Print

Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe Easy 30-Minute Dinner Delight

cranberry orange chicken - featured image
Print Recipe

This zesty cranberry orange chicken is a quick, vibrant dinner featuring juicy chicken in a sweet-tart, citrusy cranberry glaze. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or festive occasions and is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (from 1–2 oranges)
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 2–3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
  • 2 tablespoons cold water (for cornstarch slurry, optional)
  • 1–2 teaspoons fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F for breasts, 170°F for thighs). Transfer chicken to a plate and tent with foil.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, maple syrup or honey, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir, scraping up browned bits. Bring to a simmer. Add fresh thyme or rosemary if desired.
  5. Simmer sauce for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and sauce thickens slightly. For a thicker glaze, mix cornstarch with cold water and add gradually to the sauce, stirring constantly. Cook for 2 more minutes until glossy.
  6. Return chicken and any juices to the skillet. Spoon sauce over chicken and simmer for 2-3 minutes to warm through and coat.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve chicken topped with extra sauce and garnish with fresh thyme or orange zest.

Notes

For best results, use fresh orange zest and whole cranberries. Adjust sweetness to taste, as cranberries vary in tartness. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or orange juice. Can be made with chicken thighs or breasts, and sauce works well with pork or salmon. For gluten-free, use arrowroot instead of cornstarch. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry orange chicken, 30 minute dinner, easy chicken recipe, gluten-free, dairy-free, holiday chicken, citrus chicken, skillet chicken, weeknight dinner, healthy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/cranberry-orange-chicken-recipe-easy-30-minute-dinner-delight/