Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe (Easy One-Pan Holiday Dinner)
Juicy, golden-seared chicken simmered in a tangy-sweet cranberry orange sauce — this one-pan Cranberry Orange Chicken is the ultimate festive dinner! Bright, citrusy, and full of flavor, it’s perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any cozy winter meal. Elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for weeknights.
Equipment
- Large oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small bowl
Ingredients
- For the Chicken
- 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 6-8 chicken thighs
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- For the Cranberry Orange Sauce
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- ¾ cup fresh orange juice (about 2 large oranges)
- 1 tbsp orange zest (zest of 1 orange)
- ⅓ cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- 1 pinch salt
- Optional Garnishes
- Fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs
- Orange slices
- Fresh cranberries
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels. If using chicken breasts, pound to even thickness (about ¾ inch). Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
- Heat olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer to plate; set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tbsp butter and minced garlic. Cook 30-60 seconds, scraping up browned bits.
- Add cranberries, orange juice, zest, honey, brown sugar, thyme, broth, vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Simmer 5-7 minutes until cranberries pop and sauce thickens slightly.
- Nestle chicken into sauce, spooning sauce over top.
- Cover and simmer 15-20 minutes on medium-low until chicken reaches 165°F. Or bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes if using oven-safe skillet.
- If desired, remove chicken and simmer sauce 3-5 more minutes to thicken. Return chicken and coat with sauce.
- Garnish with orange slices, herbs, and extra cranberries. Serve immediately with rice, potatoes, or vegetables.