How do you make cranberry orange chicken from scratch?

To make Cranberry Orange Chicken from scratch, start by searing seasoned chicken in olive oil until golden. Then, make your sauce by simmering fresh cranberries with orange juice, honey, garlic, and orange zest. Combine the sauce with the chicken and cook until the glaze thickens and the chicken reaches 165°F internally. Garnish with fresh herbs and extra zest before serving.

Can I use Ocean Spray cranberry sauce for this recipe?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe with Ocean Spray cranberry sauce ! Replace the fresh cranberries with one can of whole-berry sauce, and mix in ¼ cup fresh orange juice plus a little zest. This shortcut still gives you a vibrant, tangy flavor with less prep time — perfect for busy nights.

Is cranberry orange chicken easy for beginners?

Absolutely. Cranberry Orange Chicken is one of the easiest chicken recipes for beginners because it uses simple steps and everyday ingredients. The sauce naturally thickens as it cooks, and it’s hard to mess up the balance of flavors. Even if you’re new to cooking, this recipe is a guaranteed success.

Cranberry Orange Chicken – The Best Sweet & Tangy Recipe

Description

A bright and tangy Cranberry Orange Chicken that blends juicy chicken with a sweet-tart glaze made from fresh cranberries, orange juice, and herbs. This easy one-pan dinner delivers the perfect balance of savory and citrus flavors, ideal for holidays or cozy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen, unthawed)
½ cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional: 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)

Instructions

Season & Sear: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in cranberries, orange juice, honey, and orange zest. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
Combine & Cook: Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over top, cover, and cook for another 10–15 minutes (or until chicken reaches 165°F).
Glaze & Serve: Optional — stir in cornstarch slurry to thicken the glaze. Garnish with extra orange zest and rosemary before serving.

Notes

Substitute Ocean Spray whole-berry cranberry sauce for fresh cranberries if needed (use 1 can + ¼ cup orange juice).

To make it slow cooker–friendly, combine all ingredients in the crockpot and cook on Low for 4–5 hours.

Serve with wild rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Store leftovers up to 4 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop or Oven
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
Calories: 280 kcal
Sugar: 14 g
Sodium: 320 mg
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 24 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 29 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

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