Cranberry Orange Chicken: A Flavorful & Elegant Dinner Recipe

Looking for a dinner recipe to impress? This Cranberry Orange Chicken is a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy dish that’s perfect for special occasions, holiday gatherings, or an elegant weeknight meal. Featuring juicy chicken thighs, fresh orange zest, tart cranberries, and aromatic thyme, this dish is packed with rich flavors and a beautiful presentation.

Whether you’re searching for orange thyme chicken, super yummy recipes chicken, or dark chicken recipes dinners, this one-pan dish is a foolproof way to wow your dinner guests!

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What Is Cranberry Orange Chicken?

This cranberry orange chicken thighs recipe combines seared chicken with a bright, citrusy cranberry sauce that’s both tangy and slightly sweet. The dish is perfectly balanced with fresh herbs, a touch of honey, and a hint of garlic, making it a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to prepare.

Perfect for recipes for dinner guests or one-dish lunch ideas, this dish is made in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze while keeping all the flavors deep and rich.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elegant & Impressive: A stunning dish that looks and tastes gourmet.
• Sweet & Savory Balance: The citrusy orange and tart cranberries complement the juicy chicken.
• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet for easy cleanup.
• Perfect for Holidays & Gatherings: A great alternative to traditional Thanksgiving or Christmas dishes.
• Versatile: Works with chicken thighs, breasts, or even turkey!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless thighs, if preferred)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Cranberry Orange Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
• Zest of 1 orange
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust for sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for depth of flavor)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 tablespoon caperberries (for a briny contrast, optional but delicious!)
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (for a richer, deeper sauce)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for extra creaminess at the end)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan (for searing and baking the chicken)
• Tongs (for flipping the chicken)
• Citrus zester or grater (for fresh orange zest)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season & Sear the Chicken

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
5. Sear the chicken, skin-side down, for 4–5 minutes until golden brown.
6. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes, then transfer to a plate.

Step 2: Make the Cranberry Orange Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, until the cranberries soften and start to burst.
3. If using, add caperberries or balsamic vinegar for extra depth.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

1. Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce.
2. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internally.

Step 4: Finish & Serve

1. If desired, stir in a tablespoon of butter for a silky sauce.
2. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and additional orange zest.
3. Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

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Tips for the Best Cranberry Orange Chicken

• Use fresh orange juice for the best citrus flavor.
• For extra crispy chicken skin, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
• Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving for juicier meat.
• Don’t skip the Dijon mustard! It adds a tangy depth that enhances the sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly juicy chicken.
• Skipping the sear: Searing the chicken locks in moisture and enhances the flavor.
• Using too much sweetener: Balance the flavors—taste the sauce before adding more honey or maple syrup.

Variations & Flavor Twists

• Cranberry Orange Chicken Breasts: Swap thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts and bake for 15–18 minutes.
• Spicy Cranberry Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
• Slow Cooker Version: Sear chicken first, then cook on LOW for 4–5 hours.
• Sheet Pan Style: Roast everything on a baking sheet with root vegetables for a full meal.

How to Store & Make Ahead

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce for up to 2 months—thaw before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals.

Serving Suggestions

This Cranberry Orange Chicken pairs well with:

• Garlic mashed potatoes (for a creamy contrast)
• Quinoa or wild rice (to soak up the sauce)
• Roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus
• A fresh green salad with balsamic dressing

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FAQs

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, but rehydrate them in warm water before adding to the sauce.

What can I substitute for Dijon mustard?

Try whole-grain mustard or a splash of apple cider vinegar.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the sauce and marinate the chicken overnight for richer flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This dish is naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Orange Chicken is a vibrant, flavorful, and elegant dish that’s perfect for dinner guests, date nights, or holiday meals. Whether you’re looking for a one-dish lunch idea, a unique caperberry recipe, or a way to impress your guests, this orange thyme chicken will quickly become a favorite!

Try this super yummy recipe for chicken today and enjoy a sweet, tangy, and savory meal that’s easy yet impressive!

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