Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken: Bright, Sweet, and Savory

Hello, I’m Sam. Since retiring, I’ve learned to love recipes that bring warmth and color to the table without taking all afternoon. This Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken does exactly that. It’s tangy, sweet, and beautifully balanced, a simple stovetop dish that looks festive enough for company but feels easy enough for weeknights.

A Bright and Flavorful Chicken Dish

This Cranberry Orange Chicken blends fresh citrus and tart cranberries into a glossy glaze that clings to golden seared chicken. The sauce is lightly sweet with a hint of tang, and it feels right at home in both fall and winter kitchens. It’s one of those dishes that fills the air with cozy holiday aromas, without the stress of holiday cooking.

If you’ve enjoyed savory-sweet recipes like Lemon Pepper Chicken or comforting favorites like Beef and Noodles Recipe: A Comforting Classic, this dish will bring that same balance of ease and flavor.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter

For the cranberry orange sauce:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)

For garnish:

• Orange slices and fresh thyme sprigs

Instructions

1. Sear the chicken.
   Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Make the sauce.
   In the same skillet, add orange juice, cranberries, honey, soy sauce, vinegar, zest, garlic, and thyme. Bring to a simmer.
3. Simmer and reduce.
   Cook 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and sauce thickens slightly.
4. Combine and glaze.
   Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Simmer another 3–5 minutes until chicken is well-coated and glossy.
5. Serve.
   Plate with orange slices and a drizzle of sauce.

Why You’ll Love It

• One-skillet simplicity: Less cleanup, full flavor.
• Naturally festive: Perfect for holiday dinners or cozy weekends.
• Bright and balanced: The citrus and cranberry glaze complements savory chicken beautifully.

You might also enjoy my Chicken Drumsticks in Air Fryer for other easy, flavor-forward meals.

Tips from Sam

• For extra zest, add a splash of balsamic vinegar at the end.
• Substitute chicken thighs for extra tenderness.
• This sauce also pairs beautifully with pork or turkey.

Nutrition (per serving, 4 servings)

• Calories: 385
• Protein: 34g
• Carbs: 16g
• Fat: 18g
• Sugar: 12g