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Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken – A Bright, Festive & Flavor-Packed Dinner Recipe

If you’re craving a chicken dinner that’s sweet, tangy, savory, and beautifully vibrant, this Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken will become an instant favorite. It’s the perfect balance of juicy chicken, a naturally sweet cranberry-orange glaze, and warm aromatic herbs that transform simple ingredients into a flavorful meal. This recipe uses fresh cranberries, fragrant orange zest, a touch of honey, fresh rosemary, and garlic to create a glaze that feels festive but works beautifully any time of year. Whether you're cooking for a holiday gathering, a cozy weeknight dinner, or meal prep for the week, this dish is bright, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying. The chicken stays tender and juicy, while the glaze becomes perfectly sticky, giving each bite a bold, citrusy, and slightly tangy burst. This dish pairs effortlessly with rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. Get ready to make a meal that looks gourmet but is shockingly easy — ideal for beginners and experienced cooks alike!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meats
  • 4 chicken breasts
Fruits & Vegetables
  • 1 orange zest
  • 1 cup cranberries
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary finely chopped
Condiments
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1/3 cup orange juice
Spices
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
Oils & Vinegars
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Small saucepan
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Spatula or tongs
  • Citrus zester
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon (for stirring)
  • Optional: Oven-safe baking dish (if broiling at the end)

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry-Orange Glaze
  1. In a small saucepan, add the cranberries, honey, orange juice, minced garlic, fresh rosemary, orange zest, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Place over medium heat and bring the mixture to a light simmer.
  3. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to burst and the sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
  4. Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure good browning.
  2. Sprinkle both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
  3. Lightly press the seasoning into the surface of the chicken.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the chicken breasts to the hot pan.
  3. Cook for 5–6 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  4. Once seared, lower the heat slightly.
Step 4: Add the Glaze
  1. Pour the prepared cranberry-orange glaze over the chicken in the skillet.
  2. Move the chicken slightly so the glaze spreads evenly around the pan.
  3. Spoon the glaze over the chicken to ensure full coverage.
  4. Cover and cook on medium heat for an additional 5–7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the glaze becomes thick and sticky.
Step 5: Optional Broil for Caramelization
  1. Preheat the oven broiler.
  2. Transfer the chicken and glaze into an oven-safe dish.
  3. Spoon additional glaze on top.
  4. Broil for 1–2 minutes until lightly caramelized.
  5. (Keep a close eye — it caramelizes quickly!)
Step 6: Serve
  1. Plate each chicken breast.
  2. Spoon the remaining glaze from the pan over the top.
  3. Garnish with additional rosemary or a sprinkle of fresh orange zest.
  4. Serve warm and enjoy the bold citrusy flavor!

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing
Freeze cooked chicken (without glaze) for up to 2 months.
Freeze glaze separately for best texture.
Reheating
Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.
Microwave: Heat 1–2 minutes, checking halfway through.
Oven: Reheat at 325°F (165°C) for 10–12 minutes.
The glaze will soften beautifully when reheated.
🥄 Variations
Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the glaze.
Extra Sweet: Increase honey by 1 tbsp.
Cranberry Swap: Use frozen cranberries if fresh aren’t available.
Herb Twist: Replace rosemary with thyme for a softer herbal note.
Orange Boost: Add more zest for a brighter, citrus-forward glaze.
Chicken Thighs Option: Use boneless thighs; adjust cooking time slightly.
Low Sugar: Reduce honey by half and add extra orange juice.
Add Veggies: Cook with sliced onions or carrots for a full one-pan meal.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes! Frozen cranberries work perfectly with no need to thaw.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely — thighs stay extra juicy.
Is the glaze very sweet?
It’s balanced: naturally tangy, lightly sweet, and citrus-bright.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead?
Yes, make it up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate.
Can I bake the chicken instead of using a skillet?
Yes — bake at 400°F (205°C) and glaze during the last 10 minutes.
What sides go best with this dish?
Rice, roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, quinoa, or a fresh salad.
Can I make the dish dairy-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally dairy-free.
How do I keep the chicken moist?
Don’t overcook — cover during glazing to trap moisture.
Is rosemary required?
No, but it adds beautiful aroma. Thyme or parsley also work well.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes — just double the glaze ingredients and cook in batches.
🏁 Conclusion
This Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken delivers everything you want in a cozy, flavorful meal — juicy chicken, a naturally sweet and tangy citrus glaze, and warm herbs that bring it all to life. It’s beautiful enough for holidays yet simple enough for weeknights. With minimal prep, everyday ingredients, and big bold flavor, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy every bite and feel free to get creative with sides and garnishes!