If there’s ever been a recipe that tastes like the holidays wrapped in a skillet, it’s this Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken. Juicy, golden-brown chicken thighs simmer in a tangy-sweet cranberry orange sauce that’s both cozy and fresh.
This dish is perfect for special dinners, but it’s easy enough for weeknights. The sauce uses simple pantry ingredients—fresh or frozen cranberries, orange juice, honey, and balsamic vinegar—to create a glossy glaze that coats every bite beautifully.
I love making this when I want something that feels festive without a lot of fuss. It’s the kind of dinner that fills the kitchen with warmth and the table with smiles.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken
- Perfect balance of flavors: Sweet, tart, citrusy, and savory in every bite.
- Easy one-pan dinner: Everything cooks in one skillet—minimal cleanup.
- Looks elegant, tastes effortless: Great for family dinners or entertaining.
- Versatile: Works with chicken thighs, breasts, or even turkey cutlets.
- Seasonal favorite: A cozy fall and winter dish that feels restaurant-quality.
This recipe takes simple ingredients and turns them into something extraordinary—a dish that tastes like it belongs on a holiday menu but fits right into your weeknight routine.
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped
- Optional garnish: orange slices, extra rosemary, or cranberries
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the chicken. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear the chicken. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken skin-side down and sear for 5–6 minutes until golden and crisp. Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Stir in orange juice, honey, balsamic vinegar, orange zest, and cranberries. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return chicken to skillet. Spoon sauce over the top and simmer uncovered for another 10–12 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
- Garnish and serve. Sprinkle with rosemary or thyme and garnish with orange slices.
Optional: For extra flavor, finish the skillet in a 400°F oven for 10 minutes to crisp the chicken skin.
How to Serve Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken
This dish is as versatile as it is flavorful—you can serve it in so many delicious ways.
For a comforting, complete meal, pair it with Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana. The creamy Tuscan soup complements the bright citrusy chicken perfectly.
If you want a sweet finish to your dinner, serve Blueberry Cream Cheese Egg Rolls—their crisp sweetness balances the tangy sauce beautifully.
Hosting a cozy dinner? Add a slice of Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake for a festive dessert that feels like a celebration.
This chicken also pairs beautifully with wild rice, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a simple spinach salad. The sauce doubles as a dressing—just drizzle it right over the greens!
How to Store Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken
This dish stores and reheats wonderfully, making it great for meal prep or holiday leftovers.
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Pro Tip: Store the chicken and sauce separately if you want to keep the skin crispy.
When reheated, the flavors deepen, and the sauce becomes even richer—just another reason this dish is perfect for make-ahead dinners.
Tips to Make Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken
- Use bone-in chicken thighs: They stay juicy and flavorful.
- Sear well: A golden crust adds texture and locks in juices.
- Adjust sweetness: Add more honey for a sweeter glaze or more vinegar for tang.
- Use fresh orange zest: It brightens the whole dish.
- Cranberry swap: If fresh cranberries aren’t available, use frozen—no need to thaw.
- Don’t rush the simmer: It helps the sauce thicken naturally.
- Add herbs: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage deepen the flavor beautifully.
Variations of Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken
- Cranberry Balsamic Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of balsamic reduction at the end for a glossy finish.
- Holiday Roast Version: Use whole chicken pieces and roast everything in the oven.
- Spicy Cranberry Orange Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Cranberry Dijon Twist: Whisk in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard for a tangy note.
- Citrus Trio: Use a mix of orange, lemon, and lime juice for a bright, complex flavor.
- Sheet Pan Version: Roast chicken and cranberries together for a no-fuss dinner.
- Slow Cooker Option: Combine all ingredients (except zest and herbs) in the slow cooker and cook on low 5–6 hours; stir in herbs at the end.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Just reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent overcooking.
Q2: What can I use instead of balsamic vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar also works beautifully.
Q3: Can I make this ahead?
Yes, the sauce actually tastes better after resting overnight.
Q4: Can I use canned cranberries?
Fresh or frozen cranberries work best, but you can use whole-berry canned sauce in a pinch—just reduce the honey.
Final Thoughts
This Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken is one of those recipes that feels like magic. A few humble ingredients come together to create a dish bursting with color, flavor, and heartwarming aroma.
It’s the kind of meal that makes even a Tuesday night feel special. And whether you serve it for guests or just for yourself, every bite tastes like celebration—sweet, tangy, and completely irresistible.
Follow me on Facebook and Pinterest where I share cozy, easy-to-make baking recipes just like this one.
Print
Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Juicy chicken thighs simmered in a tangy-sweet cranberry orange glaze. This one-skillet recipe is easy enough for weeknights and elegant enough for holidays.
Ingredients
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp chopped rosemary or thyme
- Optional: orange slices for garnish
Instructions
1. Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Sear in olive oil over medium-high heat until golden; remove from skillet.
3. Add garlic, orange juice, honey, balsamic vinegar, orange zest, and cranberries. Simmer 5 minutes.
4. Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over, and cook 10–12 minutes until done (165°F).
5. Garnish with herbs and orange slices. Serve hot.
Notes
Use frozen cranberries if fresh aren’t available.
Add extra honey for sweetness or more vinegar for tang.
Finish in the oven for crispy skin.
This sauce also pairs beautifully with turkey or pork.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 thigh
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 95mg