If you are looking for a vibrant, comforting dish that marries the zesty brightness of citrus with the tart pop of cranberries, you have just found your new favorite. This Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe brings together juicy, golden chicken thighs and a luscious sauce bursting with orange juice, honey, and fresh cranberries. It’s a one-pan wonder that feels special enough for holiday dinners yet easy enough for a cozy weeknight meal. The combination of spices, sweet and tangy flavors, and the beautiful ruby-red cranberries will enchant your taste buds and warm your heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe lies in its thoughtfully simple ingredients. Each one is carefully chosen to contribute essential flavor, texture, and color, creating a dish that’s more than the sum of its parts. From the aromatic spices to the fresh citrus components, every element plays a vital role on your plate.
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: These provide juicy, flavorful meat with crispy skin when seared perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For that golden sear and to carry the flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the chicken and balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of warmth without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers an earthy, herbaceous note that complements the citrus.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings subtle warmth and depth to the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a gentle spicy kick that brightens the dish.
- 1/4 cup diced onion: Builds a soft, sweet base with savory undertones.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: For that irresistible aromatic foundation.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Enhances savory richness and keeps the sauce moist.
- 1/2 cup orange juice: The star ingredient delivering brightness and a citrusy punch.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Balances tartness with a smooth, natural sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Adds subtle acidity and a complex tang.
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries: Bursting with tart flavor and vibrant color.
- 1 teaspoon orange zest: Intensifies the orange aroma and flavor.
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional): Elegant garnish and a hint of herbal freshness.
How to Make Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken thighs with salt, pepper, dried thyme, cinnamon, and ground ginger. This blend not only adds layers of warmth and savoriness but also beautifully accents the citrus and cranberry notes you’ll enjoy later. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; when shimmering, place the chicken skin-side down. Sear for 5 to 6 minutes until the skin turns a gorgeous golden brown and gets irresistibly crispy, locking in all those juicy flavors. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes before removing the chicken to a plate—your skillet is about to become the flavor powerhouse of this dish.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
In the same skillet, add diced onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness that will mingle beautifully with the remaining ingredients. Add the minced garlic next, cooking just 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn as garlic turns bitter very quickly. This aromatic duo sets the stage for your sauce.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
Now pour in the chicken broth, orange juice, honey, and balsamic vinegar. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to marry and concentrate a bit. Add your cranberries and orange zest, letting the cranberries soften and burst during the cooking process, which gives the sauce an enticing jammy texture and flavorful punch. This is where the magic really unfolds.
Step 4: Finish Cooking Chicken in the Sauce
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them skin-side up so they stay tender and juicy absorbing all that lovely sauce flavor. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken cook gently for 20 to 25 minutes. This slow simmer ensures the chicken is fully cooked, tender, and infused with all those incredible sweet-tart flavors. Finally, uncover the skillet and simmer for an extra 5 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly into a luscious glaze.
How to Serve Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh thyme sprigs add an elegant, fragrant touch that perfectly complements the earthy and citrus notes in this recipe. A sprinkle of extra orange zest can also heighten that bright burst you love. If you’re feeling fancy, a few whole cranberries scattered on top bring a fresh pop of color and flavor that is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that soak up the delicious sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes, buttery rice pilaf, or even a warm quinoa salad work beautifully. For something lighter, roasted green beans or sautéed kale with a bit of garlic are perfect green companions that offer a nice textural contrast and balance to the sweet and savory chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the chicken thighs over a bed of fluffy couscous, letting the cranberry-orange sauce cascade over the grains like a jewel-toned river. Alternatively, arranging individual portions with a bright orange and fennel salad on the side adds a refreshing crunch. Serve family-style right from the skillet for a cozy, inviting meal that encourages sharing and conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as they rest, making the next-day meal even more enjoyable. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain the sauce’s vibrant taste and prevent the chicken from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes well. Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your chicken and sauce slowly on low heat in a skillet or microwave to avoid drying out the meat. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Serve immediately once warmed through and enjoy a perfect second helping of this delightful dish.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that boneless chicken breasts cook faster and can dry out more easily, so reduce the cooking time and watch carefully to maintain juiciness. Bone-in thighs offer more forgiving cooking and more flavor, but either is tasty.
Are frozen cranberries okay to use?
Yes, frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. They release flavor and soften during cooking just like fresh cranberries, making this recipe very adaptable depending on what you have on hand.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Though this recipe centers on chicken, you can swap in hearty tofu or tempeh, adjusting cooking times accordingly. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth and treat the cranberries and orange sauce as your flavor base for a delicious vegetarian option.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A bright, fruity white like a Riesling or a Sauvignon Blanc complements the citrus and cranberry flavors beautifully. For a red, a light Pinot Noir with subtle acidity pairs nicely without overpowering the dish.
Can I prepare this in advance for a dinner party?
Yes! You can prep the sauce and chicken separately ahead of time. Reheat everything together gently just before serving for a warm, fresh-tasting meal without the stress at party time.
Final Thoughts
If you want a meal that feels cozy, festive, and bursting with brightness all at once, give this Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe a try. It’s simple enough to make on a busy evening but special enough to wow guests or enjoy as a comforting solo dinner. Once you taste those sweet-tart cranberries mingled with rich chicken and orange goodness, it’s sure to become a beloved addition to your recipe collection. Happy cooking!
Print
Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful and festive Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe featuring juicy, bone-in chicken thighs cooked with a tangy and sweet cranberry orange sauce. This one-pan dish combines aromatic spices, fresh cranberries, and citrus for a perfect holiday or weeknight meal that’s both comforting and vibrant.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Sauce and Aromatics
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, dried thyme, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger. Rub this seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken thighs to coat them completely.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crisp. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 3 minutes to brown the other side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir in the chicken broth, orange juice, honey, and balsamic vinegar into the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Cranberries and Orange Zest: Add the cranberries and orange zest to the skillet, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer with Chicken: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them skin-side up in the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and cover with a lid. Let the chicken cook for 20-25 minutes, allowing it to cook through and the cranberries to soften and burst.
- Thicken the Sauce: Remove the lid and continue simmering uncovered for another 5 minutes to slightly thicken the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with fresh thyme sprigs if desired. Serve the chicken warm with the cranberry orange sauce spooned over the top.
Notes
- Substitute boneless chicken thighs or breasts if preferred, but reduce cooking time accordingly.
- Fresh cranberries provide a bright tartness, but frozen cranberries work just as well.
- For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in orange juice and spices for 1 hour before cooking.
