Name: Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-490825H58M11S
Total time: PT-490825H58M11S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 chicken thighs or breasts (boneless or bone-in); 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries; 1/2 cup fresh orange juice; 1 tsp orange zest; 2–3 tbsp honey or maple syrup; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; Optional: 1/4 tsp cinnamon or 1 tsp fresh thyme

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Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken is a vibrant, sweet-savory dish that’s perfect for the holidays — or whenever I want something bright and flavorful on the dinner table. I love how the tangy cranberries and zesty orange juice come together to create a glossy glaze that coats the chicken beautifully. It’s festive, juicy, and full of seasonal flair.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it turns simple chicken into something truly special. The cranberry and orange glaze is naturally sweet, tart, and fragrant with a hint of spice — it pairs so well with tender roasted or seared chicken. It’s a one-pan kind of dish that looks elegant enough for guests but is easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken thighs or breasts (boneless or bone-in)
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Garlic, minced
Fresh or frozen cranberries
Orange juice (freshly squeezed works best)
Orange zest
Honey or maple syrup
Dijon mustard
Apple cider vinegar
Optional: cinnamon or thyme for added warmth

Directions

I start by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper.
In a skillet or oven-safe pan, I heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides (about 3–4 minutes per side). I remove the chicken and set it aside.
In the same pan, I sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds, then add cranberries, orange juice, zest, honey, Dijon mustard, and vinegar. I bring it to a simmer, letting the cranberries burst and the glaze thicken slightly.
I return the chicken to the pan, spoon the glaze over the top, and reduce the heat.
I cover and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes (or transfer to a preheated 190°C/375°F oven for about 20 minutes) until the chicken is cooked through and coated in glaze.
I serve it hot with extra sauce spooned over the top.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25–30 minutes to cook. It’s ready in under an hour, making it ideal for both weeknights and festive dinners.

Variations

Sometimes I swap honey for maple syrup for a deeper sweetness. I’ve added a pinch of cinnamon or fresh thyme to the glaze for a spiced version. For a citrus twist, I use blood orange juice when it’s in season. If I want a smoother glaze, I blend it before adding the chicken back in.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, spooning extra glaze over the chicken to keep it moist. It also freezes well — I just thaw and reheat when needed.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, I often use chicken breasts. I just make sure not to overcook them since they dry out faster than thighs.

Do I need to use fresh cranberries?

Fresh or frozen cranberries both work. I don’t recommend dried cranberries for this — they won’t break down into the glaze properly.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely. I sometimes prepare the glaze a day in advance and store it in the fridge. It reheats well and saves time.

What should I serve this with?

I love it with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables. A simple couscous or quinoa also works great to soak up the glaze.

Is this dish very sweet?

It’s balanced — the orange juice and cranberries bring tartness, while the honey adds just enough sweetness. I can adjust the honey to taste.

Conclusion

Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken is a delicious way to bring bright, festive flavors to the table. I love how easy it is to prepare and how beautifully it turns out every time. Whether I’m cooking for family, friends, or just myself, it’s a dish that never fails to impress with its bold color and rich, tangy-sweet taste.