If you’re looking for a dinner recipe to impress your guests, this Cranberry Orange Chicken is the perfect dish! With juicy chicken thighs simmered in a rich, tangy-sweet sauce made from fresh cranberries, orange juice, and fragrant thyme, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between savory and citrusy flavors.

Whether you’re making dark chicken recipes for dinner, need one-dish lunch ideas, or are planning a special meal for guests, this dish is super yummy, easy to make, and full of bold flavors. Serve it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a side of crusty bread for a complete and elegant meal.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

Elegant Yet Easy – A simple, one-pan dish that looks and tastes gourmet.
Bold & Bright Flavors – Sweet oranges, tart cranberries, and savory chicken make the perfect combination.
Great for Entertaining – Perfect for holiday gatherings or recipes for dinner guests.
Versatile Serving Options – Pairs well with rice, potatoes, or roasted veggies.
One-Pan Simplicity – Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor!

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Chicken

For the Chicken:

6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless, if preferred)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter

For the Cranberry Orange Sauce:

1 cup (100g) fresh or frozen cranberries
½ cup (120ml) fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
⅓ cup (80ml) honey or maple syrup
½ cup (120ml) chicken broth
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for added depth)

For Garnish (Optional):

Fresh thyme sprigs
Orange slices
Pomegranate arils for extra color

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make this orange thyme chicken, you’ll need:

Large oven-safe skillet or cast-iron pan
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons
Citrus zester
Wooden spoon

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cranberry Orange Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel.
Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken skin-side down for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
Remove from the skillet and set aside (it will finish cooking later).

Step 3: Make the Cranberry Orange Sauce

In the same skillet, add cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Stir and let simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the cranberries to soften and burst.
Stir in balsamic vinegar for added depth of flavor (optional).

Step 4: Cook the Chicken in the Sauce

Return the seared chicken to the skillet, skin-side up.
Spoon some sauce over the chicken, then reduce heat to low.
Cover and let simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F/75°C).

Step 5: Serve & Garnish

Plate the chicken with extra cranberry orange sauce drizzled on top.
Garnish with fresh thyme, orange slices, and pomegranate arils for a beautiful presentation.
Serve hot with your favorite sides!

Expert Tips for the Best Cranberry Orange Chicken

Use fresh cranberries – They provide the best tart flavor and texture.
Don’t skip the searing step – It locks in moisture and gives the chicken a golden crust.
Let the sauce reduce – The sauce thickens naturally as it simmers, intensifying the flavors.
For extra richness – Add a splash of heavy cream at the end for a creamy twist.
Swap the protein – Use turkey breast, pork chops, or salmon instead of chicken.

Fun Variations of Cranberry Orange Chicken

Caperberry Twist – Add a handful of caperberries for a briny, tangy contrast.
Spicy-Sweet Version – Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a little heat.
One-Pot Chicken & Rice – Add 1 cup of rice and an extra ½ cup of broth to cook everything in one dish.

How to Store & Keep Your Chicken Fresh

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Serving Ideas and Presentation Tips

Serve over buttery mashed potatoes, wild rice, or couscous.
Pair with roasted Brussels sprouts or glazed carrots.
Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme for extra elegance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Cranberry Orange Chicken

Skipping the sear – The crispy skin adds texture and locks in flavor.
Not reducing the sauce enough – A thicker sauce clings better to the chicken.
Using too much honey – Balance the sweetness with tart cranberries and citrus.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve with Cranberry Orange Chicken

Roasted sweet potatoes – Their natural sweetness complements the dish.
Garlic green beans – A simple, crisp vegetable side.
Crusty bread – Perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use boneless chicken instead of bone-in?
Yes! Boneless thighs or breasts work but may cook faster, so reduce the simmering time to 10-15 minutes.

2. Can I make this in the slow cooker?
Yes! Sear the chicken first, then transfer to a slow cooker with the sauce and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours.

3. Can I substitute dried cranberries for fresh?
Fresh or frozen cranberries work best, but if using dried, soak them in warm water for 15 minutes to soften before adding them to the sauce.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

This Cranberry Orange Chicken is an easy yet elegant dinner recipe that’s bursting with flavor! Whether you’re looking for Taziki dinner ideas, super yummy chicken recipes, or a one-dish lunch idea, this dish is a showstopper.

Try this Orange Thyme Chicken today and let us know how it turned out! Tag us on social media and subscribe for more recipes for dinner guests and special occasions!