Juicy Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken That Will Wow Your Tastebuds

Caroline

Sharing simple, flavorful recipes made with love and care.

There’s something irresistible about the bright zing of citrus paired with the sweet-tart burst of cranberries, especially when they come together as a glaze on tender, juicy chicken. I discovered this Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken recipe one chilly evening when I wanted a meal that felt fresh, festive, and full of flavor—without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of vibrant orange zest and tangy cranberries creates a glossy, mouthwatering finish that’s both elegant and easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or aiming to impress guests with minimal effort, this dish strikes the perfect balance of sophistication and simplicity. Trust me, once you try this glaze, your usual chicken routine will never feel the same!

Why love Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken?

Vibrant Flavor Duo: The tangy cranberries and zesty orange make each bite irresistibly bright and fresh. Effortless Elegance: This glaze turns simple chicken into a show-stopping dish without complicated steps. Juicy Perfection: The chicken stays tender and moist, infused with the sweet-tart glaze. Versatile & Festive: Perfect for everyday meals or special occasions, pleasing all palates. Time-Saving: Ready in under an hour, it’s ideal for busy cooks craving big flavor.

Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken Ingredients

For the Chicken

Chicken thighs or breasts – Choose bone-in for extra juiciness or boneless for quicker cooking in this Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken recipe.
Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken.
Olive oil – Helps achieve a golden, crispy skin while keeping the chicken moist.

For the Glaze

Fresh cranberries – Provide that signature tart burst and vibrant color that defines the glaze.
Fresh orange juice – Adds bright citrus zing, balancing the cranberry’s tartness beautifully.
Orange zest – Intensifies the orange flavor with aromatic oils for extra freshness.
Honey or maple syrup – Sweetens the glaze naturally, rounding out the tart edges.
Garlic cloves – Bring warmth and depth to the sauce without overpowering it.
Fresh thyme or rosemary – Adds an herby hint that complements both the fruit and chicken.
Red pepper flakes (optional) – For a subtle kick if you like a touch of heat.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken

Prep Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and let rest 10 minutes while you preheat the oven to 375°F.
Sear Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of oil. Place chicken skin-side down and cook until golden brown, about 4 minutes, stirring herbs into the pan.
Roast Chicken: Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish and roast at 375°F until it reaches 165°F internal temperature, about 18–20 minutes for juicy, tender meat.
For the Glaze:
Simmer Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, fresh orange juice, zest, honey (or maple syrup), garlic cloves, and thyme. Simmer over medium heat until berries burst, about 8–10 minutes.
Thicken Sauce: Use the back of a spoon to gently mash the cranberries. Continue simmering until the mixture becomes syrupy and coats the back of a spoon, about 2–3 minutes.
Glaze Chicken: Generously spoon the warm cranberry-orange glaze over the roasted chicken. Return to oven for 5 minutes to lock in that glossy, sweet-tart finish.

Optional: Garnish with extra orange zest or fresh thyme sprigs.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Variations & Substitutions for Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken

Feel free to put your own spin on this delightful recipe and tailor it to your taste!

Herb Swap: Use fresh sage or basil instead of thyme or rosemary for a different aromatic depth. These herbs bring a unique character, enhancing the overall flavor profile beautifully.
Sweetener Change: Substitute honey or maple syrup with brown sugar or agave nectar for a richer sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the tangy glaze. This alternative creates a delightful caramel note.
Fruit Fusion: Try adding a handful of diced apples or pears to the glaze for an extra layer of sweetness and texture. This twist introduces a fall-like warmth that complements the cranberries perfectly.
Citrus Twist: Incorporate lime or grapefruit juice along with the orange for a zesty lift that will surprise your taste buds. This addition can brighten the dish even further!
Spicy Kick: Mix in a teaspoon of sriracha or chili powder to the glaze for a sweet-and-spicy version that’ll warm you up. The heat level can be adjusted based on your preference.
Vegetarian Option: Swap out chicken for hearty veggies like eggplant or portobello mushrooms, roasting them to absorb all the delicious flavors of the glaze. This creates a vibrant and satisfying vegetarian dish.
Nutty Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts as a topping after glazing the chicken for a delightful crunch and added richness. This element provides great texture and nutty flavors that contrast beautifully.
Grilled Variation: Cook the chicken on the grill to add a smoky flavor, brushing the glaze on during the last few minutes of cooking for a delicious charred finish. This grilling option brings a summer vibe to your plate!

