Cranberry Orange Chicken A Festive Feast

Festive Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe Easy Delicious

By SandraJuly 19, 2025

Whip up this Cranberry orange chicken recipe for a delightful holiday feast or quick weeknight meal Tart cranberry bright citrus and tender chicken ready in minutes Get the recipe ... Healthy Eats

Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever find yourself stuck in a cooking rut? Well, this Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe is your culinary get-out-of-jail-free card. It's like a flavour explosion in your mouth.

It’s tart, it’s sweet, and it's surprisingly easy.

Brief Overview

This beaut of a dish has roots in American holiday traditions. Think Thanksgiving or Christmas. It's straightforward. Prep takes about 10 minutes, cook time around 30 minutes (oven) or 2- 5 hours (slow cooker).

This recipe serves four hungry folks.

Main Benefits

Honestly, this easy chicken recipe is packed with goodness. Cranberries are great antioxidants. They are also a great option to impress your mates or a perfect festive chicken dinner .

What makes it special? The vibrant flavour combo, that's what!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This cranberry chicken recipe is a game changer. A stonking recipe. It's a cracking main course. It’s not just a recipe, it’s a flavour journey.

We're talking about a citrus chicken recipe here. The blend of cranberry orange glazed chicken and tender chicken is pure magic.

Seriously, you will thank me. Okay, right then! Let's get down to brass tacks !

Cranberry Orange Chicken A Festive Feast presentation

The Heart of the Dish: Cranberry Orange

The key to this recipe is the cranberry orange sauce . It's what makes the chicken pop. Don't skip the orange zest! It adds a zesty kick.

The tartness of the cranberries balances beautifully with the sweetness of the orange.

What You'll Need to Get Started

Let's get down to brass tacks and gather our ingredients. You'll need chicken breasts (or thighs if you fancy). You also need cranberry sauce, orange juice, and a few other bits and bobs.

Check out the full list below for all the details. This is what makes up a classic orange chicken recipe.

Weeknight Dinner Champion or Holiday Hero?

This holiday chicken recipe is versatile. It's equally good for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Imagine serving this at Christmas.

Your guests will rave about it! This would serve as your chicken with cranberry sauce main entree. You could even try a slow cooker cranberry chicken version for extra tenderness.

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Cranberry Orange Chicken Masterpiece

Okay, right then! Let's get down to brass tacks and whip up a stonking list of ingredients for our Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe .

You know, that festive holiday chicken recipe that's both easy and impressive? Honestly, whether it's a Sunday roast or a casual mid-week dinner, this dish is a winner.

Main Ingredients: Let's Get Specific

Here's the lowdown on what you'll need, measurements and all. Don't worry, it's straightforward.

Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz/170g each) OR 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs ( 4 oz/115g each). Quality check : Look for chicken that's plump and pink.
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ).
Salt: To taste.
Black Pepper: To taste.
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon ( 5ml ).
Cranberry Sauce: 1 cup ( 240ml ), either whole berry or jellied. My grandma always swore by the jellied kind.
Orange Juice: 1/2 cup ( 120ml ), fresh or bottled. Fresh is always a bit better, mind you.
Orange Zest: 2 teaspoons ( 10ml ). Really important for that citrus chicken recipe punch!
Honey or Maple Syrup: 2 tablespoons ( 30ml ), optional, to taste.
Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon ( 15ml ), low sodium preferred.
Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon ( 5ml ), optional.

Seasoning Notes: The Magic Touch

For this cranberry chicken recipe , getting the seasonings right is key. We're going for festive and fragrant, yeah?

The essential spice combo? Salt, pepper, and garlic powder for the chicken. The cranberry sauce and orange zest provide the main flavor punch.

Soy sauce adds a bit of umami and Dijon mustard brings a lovely tang. If you fancy a bit of a kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes is never a bad idea.

Quick substitution? If you're out of soy sauce, a bit of Worcestershire sauce works wonders. And if you don't have Dijon, a little squirt of regular mustard will do.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

Don't go buying a load of fancy kit. You only need a few basics for your orange chicken recipe .

Oven-safe skillet or Slow Cooker.
Mixing bowl.
Whisk.
Measuring cups and spoons.
Meat thermometer. It's crucial to check that the chicken reaches 165° F ( 74° C) . Seriously, a meat thermometer is an essential bit of kit to get your baked cranberry orange chicken perfectly cooked.

Common household alternatives? A regular frying pan and baking dish can stand in for an oven-safe skillet. A fork works in a pinch instead of a whisk. Don’t stress too much.

Cooking Method: Bringing the Festive Flavor to Life

Honestly, cooking isn't always about fancy techniques. Sometimes, it's about simple ingredients singing together. That's what this cranberry orange chicken recipe is all about. It's proper easy! Let's dive in.

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

Okay, right then! Let's get down to brass tacks and whip up a stonking list of for our Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe : It’s essential mise en place here.

