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Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken Recipe

4.5 from 141 reviews

Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken is a delightful and flavorful dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts glazed with a tangy, sweet, and citrusy cranberry-orange sauce. This easy oven-baked recipe balances the tartness of fresh cranberries with the bright zest of orange, honey sweetness, and a savory hint from soy sauce and Dijon mustard. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, it delivers a juicy and vibrant meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Glaze

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken after searing.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance their flavor.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken breast for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown, developing flavor and sealing in juices.
  4. Make the Glaze: In a separate bowl, mix together fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard to create a vibrant glaze.
  5. Add the Glaze: Pour the prepared glaze evenly over the seared chicken breasts in the skillet, coating them thoroughly.
  6. Bake: Place the skillet with the chicken and glaze into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) ensuring it is fully cooked.
  7. Baste the Chicken: Halfway through baking, carefully baste the chicken with the glaze from the skillet to keep it moist and intensify the flavor.
  8. Rest the Chicken: Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, making it tender.
  9. Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken for a bright, fresh finish and a pop of color before serving.

Notes

  • If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen cranberries can be used; just thaw before preparing the glaze.
  • For a spicier glaze, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cranberry mixture.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer to accurately check the chicken’s internal temperature for safe consumption.
  • The dish pairs well with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: cranberry orange glazed chicken, baked chicken recipe, citrus chicken glaze, sweet and tangy chicken, easy chicken dinner