Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I stood in my kitchen, the aroma of sizzling chicken mingling with the sweet and tart notes of cranberries filled the air, instantly transforming my ordinary evening into something special. This Easy One-Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken has quickly become my go-to recipe, beautifully combining convenience with a festive flair. Not only does it promise a delightful burst of flavors with every bite, thanks to its irresistible cranberry-orange glaze, but it’s also a one-skillet wonder that cuts down on cleanup time—a true lifesaver for busy weeknights. Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish adds a touch of elegance without requiring hours in the kitchen. Curious about how to whip up this vibrant meal? Let’s dive into the delicious details! Why Is This Chicken Recipe a Must-Try? Simplicity at its finest: This one-skillet magic means less hassle and reduced cleanup, making it ideal for busy evenings. Flavorful explosion awaits you with the perfect balance of sweet cranberries and zesty orange, making each bite a delightful experience. Festive enough for special occasions yet easy enough for weeknights, it’s perfect for all your dinner needs. Looking for more delicious meals? Try Indian Butter Chicken or whip up some Garlic Parmesan Chicken for another easy dinner solution! Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken Ingredients For the Chicken Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – These are ideal for a juicy texture and quick cooking. For the Glaze Cranberries – Choose fresh or frozen for the perfect sweet-tart balance in your glaze. Orange juice – Freshly squeezed adds a bright acidity, elevating the dish’s flavor profile. Honey or sugar – Sweetens your glaze; for a different twist, try maple syrup instead! Soy sauce – A splash brings depth; consider low-sodium for a healthier option. Garlic – Fresh garlic enhances flavor beautifully; if in a hurry, powdered garlic works too. Red pepper flakes – Add a pinch for some heat; adjust according to your spice preference. This Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken will not only simplify your dinner prep but also impress your family with its festive flair! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken Step 1: Prep Chicken Begin by seasoning your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs generously with salt and pepper. This step ensures the meat is flavorful throughout. Allow the chicken to sit for about 10 minutes while you prepare your skillet, letting the seasoning soak in and enhance the final dish. Step 2: Sear Chicken Heat a large, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in a tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Sear for approximately 5-7 minutes on each side, until each piece is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. Step 3: Make Glaze In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add one cup of cranberries, half a cup of freshly squeezed orange juice, a couple of tablespoons of honey, two tablespoons of soy sauce, and minced garlic. Cook for about 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to burst and the mixture thickens into a glossy glaze, releasing a delightful aroma. Step 4: Combine Return the seared chicken to the skillet, ensuring each piece is well coated in the vibrant cranberry-orange glaze. Let the chicken simmer in the skillet on low heat for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully while ensuring the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. Step 5: Serve Once everything is beautifully glazed and the chicken is cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat. If desired, garnish your Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken with a sprinkle of orange zest or fresh cranberries to enhance the festive appearance. Serve warm alongside your favorite side dishes, and savor the delicious medley of flavors! Expert Tips for Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken • Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F for safe and juicy chicken. • Glaze Consistency: Avoid overcooking the cranberries; they should burst but remain slightly chunky to create a delectable glaze without turning mushy. • Seasoning Balance: Taste the glaze before combining with chicken; adjust sweetness or acidity as needed for the perfect balance in your Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken. • Cleanup Made Easy: Opt for a non-stick skillet to make cooking and cleanup smoother, allowing you to focus on enjoying your meal. • Versatile Variations: Experiment by substituting chicken with tofu for a plant-based version or adding chopped nuts for extra crunch. Make Ahead Options These Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken is fantastic for meal prep, making your busy weeknights smoother! You can prep the chicken and glaze up to 24 hours in advance. Simply season the chicken and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. For the glaze, combine the cranberries, orange juice, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and red pepper flakes in a separate container and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, just sear the chicken in the skillet, add the prepared glaze, and let it simmer until heated through. This ensures your dish remains just as delicious while saving you precious time! What to Serve with Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken As you plan the ideal meal to accompany this vibrant dish, consider options that enhance its sweet and savory flavors. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These rich, buttery potatoes provide a comforting, smooth contrast to the tangy orange glaze. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their roasted, crispy edges and slight bitterness perfectly complement the sweetness of the cranberry reduction. Wild Rice: The nutty flavor and chewy texture of wild rice absorb the glaze beautifully, creating a wholesome, filling accompaniment. Garlic Green Beans: Crisp-tender beans tossed in garlic bring a fresh, bright crunch that balances the savory sweetness of the chicken. Cranberry Salad: A refreshing salad with greens, nuts, and tart cranberries echoes the dish’s flavors while adding a vibrant pop of color. Chardonnay: This crisp wine, with its fruity notes, harmonizes with the chicken’s glaze, creating an elegant dining experience. By thoughtfully pairing Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken with these sides, you create a delicious symphony of textures and flavors, perfect for any occasion. Variations & Substitutions for Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken Feel free to play around with this recipe to suit your taste and dietary preferences! Sweeter Glaze: Increase honey or sugar for a more pronounced sweetness. Vegetarian Delight: Swap chicken for firm tofu, marinating it for extra flavor. Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful texture contrast on top. Dash of Heat: Include a few slices of fresh jalapeños for a spicy kick that contrasts the sweet glaze. Cranberry Swap: Use pomegranate seeds instead of cranberries for a unique twist; they add a similar tartness. Citrus Variety: Mix lemon or grapefruit juice with orange juice for an extra citrusy punch that brightens the flavor. Herbal Boost: Add fresh thyme or rosemary during the glaze-making step for an aromatic upgrade. These herbs beautifully complement the chicken. BBQ Inspired: Incorporate a tablespoon of barbecue sauce into the glaze for a smoky flavor profile, similar to that found in my Bbq Chicken Sweet dish. Feel inspired to get creative! This versatile dish can transform with just a few simple changes to become your next favorite recipe. How to Store and Freeze Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the juicy texture and vibrant flavors of your Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken. Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in a skillet over low heat. Reheating: Gently reheat in a non-stick skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if needed to keep the glaze moist and delicious. Serving Suggestions: Consider serving your reheated chicken with freshly cooked sides for a quick and elegant meal during busy weeknights. Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe FAQs What type of chicken is best for this recipe? Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal as they cook quickly and remain juicy. I often prefer thighs for a bit more flavor and tenderness, but both options work beautifully in this Easy One-Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken. How should I store the leftovers? Store your leftover Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps keep the chicken moist and flavorful. To enjoy it later, simply reheat it gently in a skillet to revive its delightful glaze. Can I freeze Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken? Yes, you can! Freeze the chicken in a sealed container or freezer-friendly bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if necessary to maintain that luscious glaze. What should I do if the glaze is too thick? No worries! If the glaze thickens too much during cooking, just add a little water or chicken broth gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well and let it simmer for a minute or so. This will enhance the flavor while ensuring it’s not overly thick. Is this recipe suitable for people with soy allergies? Great question! If you or your guests have soy allergies, you can substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos. It will still deliver a nice depth of flavor but without the soy. You may also want to adjust the sweetness, as coconut aminos can be slightly sweeter than soy sauce. How do I make this dish vegetarian? Very! To create a vegetarian version of Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken, simply swap the chicken for firm tofu. Press and drain the tofu beforehand, then cut it into cubes. Pan-fry it until golden before adding the glaze. Follow the same steps from there, and you’ll have a delicious vegetarian dish! Savory Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken for Easy Dinners No ratings yet Delight in Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken, an easy one-skillet recipe that combines juicy chicken with a festive cranberry-orange glaze. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsTotal Time 35 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 320 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs These are ideal for a juicy texture and quick cooking.For the Glaze1 cup Cranberries Choose fresh or frozen for the perfect sweet-tart balance.0.5 cup Orange juice Freshly squeezed adds a bright acidity.2 tablespoons Honey Sweetens your glaze.2 tablespoons Soy sauce A splash brings depth.2 cloves Garlic Fresh garlic enhances flavor beautifully.1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes Add a pinch for some heat. Equipment Large non-stick skillet Method Step-by-Step InstructionsBegin by seasoning your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs generously with salt and pepper. Allow the chicken to sit for about 10 minutes.Heat a large, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in a tablespoon of oil. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and sear for approximately 5-7 minutes on each side.In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add one cup of cranberries, half a cup of orange juice, honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Cook for about 5-8 minutes until the cranberries begin to burst and the mixture thickens.Return the seared chicken to the skillet, ensuring each piece is well coated in the glaze. Let simmer on low heat for an additional 5-10 minutes.Remove from heat. Garnish with orange zest or fresh cranberries if desired, and serve warm. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 28gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Reheat in a non-stick skillet over medium heat, adding water or chicken broth if needed. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
