30-Minute Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken

Searching for a dinner that feels festive and special but can be on the table in under an hour? Look no further than this incredible Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken. This recipe delivers the full flavor of a holiday roast—bright orange citrus, sweet maple syrup, and tart cranberries—all in a convenient, one-pan meal. It’s sophisticated enough for guests but easy enough for a busy Tuesday night.

The secret to this dish is the quick, vibrant glaze. As the chicken sears to a beautiful golden brown in the skillet, the cranberries burst and mingle with orange juice and maple syrup, creating a sticky, sweet-tart sauce that coats the chicken perfectly. The entire process, from prep to plating, takes just 30 minutes, making it an absolute dinner miracle during the busy holiday season.

Say goodbye to complicated recipes and hello to your new favorite Cranberry Orange Chicken—juicy, tender, and bathed in the most irresistible glossy sauce. This recipe is designed to impress with minimal effort!

Why This Skillet Chicken Recipe is a Must-Try

Moving away from the slow cooker for a moment, the skillet method is ideal for chicken breasts, as it allows for rapid cooking and perfect glaze caramelization. Here’s why this recipe should be on your holiday menu rotation:

• True 30-Minute Meal: Unlike baking, which requires long preheating and cooking times, this recipe uses the high heat of the stovetop for searing, and a quick finish to thicken the glaze, making it incredibly fast.
• One-Pan Simplicity: Everything happens in a single oven-safe skillet (like cast iron or stainless steel). This saves on cleanup and allows the flavors to build beautifully as the chicken cooks in the developing sauce.
• Perfect Flavor Balance: The combination of acidic orange juice and tart cranberries is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of maple syrup or brown sugar, preventing the dish from tasting overly sweet or too sour.
• Festive Aesthetic: The plump, bright red cranberries and orange zest give the dish an instant holiday look, making it naturally Pinterest-worthy and appealing for entertaining.
• Ultimate Versatility: This chicken is fantastic with classic holiday sides, simple rice, or even shredded for a leftover sandwich.

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients to create a glaze that is bright, savory, and perfectly sweet-tart.

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Cranberry Orange Glaze

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest (about 1 large orange)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup (or packed light brown sugar)
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional, for warmth)
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary or thyme (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions: Sear, Simmer, and Glaze

Follow these steps precisely to ensure juicy chicken and a thick, glossy cranberry-orange glaze.

Part 1: Preparing and Searing the Chicken (10 Minutes)

1. Prep Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides thoroughly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Heat Skillet: Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-high heat until shimmering hot.
3. Sear: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Sear for 4–5 minutes on the first side without moving them until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Flip the chicken and sear for 2–3 minutes on the second side. The chicken will not be cooked through yet. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a clean plate.

Part 2: Making the Cranberry Orange Glaze (10 Minutes)

1. Add Glaze Ingredients: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and ground ginger (if using) to the skillet. Deglaze the pan by scraping up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan—these bits add incredible flavor to the sauce.
2. Simmer and Burst: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. As the cranberries cook, they will begin to burst, releasing pectin and juices that naturally help to thicken the glaze.
3. Finish Glaze: Stir in the 1 tablespoon of butter until melted and incorporated. The glaze should look thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Part 3: Finishing the Dish (10 Minutes)

1. Return Chicken: Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, ensuring they are coated with the glaze and surrounded by the cranberries.
2. Cook Through: Continue to simmer the chicken gently in the glaze for another 5–8 minutes, spooning the glaze over the chicken frequently. The chicken is fully cooked when an internal meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165∘F (74∘C).
3. Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Let the chicken rest in the sauce for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish generously with fresh orange zest or a sprig of rosemary.

Pro Tips for Next-Level Skillet Chicken

While this recipe is simple, these expert tips ensure your chicken is juicy and your glaze is perfectly glossy and balanced.