Measure everything first. Chop nothing yet. This saves time. Plus, safety first! Keep your station clean. Right, Let's ensure safety comes first .

Step-by-Step: Easy Peasy Chicken Squeezy

Season your chicken breasts. Use salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Stovetop/Oven : Preheat that oven to 375° F ( 190° C/Gas Mark 5) .
Brown the chicken in olive oil. Do it for about 2- 3 minutes per side.
Whisk together the cranberry sauce, orange juice, zest, honey, soy sauce, and mustard.
Pour the sauce over the chicken.
Bake for 25- 30 minutes . Internal temperature should hit 165° F ( 74° C) .
Slow Cooker : Place the chicken at the bottom. Pour sauce over it. Cook on LOW for 4- 5 hours or HIGH for 2- 3 hours .

Pro Tips: Elevating the Game

Don't overcook the chicken! Use a meat thermometer. Aim for that golden temperature. Adding orange zest is key . It is for that holiday chicken recipe .

It will brighten the whole thing up. The sauce sweetness varies. Taste it before baking. Adjust honey or maple syrup.

I've made this cranberry chicken recipe loads of times. Once I forgot the zest and it was bland. Never again! This simple orange chicken recipe is a proper game changer! Enjoy!

Recipe Notes for the Best Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

Okay, right then! Let's get down to brass tacks and go over all the essential deets for this Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe .

Honestly, it's easier than making toast, but a few tips never hurt, eh? This holiday chicken recipe is bound to become your go-to, trust me!

Serving Suggestions: Picture Perfect Plates

How you plate this orange chicken recipe makes all the difference! I love serving it over a bed of fluffy quinoa.

It soaks up all that tangy sauce. Presentation-wise, a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme on top adds a touch of fancy.

As for sides, roasted Brussels sprouts are always a winner. Their slight bitterness balances the sweetness of the dish perfectly.

Or, if you are feeling something lighter, a simple green salad works wonders too. A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio? Don't mind if I do! That citrus chicken recipe deserves a good pairing.

Storage Tips: Keepin' It Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This baked cranberry orange chicken keeps well. Pop it in an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for up to three days, no problem.

Freezing is an option, too. Just make sure to let it cool completely first. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

I've found that adding a splash of fresh orange juice when reheating helps bring back that vibrancy. No one would ever guess it was frozen.

Cranberry chicken recipe makes awesome leftovers, seriously.

Variations: Mix It Up, Mate!

Want to shake things up? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick . Seriously, just a pinch!. It will add amazing flavor.

For a Paleo or Whole30 version, use a sugar-free cranberry sauce and swap the honey for maple syrup. It tastes just as good, promise! Need a veggie option? Firm tofu or tempeh works great.

Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Who needs chicken? Seriously, try a slow cooker cranberry chicken with tofu.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

This cranberry orange glazed chicken isn't just delicious, it is pretty healthy too! Each serving clocks in at around 350-450 calories, with a good dose of protein (30-40g) and moderate amounts of fat and carbs (10-15g and 30-40g, respectively).

Obviously, this is an estimate. Actual values may vary based on your ingredients. It's packed with vitamin C from the orange juice and antioxidants from the cranberries.

The best easy chicken recipe ever!

Honestly, this recipe is a total breeze. With this guide, you'll nail it every time. So, get in the kitchen and have some fun! You've got this!

Stunning Cranberry Chicken Recipe Ultimate Holiday Feast

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, the flavors often meld together even better if you make it a day or two in advance. Just store the chicken and sauce separately in the fridge, then reheat gently in the oven or microwave. It's a great time-saver when you're having a right royal knees-up!

How do I store leftover Cranberry Orange Chicken?

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop until heated through. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming. Think of it as a delightful Boxing Day treat!

What can I serve with this Cranberry Orange Chicken?

This dish goes brilliantly with a variety of sides! Rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up that luscious cranberry orange sauce. Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green beans also make a wonderful, balanced meal. It’s a proper Sunday roast with a twist!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe?

Definitely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute. They tend to be more forgiving and stay moister during cooking than chicken breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). It's all about keeping calm and carrying on with what you have!

Is there a way to make this Cranberry Orange Chicken healthier?

Certainly! Use a sugar-free cranberry sauce and a natural sweetener like maple syrup sparingly to reduce the sugar content. Opt for chicken breasts, which are leaner than thighs, and load up on healthy sides like steamed broccoli or a big green salad. A little bit of what you fancy does you good, but moderation is key!

My sauce is too thin! How can I thicken the cranberry orange sauce in this recipe?

Easy peasy! Mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Whisk this into the sauce while it's simmering on the stovetop (or on HIGH in the slow cooker for the last 15 minutes). Continue stirring until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. If it's still too thin, repeat with another half portion of the slurry.