Cranberry Orange Chicken: Joyful Ways to Make

Okay, friends, let me tell you about a dish that’s practically sunshine on a plate: my Cranberry Orange Chicken. I remember the first time I made this – it was around the holidays, of course, when the scent of cranberries and oranges just fills the air. I was trying to find something festive but also weeknight-friendly, and after a few less-than-stellar attempts, this Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe was born.

I’ll never forget that first bite. The sweet and tangy sauce, the juicy chicken – it was like a party in my mouth! And the best part? Even my pickiest eater (ahem, my son, Mark) devoured it. That’s when I knew this Cranberry Orange Chicken was a keeper.

There was definitely a learning curve, though. My first attempt was a disaster. The sauce was way too tart, and the chicken was dry as a bone. I almost gave up, but I’m too stubborn for that! After tweaking the recipe a few times, I finally nailed it. The secret, I discovered, is a little bit of honey and making sure not to overcook the chicken. Now, this Cranberry Orange Chicken is a regular on our dinner table, especially during the holidays.

Life is busy, and I’m always looking for recipes that are both delicious and easy to make. This Cranberry Orange Chicken checks all the boxes. It’s impressive enough for a special occasion but simple enough for a weeknight meal. It’s also super versatile, you can serve it with rice, quinoa, or even mashed potatoes.

I believe that cooking should be joyful, not stressful. It’s about creating memories and sharing good food with the people you love. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe with you. It’s a dish that’s brought so much joy to my family, and I hope it will do the same for yours. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking! I know you can nail this Cranberry Orange Chicken on your first try! And if you are looking for another delicious recipe, you should check out my Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich! It’s another family favorite that I’m sure you’ll love.

What You’ll Need for This Cranberry Orange Chicken

Alright, let’s gather our ingredients for this amazing Cranberry Orange Chicken. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cranberry sauce (I always use whole berry for my Cranberry Orange Chicken for a more festive look!)
• 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best, but store-bought works too)
• 2 tablespoons orange marmalade
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

When making Cranberry Orange Chicken, you can often find really good deals on oranges around the holidays, so stock up! And here’s a Cranberry Orange Chicken trick I learned: zest the orange before you juice it. Trust me, it’s much easier that way!

For busy families making Cranberry Orange Chicken, pre-cut chicken breasts can be a lifesaver. They save so much time! And if you’re really in a pinch, frozen orange juice concentrate works just fine in place of fresh orange juice.

To save money on Cranberry Orange Chicken ingredients, consider buying generic brands of cranberry sauce and orange juice. They often taste just as good! As for storage, leftover cranberries can be frozen for later use, and orange zest can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days.

This Festive chicken recipe is bound to become a favorite. When selecting your oranges, look for ones that are firm and heavy for their size, indicating juiciness. Opt for fresh or high-quality cranberry sauce to ensure a vibrant flavor profile in your Cranberry Orange Chicken. Also, consider the origin of your ingredients, as locally sourced items often provide superior taste and support local farmers.

Let’s Make This Cranberry Orange Chicken Together

Okay, here we go! Let’s walk through making this Cranberry Orange Chicken together, step-by-step. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks!

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating, lightly grease a baking dish. I usually use a 9×13 inch dish for my Cranberry Orange Chicken, but anything similar will work.
2. Prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. This is super important for getting a nice sear on the chicken!
3. Sear the chicken. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. You don’t need to cook them all the way through at this point, just get a nice color on them. I learned the hard way with Cranberry Orange Chicken that skipping this step results in a less flavorful dish.
4. Make the sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, orange juice, orange marmalade, honey, orange zest, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Trust me, this sauce smells amazing!
5. Pour the sauce over the chicken. Pour the cranberry orange sauce over the chicken breasts in the skillet. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce.
6. Bake the chicken. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). In my kitchen, Cranberry Orange Chicken usually takes exactly 22 minutes, but it might vary depending on your oven.
7. Thicken the sauce (optional). If you want a thicker sauce, whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the skillet and stir. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Don’t worry if your Cranberry Orange Chicken sauce seems a little thin at first, it will thicken as it cools.
8. Serve. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh orange slices or chopped parsley, if desired. While the Cranberry Orange Chicken is cooking, I usually prepare my side dishes, like rice or roasted vegetables.

Your Cranberry Orange Chicken should smell like a delightful blend of sweet cranberries and zesty oranges. It’s a truly inviting aroma! And here’s a family-tested Cranberry Orange Chicken shortcut: you can use pre-made cranberry sauce to save even more time. No one will ever know! This recipe can also be made with Cranberry sauce chicken if you don’t have fresh cranberries available. And, if you’re looking for something else to make, why not try my Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken? It’s another easy and delicious option.

When searing the chicken, ensure the skillet is hot enough to create a proper sear, which helps to lock in the juices and enhance the flavor. Consider using a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) without overcooking it. For a richer flavor, try browning the butter before adding the other sauce ingredients.

