Juicy Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken

A photo of four glazed chicken breasts arranged on a white serving platter, garnished with fresh thyme and small orange segments.

Welcome back to the blog, foodies! With the holidays just around the corner, I've been experimenting with some festive, yet super-easy recipes. And let me tell you, this Juicy Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken is a showstopper that requires minimal effort. It's the perfect weeknight meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen!


The combination of tart cranberries, zesty orange, and savory chicken is absolutely divine. Plus, it fills your kitchen with the most wonderful aroma. Say goodbye to dry, boring chicken, and hello to your new favorite holiday-inspired dish!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Festive Flavors: Cranberry and orange are a match made in winter heaven.

  • Juicy & Tender: The glaze helps keep the chicken incredibly moist.

  • Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of what you need already!

The Magic is in the Glaze

The glaze is the star of this recipe. We're using a simple combination of orange zest and juice for brightness, and a little something extra to make it sweet and thick.


A small, white bowl of vibrant red cranberry sauce sits next to a halved, fresh orange and a few sprigs of fresh rosemary.

Recipe: Juicy Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken

This recipe is incredibly adaptable. Feel free to use chicken thighs instead of breasts for even more flavor!

Ingredients

Component

Amount

Notes

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

4

About 6 oz each

Cranberry sauce

1 cup

Canned or homemade, whole or jellied

Orange juice

1/2 cup

Freshly squeezed is best!

Orange zest

1 teaspoon

For maximum orange punch

Brown sugar

2 tablespoons

Optional, for extra sweetness

Salt and pepper

To taste


Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.

  2. Make the Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, orange juice, orange zest, and brown sugar (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. This usually takes about 5 minutes.

  3. Glaze and Bake: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Brush a liberal amount of the glaze over the top of each piece of chicken.

  4. Cook: Bake for 18–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Halfway through the cooking time (around the 10-minute mark), brush the chicken with another layer of glaze to build that beautiful, glossy crust.

  5. Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving. Drizzle with any remaining glaze from the baking dish.


A photo of four glazed chicken breasts arranged on a white serving platter, garnished with fresh thyme and small orange segments.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken pairs wonderfully with so many sides. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:


  • Creamy mashed potatoes

  • Roasted green beans with almonds

  • Wild rice pilaf

  • A simple side salad with a vinaigrette


Happy cooking, and enjoy this incredibly flavorful dish! Don't forget to tag me in your photos when you make it!