Description
This Cranberry-Orange Glazed Chicken is a bright, zesty twist on classic baked chicken. Juicy, golden-seared breasts are coated in a sweet-tangy cranberry-orange glaze with hints of Dijon, soy, garlic, and onion. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough for the holidays—perfect with rice, potatoes, or roasted veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (canned or homemade)
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed if possible)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, orange juice, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden brown on both sides (they will finish cooking in the oven).
- Pour the cranberry-orange glaze evenly over the chicken, turning each piece to ensure it is well coated.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Spoon some of the pan sauce over the chicken, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking; pull the chicken as soon as it hits 165°F (75°C).
- If your cranberry sauce is very thick, add an extra splash of orange juice or water to thin the glaze slightly.
- Taste the glaze before baking and adjust salt, pepper, or a touch more Dijon to suit your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop + Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g (approx.)
- Sodium: 520 mg (approx., varies with soy sauce and added salt)
- Fat: 11 g (approx.)
- Saturated Fat: 2 g (approx.)
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g (approx.)
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g (approx.)
- Fiber: 1 g (approx.)
- Protein: 32 g (approx.)
- Cholesterol: 95 mg (approx.)
Keywords: cranberry orange glazed chicken, cranberry chicken, orange chicken, baked chicken breast, holiday chicken recipe, skillet chicken