Description
Sweet, tangy, and perfectly savory, this Cranberry Orange Chicken is a stunning dish that brings festive flavor to your weeknight or holiday table. The juicy chicken thighs are seared until golden, then simmered in a luscious cranberry-orange glaze that’s bursting with citrus zest, fresh herbs, and a gentle kick of garlic. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cold-weather dinner, an easy dinner idea, or a quick healthy main dish, this is one of the best food ideas for seasonal entertaining.
Ingredients
6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 sprigs fresh rosemary (plus extra for garnish)
1/2 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon orange zest
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
Instructions
1. Pat chicken thighs dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and rosemary sprigs. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in orange juice and stir in orange zest, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
4. Add the cranberries and stir. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until the cranberries start to burst and the sauce begins to thicken.
5. Return chicken thighs to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is glossy.
6. Remove rosemary sprigs. Garnish with extra rosemary and orange slices, if desired. Serve hot over mashed potatoes or grain of choice.
Notes
Be sure to use freshly squeezed orange juice for best flavor.
You can substitute chicken breasts, but watch the cooking time to prevent drying.
Frozen cranberries work great and don’t require thawing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: cranberry chicken, orange chicken, holiday chicken, quick dinner, easy dinner recipe