What to Serve with Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken?

Building a meal around this succulent chicken recipe can take your dining experience to new heights.

Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture and buttery flavor of mashed potatoes perfectly balance the tartness of the glaze, making each bite harmonious.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crisp-tender Brussels sprouts roasted with olive oil add a delightful crunch and a slightly nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet glaze.
Wild Rice Pilaf: This nutty rice dish, infused with herbs and nuts, offers a hearty base that complements the juicy chicken without overwhelming its vibrant flavor.
Cranberry Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, tart cranberries, and a citrus vinaigrette echoes the glaze, creating a refreshing contrast that brightens the plate.
Honey-Balsamic Carrots: Glazed carrots with honey and balsamic vinegar bring a sweet-and-sour note that echoes the chicken’s glaze while adding a pop of color.
Sparkling Water with Lime: A refreshing drink that cleanses the palate and enhances the dish’s citrus notes, ensuring your taste buds stay awake.
Orange Sorbet: For dessert, a light orange sorbet adds a refreshing end to the meal, balancing sweetness with the remaining tart notes from dinner.

How to Store and Freeze Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken

Fridge: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the glaze is covering the chicken to maintain moisture.

Freezer: Freeze portions of packed chicken with glaze for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Warm in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes for the best texture.

Maintain Flavor: Reapplying a drizzle of freshly made cranberry orange glaze before serving enhances the flavor and freshness of this delicious dish.

Make Ahead Options

These Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken pieces are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the glaze up to 3 days in advance. Simply simmer the cranberries, orange juice, zest, honey, garlic, and thyme, then let it cool before refrigerating in an airtight container. To maintain quality, give it a gentle stir before use. You can also season the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, simply sear the chicken and roast it as directed. Then, glaze with your prepared sauce and pop it back in the oven for that glossy finish, providing a delicious meal with minimal last-minute effort!

Expert Tips for Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken

Choose the Right Cut: Bone-in chicken thighs stay juicier and offer richer flavor, while breasts cook faster—select based on your timing and taste preference.
Don’t Skip Drying: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure the skin crisps beautifully instead of steaming in the pan.
Control Heat: Sear chicken over medium-high heat to get a golden crust without burning, then roast gently to keep meat tender.
Simmer Glaze Slowly: Let cranberries burst and the sauce thicken gradually for a silky glaze that clings perfectly to the chicken.
Balance Sweet and Tart: Taste the glaze before finishing—adjust honey or orange juice to suit your desired sweet-tart harmony.
Rest Before Serving: Letting chicken rest for a few minutes after glazing keeps it juicy and lets flavors meld deliciously.

Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken Recipe FAQs

How fresh should the cranberries be for the best glaze?
For the brightest flavor, use fresh cranberries that are firm with a deep red color and no dark spots. If fresh cranberries aren’t available, frozen ones work well too—just thaw before cooking.

Can I store leftover Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken in the fridge?
Absolutely! Store your leftovers in an airtight container with the glaze spooned over the chicken to lock in moisture. It will keep well for up to 3 to 4 days refrigerated at or below 40°F.

Is it possible to freeze this glazed chicken without losing flavor or texture?
Yes! To freeze, place the cooled chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash-freeze for about 1 hour. Then wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly frozen, it will keep up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, adding a little freshly warmed glaze for best results.

What if my glaze is too tart or too sweet?
No worries—taste-testing your glaze as it simmers is key. If it’s too tart, add a bit more honey or maple syrup gradually until you find the perfect balance. If it’s overly sweet, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash more orange juice can brighten and balance the flavors beautifully.

Is Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken safe for pets or people with allergies?
This recipe contains citrus and garlic, which can be harmful to pets like dogs and cats, so keep it away from their diet. For those with citrus or berry allergies, it’s best to avoid this dish or substitute the glaze with milder fruit sauces, like apple or peach, but consult a medical professional if unsure.