If you’re searching for a wholesome, show-stopping dinner recipe that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tart, and savory—Glazed Orange Cranberry Roasted Chicken is your answer. This dish is festive enough for the holidays yet simple enough for a weeknight meal. Fresh cranberries and citrusy orange combine with warm spices and a touch of honey to create a glossy, tangy glaze that transforms plain chicken into something extraordinary.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry-Glazed Chicken

This recipe is everything a great dinner should be:

• 🍊 Naturally sweet and tangy with fresh cranberries and orange zest

• 🍗 Lean protein-packed and full of seasonal flavor

• ⏱️ Quick and easy—just 10 minutes of prep and one skillet

• 🍽️ Elegant enough for guests, simple enough for weeknights

• 🍃 Wholesome and clean with fresh ingredients and bold aromatics

This recipe is perfect for those who love combining bold fruit flavors with savory dishes—especially if you want to level up your usual chicken dinner routine.

Who This Recipe Is For

This recipe is a fantastic choice for:

• Busy home cooks who want something fast but gourmet

• Holiday hosts looking for a festive poultry dish that’s not turkey

• Meal preppers wanting a clean, flavorful option for lunches

• Fans of fruity, aromatic glazes on savory proteins

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a special occasion, this dish brings warm spice, vibrant fruit, and satisfying flavor to the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this dish to life:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (juice from about 1–2 oranges)

• 1 tablespoon orange zest

• 2 tablespoons honey

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Fresh rosemary sprigs, optional for garnish

Note: If using frozen cranberries, no need to thaw—just toss them in the saucepan as is.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel)

• Medium saucepan

• Zester or microplane

• Citrus juicer (or your hands!)

• Measuring spoons

• Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This allows your chicken to finish cooking in the oven after a quick stovetop sear.

2. Make the Cranberry Orange Glaze

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine:

• Cranberries

• Orange juice

• Orange zest

• Honey

• Balsamic vinegar

• Minced garlic

• Cinnamon

• Nutmeg

Let the mixture simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will burst, and the sauce will thicken into a syrupy glaze. Set aside when done.

Tip: For a smoother sauce, you can lightly mash the cranberries with a spoon as they cook.

3. Sear the Chicken

While the sauce simmers, season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

In your oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. You’re not cooking it through yet—just getting that lovely crust.

4. Add Sauce and Roast

Pour the prepared cranberry-orange glaze evenly over the seared chicken. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and roast for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C) and the sauce is bubbly and caramelized.

5. Garnish and Serve

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for aroma and presentation. Serve warm.

What to Serve with Cranberry Orange Chicken

This chicken is versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides:

Best Side Dishes

• Garlic mashed potatoes

• Fluffy rice or wild rice pilaf

• Couscous or quinoa

• Oven-roasted vegetables (like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or squash)

• Crisp green salad with vinaigrette

Perfect Drink Pairings

• White wine: Try a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio

• Sparkling water with orange or cranberry essence

• Hot mulled cider for a cozy seasonal vibe

Recipe Tips & Tricks

✔ Use a meat thermometer
For perfect doneness, check that chicken reaches 165°F in the thickest part.

✔ Make it ahead
You can make the sauce 1–2 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

✔ Add depth
Want a richer glaze? Stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end of cooking the cranberry sauce.

✔ Switch up the protein
Try this glaze on turkey cutlets, pork chops, or even tofu steaks for a plant-based twist.

✔ Spice it up
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

Storage

• Let leftovers cool to room temperature.

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating

• Reheat in a skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second bursts until warmed through.

• Add a splash of water or orange juice when reheating to loosen the sauce if it thickens in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but you’ll need to increase the roasting time by 10–15 minutes, depending on the thickness.

Can I use bottled orange juice?

Fresh is best for brightness, but high-quality bottled juice will work in a pinch.

Can I freeze this dish?

The chicken freezes well, though the texture of the cranberries may soften slightly. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes—just make sure all your ingredients (like balsamic vinegar) are certified gluten-free.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Absolutely! Sear the chicken, prep the glaze, and refrigerate both. Assemble and roast right before serving.

Final Thoughts

Glazed Orange Cranberry Roasted Chicken is a celebration of bold, seasonal flavor. It’s juicy, colorful, easy to make, and destined to become a regular in your recipe rotation—especially in the fall and winter months when cranberries and oranges are at their peak.

Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests at your holiday table, this dish hits all the right notes.

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Bon appétit! 🍊🍗