Name: Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup fresh orange juice; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce (homemade or canned); 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (to taste); 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; Fresh rosemary or thyme, for garnish (optional)

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Cranberry orange glazed chicken is a bright, bold, and beautifully balanced dish that’s perfect for both weeknight meals and holiday tables. The sweet-tart cranberry sauce pairs perfectly with the citrusy punch of fresh orange and the savory richness of golden-browned chicken. I love how festive and flavorful it feels with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and tangy. The glaze is made with real cranberry and orange, so it feels seasonal and fresh, not overly sweet. The chicken comes out juicy and coated in a glossy, flavorful sauce that looks just as good as it tastes. It’s also a one-pan dish, which makes cleanup easy and the whole process smooth and quick. Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken

Ingredients

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

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Salt
Black pepper
Olive oil or butter (for searing)
Garlic, minced
Orange juice (fresh-squeezed preferred)
Orange zest
Cranberry sauce (homemade or canned, whole berry works best)
Honey or maple syrup (for added sweetness)
Dijon mustard (for balance)
Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
I heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. I remove it and set it aside.
In the same skillet, I sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
I add the orange juice, orange zest, cranberry sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard. I stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
I let the glaze cook for a few minutes until it thickens slightly, then return the chicken to the pan.
I spoon the glaze over the chicken and simmer for another 3–5 minutes, letting the sauce reduce and coat the meat.
I serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and extra orange zest if I want to brighten it up even more.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes to deepen the flavor or give it a little kick. and it works just as well. If I want extra citrus flavor, I add thin slices of orange to the pan as it simmers. For a festive twist, I’ve even used leftover cranberry sauce from the holidays.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the glaze. It also reheats well in the microwave in short bursts, covered to retain moisture. Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken

FAQs

Can I use canned cranberry sauce?

Yes, I usually use whole berry cranberry sauce for better texture, but jellied works in a pinch—just whisk it well to break it up.

Does this work with bone-in chicken?

It does, but I adjust the cook time to make sure the chicken cooks through fully. I prefer searing and then finishing it in the oven for bone-in pieces.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, I make the sauce and sear the chicken ahead, then reheat and glaze just before serving.

What sides go well with this dish?

I usually serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies. The sauce pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak it up.

Is it very sweet?

It’s lightly sweet with a tart edge. The Dijon mustard and garlic help balance it, so it doesn’t taste like dessert.

Conclusion

Cranberry orange glazed chicken is one of those dishes that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to make. With juicy chicken and a tangy-sweet glaze that’s full of bold flavor, it’s the kind of meal I turn to when I want something seasonal, fresh, and comforting—all in one skillet. Whether I’m serving it during the holidays or just making dinner a little more special, this recipe never lets me down.