Sweet & Tangy Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

When my culinary adventures call for something special, this skillet cranberry orange chicken emerges as a vibrant star.

Citrus notes dance with tart berries, creating a symphony of flavors.

Weeknight dinners suddenly feel like gourmet experiences with minimal effort.

Home cooks can elevate their meal game without complicated techniques.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building complex, mouth-watering layers.

Seasonal produce brings magic to this simple yet elegant dish.

Jump into this recipe and watch magic unfold on your dinner plate.

Why Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken Stands Out

• Transform Quick Weeknight Meal: Craft a delicious dinner in under 40 minutes without complicated techniques, perfect for busy home cooks seeking flavorful results.
• Boost Flavor Profile: Combine sweet cranberries, zesty orange, and savory herbs to create a vibrant sauce that elevates simple chicken thighs into a restaurant-worthy dish.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize cleanup by preparing everything in a single skillet, reducing dishes and saving time while creating a beautiful, cohesive meal from start to finish.
• Seasonal Celebration: Highlight winter ingredients like fresh cranberries and bright citrus, transforming ordinary chicken into a festive, comforting dinner that feels special yet approachable.

Cranberry Orange Chicken Pan Ingredients

• Chicken Thighs: Rich, tender meat that absorbs the cranberry orange sauce beautifully. Bone-in and skin-on recommended for maximum flavor.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Creates golden sear and adds rich depth to the chicken's exterior. Use unsalted butter for better flavor control.

• Fresh Cranberries: Tart berries that burst and create vibrant sauce texture. Choose plump, firm berries for best results.
• Orange Juice, Orange Zest: Bright citrus components that balance the cranberries' tartness. Fresh oranges preferred over bottled juice.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that rounds out sauce's flavor profile. Local, raw honey recommended.
• Garlic: Aromatic base that provides savory undertone to the sauce.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for chicken's base flavor. Freshly ground black pepper offers more intense taste.
• Fresh Thyme, Fresh Rosemary: Woody herbs that complement the fruity sauce. Use fresh herbs for more robust flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds color and fresh herbal note.

Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet Guide

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Pat chicken thighs completely dry using paper towels.

Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown

Heat a combination of olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down, allowing them to sear for 5-6 minutes until a gorgeous golden brown develops.

Flip the chicken and cook the opposite side for an additional 5 minutes.

Transfer chicken to a temporary plate.

Step 3: Create Vibrant Sauce

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté briefly until aromatic.

• Fresh cranberries
• Orange juice
• Orange zest
• Honey
• Thyme
• Rosemary

Simmer the mixture for 3-4 minutes, watching cranberries burst and sauce slightly thicken.

Step 4: Merge Chicken and Sauce

Return chicken thighs to the skillet, positioning them skin-side up.

Generously spoon sauce over the meat.

Lower heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 15-20 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.

Step 5: Final Touches

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and extra orange zest on top.

Serve immediately with abundant cranberry orange sauce cascading over the chicken.

Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet Tips

• Ensure chicken is completely dry before seasoning to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that seals in maximum flavor and moisture.
• Gently press cranberries while simmering to release natural pectin, creating a thicker, more luxurious sauce with intense fruity notes.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken's internal temperature, guaranteeing perfectly cooked, juicy meat without overcooking or drying out.
• Start cooking chicken skin-side down to render fat and create a crispy, beautifully caramelized surface that adds incredible texture and depth of flavor.
• Fresh thyme and rosemary complement the citrusy cranberry sauce, bringing a fragrant, earthy dimension that elevates the entire dish's taste profile.

Cranberry Orange Chicken That Holds Flavor Well

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality.
• Preheat to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each interval. Add a tablespoon of sauce to maintain moisture and prevent chicken from becoming tough.

Sides That Work With Cranberry Chicken

• Savor Complementary Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, medium-bodied Pinot Noir with bright acidity that matches the tangy cranberry and citrus notes while complementing the rich chicken flavors.
• Create Herbal Side Harmony: Prepare a fresh rosemary and thyme quinoa pilaf that echoes the aromatic herbs in the sauce and provides a light, complementary grain base for the chicken.
• Enhance Citrus Brightness: Serve a simple mixed green salad with orange segments and a light citrus vinaigrette that mirrors the orange zest in the dish and adds refreshing contrast to the savory chicken.
• Balance Flavor Textures: Add roasted Brussels sprouts with a touch of honey glaze to complement the sweet and tangy sauce, creating a balanced side dish that enhances the overall meal experience.

Skillet Chicken with Extra Flavor Ideas

• Gluten-Free Harmony: Replace flour-based ingredients with cornstarch or gluten-free alternatives to make the entire recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Herb-Infused Variation: Substitute thyme and rosemary with fresh sage or tarragon for a different aromatic profile that complements the cranberry orange sauce.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Use sugar-free honey or monk fruit sweetener instead of traditional honey, and reduce the orange juice quantity to minimize carbohydrate content while maintaining rich flavor complexity.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Incorporate kalamata olives and swap chicken thighs with skinless chicken breasts, adding a Greek-style dimension to the classic recipe while keeping the cranberry orange sauce as the star component.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but reduce cooking time to prevent drying out and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check individual ingredient labels to confirm, especially for honey and any stock you might use.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and reheat gently in the skillet, adding a splash of orange juice to prevent drying out.

Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken brings Mediterranean warmth to your dining table with zesty citrus and tangy berries. Bold flavors and simple ingredients create a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

Sauce and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (optional, for thinner sauce)

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by gently patting each thigh with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then generously season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Warm a large skillet over medium-high heat, adding a blend of olive oil and butter. Carefully place chicken thighs skin-side down, allowing them to develop a rich golden-brown crust for 5-6 minutes. Flip and cook the opposite side for an additional 5 minutes until evenly seared. Transfer chicken to a temporary plate.
3. Using the same skillet, infuse the pan with minced garlic, stirring briefly until aromatic. Introduce vibrant cranberries, fresh orange juice, zesty orange zest, sweet honey, fragrant thyme, and earthy rosemary. Allow the mixture to simmer, encouraging cranberries to gently burst and sauce to slightly condense.
4. Carefully nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, positioning them skin-side up. Generously ladle the cranberry mixture over the meat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and let chicken slow-cook for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Finish the dish by scattering fresh chopped parsley and additional orange zest for brightness. Serve immediately, drizzling the luscious cranberry orange sauce over the perfectly cooked chicken.

Notes

• Pat chicken thoroughly to ensure crispy skin and better seasoning absorption.
• Use high-quality fresh cranberries for a vibrant, tangy sauce with intense flavor.
• Adjust honey quantities based on desired sweetness level, keeping sauce balanced.
• Allow chicken to rest after cooking to maintain juiciness and prevent dryness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg