Get ready to embark on a flavor-packed journey with our Orange Cranberry Chicken. Packed with juicy cranberries, zesty oranges, and succulent chicken thighs, this dish is a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. Not only is it a culinary delight, but it’s also a breeze to whip up, making it the perfect addition to your weeknight dinner repertoire.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe
Orange Cranberry Chicken Ingredients
How to Make Orange Cranberry Chicken
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Helpful Tips & Substitutions
Try Some of our Other Favorite Chicken Recipes

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep and 40 minutes of cook time, this recipe fits seamlessly into your busy schedule. Say goodbye to the hassle of complex dinners and hello to a delicious meal in under an hour.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of fresh cranberries, honey, and orange zest creates a flavor profile that’s both sweet and tangy. It’s a taste sensation that will leave you craving more.
Versatile Serving: Whether you prefer it over rice, mashed potatoes, or with a side of steamed veggies, this dish pairs effortlessly with various sides, allowing you to customize your dining experience.

Orange Cranberry Chicken Ingredients

Chicken Thighs
Cranberries
Honey
Brown Sugar
Olive Oil
Balsamic Vinegar
Garlic
Orange
Salt
Pepper

*Scroll to Printable Recipe Card below for detailed amounts!

How to Make Orange Cranberry Chicken

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4

Preheat oven to 375 F.
Place all the marinade ingredients into a food processor; cranberries, brown sugar, olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, juice of one orange, salt and pepper. Blend all the ingredients until combined and you have a liquid marinade.
Add the chicken to a lightly greased roasting pan or glass dish, a 8×8 inch pan is enough. Pour the marinade over the chicken.
Add the remaining 1/2 cup of cranberries to the pan, spread them out evenly.
Bake the chicken for 30-35 minutes or until fully cooked through. Mix one tablespoon of honey with one tablespoon of olive oil. Carefully remove the pan from the oven and brush mixture over the chicken.
Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the skin on the chicken is crispy. Watch it closely so as not to burn it.
Garnish with fresh orange zest, orange slices and fresh cranberries.
Serve the chicken warm over rice or mashed potatoes, along with steamed veggies.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

How to Store Orange Cranberry Chicken:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen, making it even more delicious the next day.

How to Reheat Orange Cranberry Chicken:

To reheat, simply place the desired portion in the microwave or oven until warmed through. A quick tip: add a splash of orange juice or chicken broth before reheating to maintain that delightful moisture.

Helpful Tips & Substitutions

Can This Be Frozen?

Freezing Tips: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Ensure it’s tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Thawing and Reheating: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and follow the reheating instructions mentioned earlier for a scrumptious meal that tastes as fresh as the day you made it.

Can This Be Made Ahead of Time?

Marinating Ahead: You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours before cooking. The longer it marinates, the more infused the flavors become.
Time-Saving Tip: Prep the marinade and chicken the night before, so all you have to do on the day is pop it in the oven. It’s a game-changer for those hectic evenings when you crave a homemade meal without the stress.

Substitutions & Variations:

Chicken Varieties: While bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are our go-to for this recipe, you can experiment with other cuts like drumsticks or boneless thighs for a different texture.
Sweeteners: Feel free to swap honey with maple syrup or agave for a unique twist. Adjust the quantity based on your preferred sweetness level.
Herb Infusion: Add a dash of rosemary or thyme to the marinade for an herby aroma that complements the fruity notes.

Helpful Cooking Notes:

Food Processor Magic: A food processor is your best friend for creating a seamless marinade. It ensures all the ingredients blend harmoniously, creating a luscious liquid gold.
Crispy Skin Alert: Keep a close eye during the broiling stage to achieve that perfect crispy skin without any unwanted burnt surprises. A minute or two can make all the difference.
Garnish Galore: Don’t skimp on the garnishes. Fresh orange zest, slices, and cranberries add a pop of color and a burst of freshness, elevating the dish to a restaurant-worthy masterpiece.

Try Some of our Other Favorite Chicken Recipes

Orange Cranberry Chicken

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 36

Total Time 51

Servings

Calories 498 kcal

Indulge in the fusion of sweet and tangy with our Orange Cranberry Chicken. A blend of fresh cranberries, zesty oranges and succulent chicken.

INGREDIENTS

4-5 chicken thighs with skin, bone-in
½ cup Cranberries, fresh
1 tablespoon Honey
1 tablespoon Olive Oil

Marinade:

1/4 cup Cranberries, fresh
1 tablespoon Brown Sugar
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
2 tablespoons Honey
1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 large Orange, zested and juiced
1/4 teaspoon Salt
Pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 375 F.
Place all the marinade ingredients into a food processor; cranberries, brown sugar, olive oil, honey, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, juice of one orange, salt and pepper. Blend all the ingredients until combined and you have a liquid marinade.
Add the chicken to a lightly greased roasting pan or glass dish, a 8×8 inch pan is enough. Pour the marinade over the chicken.
Add the remaining 1/2 cup of cranberries to the pan, spread them out evenly.
Bake the chicken for 30-35 minutes or until fully cooked through. Mix one tablespoon of honey with one tablespoon of olive oil. Carefully remove the pan from the oven and brush mixture over the chicken.
Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the skin on the chicken is crispy. Watch it closely so as not to burn it.
Garnish with fresh orange zest, orange slices and fresh cranberries.
Serve the chicken warm over rice or mashed potatoes, along with steamed veggies.

NOTES