pretty color to the chicken skin.
Black Pepper: For a touch of mild spice that complements the sweetness in the sauce.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Great for browning the chicken and bringing a smooth richness to the dish.
Cranberries: Fresh or frozen both work well; they give that wonderful tart burst when cooked down into the sauce.
Orange Juice: Adds a bright citrus note and pleasant acidity to balance the sweetness.
Pure Maple Syrup: Gives a natural, deep sweetness that pairs beautifully with cranberries.
Light Brown Sugar: Enhances caramelization and adds warmth without overpowering.
Orange Zest: Concentrates fresh orange flavor, making the sauce vibrant and aromatic.
Garlic: Adds savory depth and rounds out the citrus and sweet tones.
Orange Slices (optional): For a fresh, pretty garnish that doubles the citrus effect.

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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

I love to tweak this Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe depending on the season or my mood—you can easily make it your own by adjusting sweetness or adding your favorite herbs for a fresh twist.

Variation: Sometimes I swap brown sugar for honey for a milder sweetness and add fresh rosemary or thyme for an herbal note—it’s heavenly.
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce gives it a great contrast to the fruity sweetness.
Dietary Swaps: If you want to keep it lighter, use chicken breast—but be sure not to overcook it so it stays juicy.
Seasonal Tweaks: In winter, stirring in a splash of apple cider vinegar can add warmth and complement the cranberries perfectly.

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

Step 1: Season & Sear the Chicken

First, pat your chicken thighs dry—this trick helps you get a nice, golden crust. Then mix salt, paprika, and black pepper and sprinkle it evenly on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear your chicken thighs in a single layer, about 5 minutes each side. Don’t crowd the pan—if you need to cook in batches, do it to maintain that beautiful sear. Once cooked through (internal temp 165°F), remove the chicken and tent it with foil so it stays warm.

Step 2: Create the Cranberry Orange Sauce

With the heat lowered to medium-low, you’ll add cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup, brown sugar, orange zest, garlic, and a pinch of salt to the same skillet. This is where all those flavorful bits from cooking the chicken come into play—scrape up those tasty browned bits! Let the cranberries simmer for about 10 minutes, squishing them gently so they burst and thicken the sauce beautifully.

Step 3: Combine & Garnish

Once the sauce is luscious and thickened, nestle your chicken back into the skillet and spoon some sauce over each piece. Let everything warm together for about a minute, so the flavors meld perfectly. For a pop of color and citrus aroma, garnish with orange slices if you like. Serve it warm and watch everyone dive right in.

Top Tip

Over the years I’ve learned a few things that make this Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe foolproof every time. These small tips can really help you elevate the dish and get consistent results, especially if you’re new to cooking chicken thighs or fruit-based sauces.

Dry Chicken Thoroughly: Wet chicken won’t sear properly—it’s worth the extra pat down to get a golden crust.
Don’t Rush Cranberries: Let them simmer gently to break down fully; this gives you a naturally thick sauce without needing cornstarch or extra thickeners.
Use a Nonstick Skillet: This helps prevent sauce from sticking and burning, plus makes cleanup easier.
Rest the Chicken: Tent it loosely with foil after searing to keep it juicy and let the temperature even out before saucing.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

cranberry orange chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to garnish with thin orange slices or even a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley to brighten it up visually and add a fresh bite to contrast the rich chicken. Sometimes I toss on some toasted chopped pecans for crunch, which pairs surprisingly well with the fruity sauce.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes—the sauce soaks in beautifully. For a lighter option, steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts balance the sweetness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I’ve plated the chicken on a bed of wild rice topped with a few extra cranberry sauce drizzles and fresh orange zest spirals. It’s festive and makes the plate pop. Another time, I served it alongside a colorful autumn salad for a fresh, seasonal meal presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After cooling, I place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. The chicken stays juicy, and the sauce thickens slightly, often tasting even better the next day after the flavors mingle overnight.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe successfully by portioning out chicken and sauce separately or together in freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight and gently reheat for easy future meals.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftovers is low and slow on the stovetop or in the oven, covered, until warmed through. Microwave works too but watch it carefully so the chicken doesn’t dry out; a splash of water and covering can help maintain moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts if you prefer. Just be sure not to overcook them as breasts dry out faster. Cook until just done and consider marinating beforehand for extra moisture.

Can I prepare the cranberry orange sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Reheat gently on the stove and add it to the cooked chicken just before serving for easy meal prep.

What’s the best way to get the sauce thick and glossy?

Simmering the sauce gently for about 10 minutes while crushing the cranberries releases their natural pectin, which helps thicken the sauce without needing thickeners like cornstarch. Be patient, and you’ll get that perfect sheen.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free as long as you use a gluten-free maple syrup (most are) and ensure your brown sugar and other ingredients don’t have cross-contamination. It’s a great fit for many dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe has become one of those dishes I return to when I want something that feels both comforting and a little fancy. The tangy-sweet sauce paired with tender chicken is a combo I never get tired of. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s perfect for weeknights, special occasions, or whenever you want your dinner to have a bit of a bright, cozy twist. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out in your kitchen!