Cranberry Orange Chicken is not just a meal; it’s a joyful explosion of flavors that dances on your taste buds. Imagine the bright tang of oranges mingling with the sweet-tart notes of cranberries, all wrapped around tender chicken that practically melts in your mouth. rotisserie chicken tostadas It’s like a party for your palate, where each bite brings a little bit of sunshine to your day.
This recipe is perfect for those cozy family dinners or festive gatherings. I still remember the first time I made Cranberry Orange Chicken; my friends were so impressed they actually thought I had some secret chef training! Spoiler alert: I didn’t, but this dish surely makes you look like a culinary genius. sticky honey gochujang chicken. You might also enjoy this sticky honey chicken recipe recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This delightful Cranberry Orange Chicken is easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners feel special
- The vibrant colors and aromas will elevate your dinner table
- Its sweet and tangy flavor profile is sure to impress family and friends
- Perfect for holiday feasts or casual gatherings, this dish is versatile enough for any occasion
I once served this dish at a potluck, and people were lining up for seconds while asking for the recipe! homemade samoas cookies.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust according to how many guests you have.
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Fresh Oranges: Use juicy oranges; their zest adds an incredible fragrance and flavor to the dish.
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Dried Cranberries: These little gems provide sweetness and texture, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
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Honey: A natural sweetener that balances the tartness of cranberries beautifully.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth and richness; don’t skimp on it!
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Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for drizzling over the chicken before cooking.
For the Sauce:
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Soy Sauce: Choose low-sodium soy sauce to keep the salt levels balanced.
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Ginger: Fresh ginger gives a warm zing that complements the sweetness perfectly.
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Cornstarch: This thickener helps create a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Get ready for that amazing aroma to fill your kitchen soon!
Prepare the Chicken Breasts: In a baking dish, place your chicken breasts and drizzle them with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper for extra flavor.
Create Your Sauce Mix: In a separate bowl, whisk together orange juice, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger until smooth. This fragrant mixture will make your taste buds sing!
Add Dried Cranberries and Zest: Stir in dried cranberries and orange zest into your sauce mix. The colors alone will have you drooling!
Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour this vibrant sauce over the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Make sure every piece gets drenched in that glorious goodness.
Bake it Up!: Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and registers 165°F (74°C) internally. Your kitchen should smell heavenly by now!
Enjoy the delightful process as you watch this spectacular dish come together! Each step fills your home with mouthwatering scents that promise an unforgettable culinary experience.
You Must Know
- This delightful cranberry orange chicken recipe balances sweetness and zest, creating a flavor explosion that pleases everyone
- The bright colors and aromatic scents will make your kitchen feel like a cozy bistro
- Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making dinner parties a breeze!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken in the cranberry-orange mix for at least an hour. Sear it to lock in flavors, then finish cooking in the oven for tender results. This sequence ensures juicy chicken with a delightful glaze.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cranberries for raisins or use lemon juice instead of orange for a different twist. Adding nuts can provide an exciting crunch, while fresh herbs elevate the dish’s aroma and flavor profile.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring the chicken remains moist and flavorful.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F internal temperature
- Avoid overcooking to keep it juicy
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor absorption and tender texture
- Always let it rest before slicing to retain those delicious juices
The first time I made cranberry orange chicken, my family devoured it so fast I barely got a taste! Their reactions reminded me why I love cooking—sharing joy through delicious meals is truly magical. For more inspiration, check out this marry me chicken pasta recipe.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, just ensure it’s fully thawed before marinating and cooking.
What side dishes pair well with cranberry orange chicken?
one skillet salmon with lemon orzo.
Roasted vegetables or wild rice complement this dish beautifully.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It keeps well and reheats nicely, making it perfect for lunchboxes.
Cranberry Orange Chicken
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Cranberry Orange Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the sweet-tart essence of cranberries with zesty oranges, all enveloping tender chicken. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings, impressing guests with its delightful aroma and taste. With minimal effort, you’ll create a meal that looks and tastes gourmet, making it an instant favorite at your dinner table.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 fresh oranges (juiced and zested)
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a baking dish, arrange chicken breasts and drizzle with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and cornstarch until smooth.
- Stir in dried cranberries and orange zest into the sauce mixture.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken in the baking dish, ensuring each piece is coated.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (approximately 170g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
