Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken is a vibrant, sweet-savory dish that instantly brings holiday warmth to the table. The chicken stays perfectly juicy, while the glaze delivers a beautiful blend of tart cranberries, bright citrus, and subtle sweetness. It’s festive enough for Christmas or Thanksgiving, yet simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner. Every bite is balanced, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. This is the kind of recipe that looks elegant, tastes restaurant-worthy, and still comes together with minimal ingredients and effort.
Because the glaze cooks down into a glossy, ruby-red finish, the dish naturally feels celebratory. The combination of fresh orange zest, cranberry sauce, garlic, and herbs creates a fragrance that fills your kitchen with holiday comfort. Whether you’re hosting friends or cooking for family, this recipe never fails to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken
You’ll love this recipe because it transforms simple ingredients into a rich and festive dinner. The glaze is sweet but never overpowering, and the citrus adds brightness that complements the savory chicken. It’s effortless to prepare, yet the final result tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The recipe also scales easily, making it perfect for both small dinners and large gatherings.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you want a holiday meal that doesn’t require roasting a whole bird, this cranberry orange chicken is the perfect alternative. It bakes quickly, can be prepared ahead of time, and pairs beautifully with classic holiday sides. Moreover, the glaze clings beautifully to the chicken, creating a sticky, glossy finish that makes every bite burst with flavor. It’s also budget-friendly, versatile, and guaranteed to become a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
● 4–6 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
● 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned whole berry)
● ½ cup orange juice
● 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
● 1 tablespoon orange zest
● 2 cloves garlic, minced
● 1 tablespoon soy sauce or Worcestershire
● 1 tablespoon olive oil
● ½ teaspoon salt
● ¼ teaspoon pepper
● Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish
How to Make Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 – Prep the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a light drizzle of olive oil. Place the pieces in a baking dish.
Step 2 – Make the Glaze
Whisk cranberry sauce, orange juice, honey, orange zest, garlic, and soy sauce until smooth. Adjust sweetness or tanginess to taste.
Step 3 – Pour and Coat
Pour the glaze over the chicken, flipping each piece to coat it thoroughly. Ensure the sauce covers the meat evenly to create a rich glaze as it bakes.
Step 4 – Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes, depending on thickness. Spoon glaze from the pan over the chicken halfway through baking.
Step 5 – Reduce for Extra Shine (Optional)
Transfer some pan juices to a small pot and simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken. Brush over the chicken for a glossy finish.
Step 6 – Serve Warm
Garnish with fresh rosemary or orange zest. Serve immediately while the glaze is warm and sticky.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 280
Protein: 27g
Carbs: 22g
Fat: 9g
Tips for the Best Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken
- Use whole-berry cranberry sauce for the best texture.
- Add a splash of balsamic for deeper flavor.
- Don’t skip the orange zest—it brightens the glaze.
- Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts.
- Broil during the last 2 minutes for caramelization.
- Taste the glaze before baking to adjust sweetness.
- If using frozen chicken, thaw completely first.
- Add butter to the glaze for a silkier finish.
- Let the chicken rest 5 minutes before serving.
- Make extra glaze for drizzling—it’s delicious on sides.
Variations & Substitutions
● Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes.
● Herb Blend: Mix rosemary, sage, and thyme.
● Citrus Swap: Replace orange with tangerine or clementine.
● Maple Glaze: Use maple syrup instead of honey.
● Cranberry-Apple: Add ¼ cup apple cider to the glaze.
● Low-Sugar: Use sugar-free cranberry sauce.
● Bone-In Chicken: Increase baking time to 45–50 minutes.
● Skillet Version: Sear first, then finish in the oven.
What to Serve with Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken
This dish pairs beautifully with:
● Garlic mashed potatoes
● Roasted Brussels sprouts
● Wild rice or herb rice
● Buttery green beans
● Cranberry stuffing
● Homemade dinner rolls
● Winter salads with nuts and citrus
Its sweet-savory flavor blends effortlessly with classic holiday sides, making it perfect for Christmas dinners or cozy winter meals.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
● Overbaking—this dries out the chicken quickly.
● Skipping the zest—the flavor becomes flat.
● Using only jellied cranberry sauce—whole berry works best.
● Not basting mid-bake—results in a less sticky glaze.
● Adding glaze too early on high heat—it may burn.
Storing Tips for This Recipe
To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To Freeze: Freeze baked chicken with glaze for up to 2 months.
To Reheat: Warm gently in a covered dish at 325°F (165°C) or microwave in short bursts.
To Make Ahead: Prepare the glaze up to 24 hours in advance.
Conclusion
Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken is a festive, flavorful, and incredibly comforting dish that delivers holiday charm with minimal effort. It brings together warm citrus notes, tangy cranberries, and tender chicken for a dinner that feels both elegant and approachable. Whether you’re preparing a Christmas feast or simply want a cozy winter meal, this recipe offers a perfect blend of color, flavor, and seasonal magic.
Recipe FAQ’s
- Can I use boneless thighs? Yes—they stay extra juicy.
- Can I use fresh cranberries? Only in sauce form; whole berries alone won’t glaze.
- Is bottled orange juice okay? Fresh is best, but bottled works.
- Can I make this without honey? Maple syrup is an excellent substitute.
- Can I prepare it ahead? Yes—assemble, refrigerate, and bake fresh.
- Does it work in a slow cooker? Yes—cook on LOW 4–5 hours.
- Can I double the glaze? Definitely—it’s great over sides.
- Can I omit the soy sauce? Use Worcestershire or simply skip.
- What pan works best? A shallow baking dish gives the best caramelization.
- Can I serve this for Thanksgiving? Absolutely—it’s a beautiful holiday centerpiece.