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Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Savor the vibrant combination of tart cranberries, fresh orange juice, and golden baked chicken in this comforting dish. Searing the chicken seals in juices while a homemade glaze of citrus, honey, and mustard adds a sweet, tangy finish. As it bakes, the aromatic sauce thickens and beautifully coats each piece. Perfect for family dinners or festive occasions, this main course is both simple and impressive, offering balanced flavor and satisfying texture. Serve with your favorite sides for a memorable meal all winter long.

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Recipes Fives Halima
Created by Mary Loxip Mary Loxip
Last updated on Sun, 07 Dec 2025 23:31:15 GMT
A plate of food with a glaze of cranberry and orange. Pin
A plate of food with a glaze of cranberry and orange. | panbite.com

Cranberry orange glazed chicken is the weeknight dinner I turn to when I need something special but still simple enough for a busy evening. The juicy chicken pairs beautifully with the tangy-sweet glaze and fresh cranberries make it feel like a celebration on the plate. Every time I serve this, it gets rave reviews and there are never any leftovers.

My family requests this every fall and winter and I love how the aroma fills the kitchen. It started as a holiday recipe and now I make it year-round when cranberries are in season.

Gather Your Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts or thighs: use free-range chicken for juiciness and flavor
  • Fresh cranberries: give a bright tart pop and gorgeous color
  • Orange juice: freshly squeezed gives the best citrusy punch
  • Honey: brings natural sweetness and helps create a glossy glaze
  • Olive oil: extra virgin for richer flavor and moisture
  • Salt and pepper: bring out all the flavors
  • Garlic powder: if using enhances the savory notes
  • Soy sauce and Dijon mustard: if you like layers of deeper umami and spice
  • Parsley: optional but makes a lovely fresh garnish at the end

How to Make It

Season the Chicken:
Pat the chicken dry and season generously with salt pepper and garlic powder on both sides. This step helps seal in flavor and set the foundation for your dish.
Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high. Place chicken in the pan and let each side get deeply golden and caramelized about five minutes per side. Searing locks in juices and gives your chicken a beautiful crust.
Make the Glaze:
In a bowl stir together cranberries orange juice honey orange zest soy sauce and Dijon mustard until combined. This mix should smell sweet and citrusy.
Glaze the Chicken:
Pour your prepared glaze right over each piece of chicken in the skillet. Use a spoon to make sure cranberries are spread around evenly.
Bake:
Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven set at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for twenty-five to thirty minutes until the chicken reaches one hundred sixty-five degrees in the thickest part. Halfway through baste with glaze from the pan to keep the chicken moist and boost the flavor.
Let Rest and Finish:
Once the chicken is cooked through let it rest for five minutes. Sprinkle with parsley if desired before slicing and serving.
A plate of food with a glaze of cranberry and orange.
A plate of food with a glaze of cranberry and orange. | panbite.com

Cranberries are my favorite here because they burst and release a lovely tangy juice as they cook. My kids love to help scatter them in the pan and it always reminds me of our first Thanksgiving in our new house where this dish stole the show.

Flavor Boosters

This dish will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage freeze cooled chicken and glaze in a freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge then warm gently in a covered baking dish adding a splash of orange juice to freshen up the glaze.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over rice to soak up the sauce or alongside creamy mashed potatoes. A crisp green salad is always perfect for balance. I love extra fresh orange zest on top for more brightness.

Creative Twists

Boneless thighs can be swapped for breasts if you prefer dark meat. Maple syrup can be used in place of honey for deeper autumn notes. If fresh cranberries are unavailable you can use frozen straight from the freezer no need to thaw.

A plate of chicken with a glaze of cranberry and orange.
A plate of chicken with a glaze of cranberry and orange. | panbite.com

Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy. This elegant dish will turn any dinner into a special occasion.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well; just thaw and drain them before adding to the glaze.

→ What chicken cut is best for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for even cooking and absorbing the glaze, but thighs can also be used.

→ How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C); use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

→ Can the glaze be made ahead of time?

Yes, the cranberry orange glaze can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to two days before baking.

→ What sides pair well with cranberry orange glazed chicken?

This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken

Celebrate winter with cranberry orange glazed chicken, a zesty main dish enhanced by honey and fresh citrus. Ideal for December holiday meals or weeknight comfort. Save & click.

Preparation Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
45 minutes
Complete Time
60 minutes
Created by Mary Loxip: Mary Loxip

Type of Recipe: Main Dishes

Level of Skill: Some Experience Needed

Cultural Cuisine: American

Serves: 8 Portion Size (8 individual portions)

Dietary Needs: Lactose-Free

What You Need

→ Chicken

01 4 to 6 boneless skinless chicken breasts

→ Glaze

02 1 cup fresh cranberries
03 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
04 2 teaspoons orange zest
05 1/4 cup honey
06 1 tablespoon soy sauce
07 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

→ Seasoning and Finishing

08 2 tablespoons olive oil
09 1 teaspoon garlic powder
10 Salt to taste
11 Black pepper to taste
12 Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

How to Make It

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 02

Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 03

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 5 minutes per side, until golden brown.

Step 04

In a bowl, mix together fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard until thoroughly combined.

Step 05

Pour the prepared cranberry orange glaze over the seared chicken breasts in the skillet.

Step 06

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).

Step 07

Halfway through baking, baste the chicken with glaze from the pan to ensure maximum flavor and moisture.

Step 08

Remove skillet from the oven and allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

Step 09

Top with freshly chopped parsley before serving, if desired.

Extra Tips

  1. Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor, and ensure chicken breasts are of similar thickness for even cooking.

Tools You'll Need

  • Oven-safe skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and chopping board

Allergen Information

Always review ingredients for possible allergens and consult a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains soy (from soy sauce) and mustard.

Nutritional Details (Per Serving)

These facts are provided as informational and aren't a substitute for professional advice.
  • Calories: 430
  • Fat Content: 18 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 40 grams
  • Protein Content: 15 grams