How I Love to Serve This Cranberry Orange Chicken

My family loves this Cranberry Orange Chicken when I serve it with a side of fluffy rice and steamed broccoli. The rice soaks up the delicious sauce, and the broccoli adds a pop of color and nutrients. For an elegant touch, consider using wild rice or quinoa instead of white rice to complement the dish’s flavors and textures.

My go-to side dishes that pair with Cranberry Orange Chicken are roasted Brussels sprouts and mashed sweet potatoes. The Brussels sprouts add a slightly bitter note that balances the sweetness of the sauce, and the mashed sweet potatoes are just plain comforting. This Cranberry Orange Chicken is perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, or even just a special weeknight meal. It’s always a crowd-pleaser!

For Cranberry Orange Chicken presentation tips, I like to arrange the chicken breasts on a platter and drizzle them with extra sauce. Then, I garnish with fresh orange slices and chopped parsley for a festive touch.

If you have extra Cranberry Orange Chicken, it’s delicious reheated the next day. You can also shred the chicken and use it in sandwiches or salads.

I’ve tried seasonal Cranberry Orange Chicken variations, like adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the sauce for a fall twist. I’ve also made it with different types of citrus, like mandarin oranges or blood oranges.

Friends always ask for this Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe when I make it for them. They’re always amazed at how easy it is to make such a flavorful and impressive dish. This Holiday chicken dinner recipe will become a tradition for your family. If you like this chicken recipe, be sure to check out this Holiday Chicken with Cranberry and Orange as well!

Enhance the presentation of your Cranberry Orange Chicken by serving it on a warmed platter to keep the dish at an optimal temperature. Consider using fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to garnish the dish, adding both visual appeal and an aromatic touch. If you’re serving it at a potluck, bring along a small container of extra sauce for guests to drizzle over their portions.

Your Cranberry Orange Chicken Questions Answered

Okay, let’s tackle some common questions about Cranberry Orange Chicken!

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option for this recipe. They’re more forgiving than chicken breasts, so they’re less likely to dry out. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. You know what I do when I use chicken thighs for Cranberry Orange Chicken? I usually bake them for an extra 5-10 minutes.

Q: Can I make this Cranberry Orange Chicken in the slow cooker?

A: Yes, you can! Sear the chicken breasts as directed, then transfer them to a slow cooker. Pour the sauce over the chicken and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. I’ve done this a few times, and it’s great for busy days. Just be aware that the chicken may be a little more tender than if you bake it.

Q: My sauce is too tart. What can I do?

A: If your Cranberry Orange Chicken sauce is too tart, add a little more honey or orange marmalade to balance the flavors. You can also add a pinch of baking soda to neutralize the acidity. I learned this trick from my grandma!

Q: My chicken is dry. How can I prevent this?

A: To prevent dry chicken, make sure you don’t overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, and remove the chicken from the oven when it reaches 165°F (74°C). You can also try brining the chicken before cooking it.

Q: Can I make this Cranberry Orange Chicken ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare the chicken and sauce as directed, but don’t bake it. Store the chicken and sauce separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, pour the sauce over the chicken and bake as directed.

Q: Can I freeze this Cranberry Orange Chicken?

A: Yes, you can freeze this dish. Let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave. I actually freeze my Holiday chicken dinner all the time!

Q: My family doesn’t like cranberry sauce. What can I substitute?

A: If your family doesn’t like cranberry sauce, you can substitute it with another type of fruit sauce, like cherry or raspberry. You can also use a combination of orange juice and brown sugar. One reader said they used apricot preserves and loved it!

For best results when reheating frozen Cranberry Orange Chicken, consider adding a tablespoon of orange juice or chicken broth to maintain moisture. When substituting cranberry sauce, adjust the sweetness and tartness of the alternative fruit sauce to match the original flavor profile. If brining the chicken, reduce the amount of salt added during the searing process to prevent over-salting.

My Final Thoughts on This Cranberry Orange Chicken

This Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a dish that my family always enjoys. It’s also a reminder that cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s about the memories created while cooking and sharing a meal with loved ones. It’s about the joy of seeing faces light up when they taste something you’ve made with care. It’s a simple dish with a big heart.

My Cranberry Orange Chicken Pro Tips:

• Don’t overcook the chicken! This is the key to juicy, tender chicken.
• Use fresh orange zest for the best flavor. It really makes a difference!
• Adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey or orange marmalade.

I’ve tried a few different Cranberry Orange Chicken variations with my family. My son, Mark, loves it when I add a sprinkle of chopped pecans to the sauce. My daughter, Emily, prefers it with a little bit of chili flakes for a touch of spice. And my husband, John, always asks for extra sauce!

I encourage you to make this Cranberry Orange Chicken your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. Add your own personal touch to the recipe and make it something that your family will love. Try different herbs or spices, or even different types of nuts. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes cooking so much fun!

I hope you enjoy making this Cranberry Orange Chicken as much as I do. It’s a dish that’s sure to bring joy to your table. So, go ahead, give it a try! I know you won’t be disappointed. And if you are looking for an even simpler method, check out this  slow cooker cranberry chicken!

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