Here is a simple, bright, and easy chicken recipe with a sweet-tart sauce.
introduction
This Cranberry Orange Chicken is easy to make. It uses fresh or frozen cranberries and orange for a bright sauce. The flavor is fresh and a little sweet. If you like cranberry and orange together, you may also enjoy this cranberry and orange bread for a matching treat: cranberry and orange bread with simple glaze.
why make this recipe
Make this recipe when you want a quick weeknight dinner or a simple dish for guests. It needs few ingredients and little hands-on time. The sauce is fresh and not too sweet. The chicken stays moist and the cranberries give a nice pop.
how to make Cranberry Orange Chicken
Preheat the oven and mix the sauce. Season and bake the chicken. If you want ideas for baking chicken and simple oven tips, see this baked chicken guide: chicken noodle casserole.
Steps at a glance:
- Mix cranberries, orange juice, zest, and brown sugar.
- Season chicken and place in a baking dish.
- Pour sauce over chicken, drizzle oil, and bake.
Follow the full Directions section below for exact steps.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh herbs for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and brown sugar until well combined. (Tip: mash a few cranberries for more sauce.)
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and place them in a baking dish.
- Pour the cranberry-orange mixture over the chicken, ensuring the breasts are well coated.
- Drizzle olive oil on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired before serving.
how to serve Cranberry Orange Chicken
Serve the chicken hot with simple sides. Steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a green salad work well. For a crunchy side idea, try a hearty casserole or a cheesy side like this crunchy chicken dish: cheesy and crunchy Doritos chicken casserole. Garnish with fresh herbs or extra orange slices.
how to store Cranberry Orange Chicken
- Cool the chicken to room temperature before storing.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, or use a microwave in short bursts.
- For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Cranberry Orange Chicken
- Use frozen cranberries if fresh are not available. They work fine.
- Taste the sauce before adding to see if you want more sugar or more orange.
- Lightly mash some cranberries for a saucier texture.
- Do not overbake the chicken to keep it moist. Use a meat thermometer if you can; 165°F (74°C) is done.
variation (if any)
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for richer flavor.
- Add a splash of balsamic or soy sauce for depth.
- Stir in chopped onions or a crushed garlic clove to the sauce before baking.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a mild kick.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries?
A: Yes. Use them straight from the freezer. They will release more juice as they cook.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: Yes. Mix the cranberry, orange juice, zest, and sugar up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Add to chicken when ready to bake.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is done?
A: The chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) or the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink.
Q: Can I use orange marmalade instead of fresh orange?
A: You can, but reduce the brown sugar since marmalade adds sweetness.
Conclusion
For more ideas and similar recipes, see this Skillet Orange Cranberry Chicken recipe on Amee’s Savory Dish: Skillet Orange Cranberry Chicken- Amee’s Savory Dish, a homestead-style version here: Cranberry Orange Chicken – I Am Homesteader, and a take on cranberry chicken using crispy thighs at The Kitchn: Cranberry Chicken Recipe (Crispy Chicken Thighs- Flavored with ….
Cranberry Orange Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken breasts Use boneless, skinless breasts for best results.
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries Frozen cranberries can be used straight from the freezer.
- 1 piece orange, zested and juiced Ensure to use both juice and zest for optimal flavor.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar Adjust sweetness to taste.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Drizzle on top for added moisture.
- to taste salt and pepper Season chicken as desired.
Optional Garnish
- to taste fresh herbs Can be used for garnishing the dish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and brown sugar until well combined. (Tip: mash a few cranberries for more sauce.)
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and place them in a baking dish.
Baking
- Pour the cranberry-orange mixture over the chicken, ensuring the breasts are well coated.
- Drizzle olive oil on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
- Garnish with fresh herbs if desired before serving.
