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Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken – Sweet, Savory & Perfect for Cozy Winter Nights

This Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken is everything a winter comfort meal should be — juicy seared chicken simmered in a glossy cranberry-orange pan sauce that’s tangy, sweet, savory, and beautifully balanced. Fresh cranberries burst into the sauce, orange zest brightens every bite, and a hint of garlic and herbs brings cozy depth. It’s fast, festive, and perfect for weeknights or holiday dinners. All made in one skillet, ready in under 30 minutes, and gorgeous enough to serve to guests. This dish tastes like holiday magic in savory form — bright, comforting, and irresistibly delicious.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes
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Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 chicken breasts or 6 thighs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • Salt & pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
Cranberry Orange Sauce
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • ½ cup orange juice fresh preferred
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp dried rosemary
  • Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
  • Fresh rosemary
  • Orange slices
  • Extra cranberries lightly cooked or fresh
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Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Zester or microplane
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Tongs

Method
 

Step 1: Season & Sear the Chicken
  1. Season chicken on both sides with:
  2. salt
  3. pepper
  4. garlic powder
  5. onion powder
  6. paprika
  7. Heat olive oil + butter in a skillet over medium-high.
  8. Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden.
  9. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Cranberry Orange Sauce
  1. In the same skillet add:
  2. garlic (cook 20–30 sec)
  3. cranberries
  4. orange juice
  5. orange zest
  6. honey/maple
  7. broth
  8. Dijon
  9. thyme
  10. rosemary
  11. Simmer 5–6 minutes, stirring gently, until cranberries burst and sauce thickens into a glossy glaze.
Step 3: Return Chicken & Simmer
  1. Return seared chicken to the skillet.
  2. Spoon sauce over the top.
  3. Simmer uncovered 6–10 minutes until chicken is cooked through
  4. (165°F internal temperature).
  5. Sauce should be thick, shiny, and spoonable.
Step 4: Serve
  1. Plate chicken and drizzle generously with the cranberry-orange sauce.
  2. Garnish with:
  3. fresh rosemary sprigs
  4. orange slices
  5. extra burst cranberries
  6. Serve over:
  7. mashed potatoes
  8. wild rice
  9. couscous
  10. creamy polenta
  11. buttered noodles

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: 3–4 days
Freezer: Up to 2 months (sauce freezes well too)
Reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth or orange juice to keep it glossy.
🥄 Variations
Cranberry Orange Chicken Thighs – Thighs stay extra juicy.
Creamy Cranberry Sauce – Add ¼ cup heavy cream at the end.
Spicy Cranberry Chicken – Add ½ tsp red pepper flakes.
Balsamic Cranberry Chicken – Add 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar.
Honey-Garlic Orange Chicken – Increase honey + extra garlic.
Fresh Herb Upgrade – Add rosemary + thyme sprigs during simmer.
Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken Tenders – Faster kid-friendly version.
Paleo Version – Use coconut aminos + maple syrup.
Orange Cranberry Chicken with Pecans – Top with toasted pecans.
Holiday Dinner Version – Serve with stuffing + roasted veggies.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes — no thaw needed.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, increase simmer time until cooked through.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer longer or add 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes — reheats beautifully.
Is this dish sweet?
Lightly sweet; balance comes from citrus + herbs.
Can I use cranberry sauce?
Yes — use ½ cup canned cranberries and reduce honey.
Can I add veggies?
Sauté onions or add spinach at the end.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely — great for tenderness.
What if my sauce is too tart?
Add 1 extra tbsp honey/maple.
What if my sauce is too sweet?
Add splash of vinegar or extra orange zest.
🏁 Conclusion
This Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken brings together everything wonderful about winter cooking — bright citrus, tart cranberries, warm herbs, juicy chicken, and silky pan sauce. It’s fast, festive, comforting, and gorgeous enough for a Christmas dinner yet easy enough for a weeknight.
A cozy, flavorful dish that celebrates winter’s best ingredients.