why make this recipe
This dish mixes bright orange and tart cranberry with simple chicken. It cooks fast in the oven. It tastes fresh and sweet and works for weeknights or a small dinner.
introduction
Cranberry Orange Chicken is easy and fresh. You use common ingredients and bake the chicken with a fruity sauce. If you want a quick guide or another version of this recipe, see this recipe page for more ideas.
how to make Cranberry Orange Chicken
You make the sauce, season the chicken, pour the sauce over the chicken, and bake. The sauce needs only a few minutes to mix. For a side idea that uses the same flavors in bread, try this cranberry and orange bread recipe.
Ingredients :
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 orange, juiced and zested
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions :
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, soy sauce, and olive oil.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them in a baking dish.
- Pour the cranberry-orange mixture over the chicken.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve warm.
how to serve Cranberry Orange Chicken
Serve the chicken warm. It goes well with rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken and sides. For a crunchy side idea, see this Doritos chicken casserole for inspiration.
how to store Cranberry Orange Chicken
Cool the chicken to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container. Refrigerate up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm. You can freeze cooked chicken in a freezer container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Cranberry Orange Chicken
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries. Both work well.
- Taste the sauce before pouring. Add a bit more sugar if it is too tart.
- If the sauce is too thin after baking, spoon it out and simmer it on the stove to thicken.
- Pound chicken to even thickness if pieces vary. This helps them cook evenly.
variation (if any)
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a mild heat.
- Stir in chopped rosemary or thyme for a savory note.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries?
A: Yes. Use frozen cranberries without thawing. They will cook down in the sauce.
Q: How can I make the sauce thicker?
A: Simmer the sauce on the stove for a few minutes until it reduces. Or mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and add to the sauce, then heat until it thickens.
Q: What temperature ensures the chicken is safe?
A: Cook chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can make the sauce a day ahead. Store sauce in the fridge and pour over chicken before baking.
Q: Is this recipe good for a family meal?
A: Yes. The flavors are mild and most people enjoy the sweet-tart sauce.
Conclusion
For more ideas and similar recipes, check these links: Cranberry Orange Chicken – I Am Homesteader, Skillet Orange Cranberry Chicken- Amee’s Savory Dish, and Cranberry Chicken Recipe (Crispy Chicken Thighs).
Cranberry Orange Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt to taste Salt
- Pepper to taste Pepper
For the Sauce
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries Both fresh and frozen work well.
- 1 piece orange, juiced and zested
- 1/4 cup brown sugar Add more if the sauce is too tart.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish Fresh parsley for garnish Optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, soy sauce, and olive oil.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then place them in a baking dish.
- Pour the cranberry-orange mixture over the chicken.
Cooking
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