• The Searing Secret: Always pat the chicken completely dry before seasoning and searing. Moisture is the enemy of a good crust. The dry surface allows the chicken to brown beautifully, locking in the juices.
• Brine for Ultimate Insurance: If you have time, briefly brine the chicken breasts (30 minutes in a 1/4 cup salt per 4 cups water solution). This guarantees juicy results, even if you slightly overcook the meat. Always rinse and pat dry after brining.
• Thickening the Glaze: If your glaze seems too thin after the cranberries have burst, remove the chicken and quickly reduce the sauce over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. You can also mix 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 teaspoon of cold water and whisk it into the simmering glaze for rapid thickening.
• Balance the Glaze: Taste the glaze before putting the chicken back in. If it’s too tart, add a touch more maple syrup. If it’s too sweet, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a dash more balsamic vinegar.
• Use Fresh Zest: Don’t rely on the orange juice alone; the zest holds the potent oils that give the dish its bright, aromatic cranberry orange flavor. Use a fine grater (microplane) to ensure you get only the colorful zest, not the bitter white pith.

Serving Suggestions and Flavor Variations

This Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken is elegant enough to anchor a holiday table and versatile enough to pair with simple weeknight sides.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Comfort: Pair with simple steamed white rice, wild rice, or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the glorious cranberry orange glaze.
• Holiday Sides: It’s a perfect partner for classics like Classic Green Bean Casserole and Southern Maple Sweet Potato Casserole.
• Green Contrast: Serve with simple steamed or roasted green vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or the Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe for a light, crisp balance.
• Starch Alternative: Serve over polenta or creamy risotto for a decadent, cold-weather meal.

Creative Variations

• Thighs vs. Breasts: For even juicier, richer results, substitute the chicken breasts with 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They have more fat and can withstand a slightly longer cooking time without drying out.
• Pork Tenderloin: This glaze works beautifully with pork! Slice a 1-pound pork tenderloin into 1-inch thick medallions and follow the same searing and simmering instructions.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze mixture to introduce a subtle heat that plays wonderfully against the sweet and tart flavors.
• Nutty Crunch: Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped toasted walnuts or pecans during the last minute of cooking, or sprinkle them on top before serving for texture.
• Herb Swap: While rosemary is traditional, try using fresh sage leaves in the glaze for a more intensely savory, earthy, and autumnal flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use frozen cranberries? Yes, absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly well in this recipe. Since they are used in the glaze and will burst as they cook, there is no need to thaw them first. Just add them directly to the skillet and proceed with the recipe.
• What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet? No problem. After searing the chicken and making the glaze in a standard skillet, transfer the chicken and the entire glaze mixture to a shallow baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a 375∘F (190∘C) oven for 10–15 minutes until the chicken reaches 165∘F.
• Can I use a different cut of chicken? Yes. For boneless, skinless thighs (recommended for extra juiciness), increase the total cooking time slightly, checking the temperature around the 10-12 minute mark in the glaze. If using bone-in chicken (breasts or thighs), the cooking time will be significantly longer (closer to 25–35 minutes total simmer time); use a thermometer!
• How should I store and reheat leftovers? Store leftover Cranberry Orange Chicken and the remaining glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of orange juice or chicken broth if the glaze has thickened too much. This will prevent the chicken from drying out. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts.
• What can I use instead of maple syrup? You can substitute the maple syrup with an equal amount of honey for a slightly different floral note, or use packed light brown sugar. Brown sugar will deepen the color of the glaze and add a slight caramel flavor.

This Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken is your ultimate solution for a quick, impressive, and deeply flavorful holiday meal. Enjoy the easy prep and the rave reviews!

Don’t forget to Pin this recipe for later and share your favorite holiday side dishes in the comments below!

Michonne Zendaya

Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken

This skillet cranberry orange chicken is a flavorful dish featuring juicy seared chicken simmered in a tangy cranberry-orange sauce. A festive and easy dinner perfect for holidays or weeknights.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 pieces chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 0.5 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 0.5 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh thyme)
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

• large skillet with lid
• wooden spoon
• measuring cups and spoons
• zester

Method

 

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add cranberries, orange juice, honey, soy sauce, orange zest, and thyme. Stir and bring to a simmer.
5. Return chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over chicken, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs for best flavor. Fresh cranberries work beautifully, but frozen can be substituted. Pair with rice, couscous, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.