Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

This Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe brings together juicy pan-seared chicken, fresh citrus, and burst-in-your-mouth cranberries for a warm, cozy seasonal dish. It’s perfect for November recipes easy, cranberry dinner recipes, and citrus-forward meals that feel festive without being complicated.

Whether you’re craving chicken cranberry, a beautiful citrus main dish, or a holiday-inspired cranberry orange chicken, this skillet recipe checks all the boxes. It’s deeply savory, slightly sweet, and full of fresh seasonal flavor a must-have for your November recipes dinner lineup and fans of cranberry recipes savory.

Fast. Festive. Flavor-packed.

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients List

For the Chicken

• 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Cranberry Orange Sauce

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• ⅓ cup orange juice
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp thyme
• ½ cup chicken broth

Optional Garnish

• Fresh rosemary
• Orange slices

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free:

• Large skillet
• Zester or grater
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Tongs
• Knife & cutting board

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Season the chicken
   • Pat chicken dry.
   • Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Sear chicken
   • Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden.
   • Remove and set aside.
3. Make the cranberry orange sauce
   • Add cranberries, orange juice, chicken broth, honey, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, thyme, and orange zest to skillet.
   • Stir and bring to a simmer.
   • Cook 5 minutes, allowing cranberries to soften and burst. 🍒✨
4. Return chicken to the pan
   • Nestle chicken into the sauce.
   • Simmer 5–7 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.
5. Garnish & serve
   • Add fresh rosemary or extra orange zest.
   • Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, couscous, or roasted veggies.

Pro Tips Section

1. Want a thicker sauce?
   Simmer uncovered the last 2–3 minutes.
2. Cranberries too tart?
   Add 1–2 tbsp extra honey.
3. For juicier chicken:
   Use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
4. Holiday hosting tip:
   Garnish with orange slices + rosemary for a gorgeous presentation.

Nutrition Table

Nutrition facts are estimates and vary based on ingredients. Consult a nutrition expert for precise values.

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on brands, substitutions, and preparation methods. Check all ingredient labels for allergens and dietary needs.

This 30-minute skillet cranberry orange chicken is savory, citrusy, and slightly sweet — perfect for cozy fall dinners or festive holiday meals.

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Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Calories: 370

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 0.5 cup orange juice
• 1 tsp orange zest
• 2 tbsp honey
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp thyme (dried or fresh)
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

• large skillet
• tongs or spatula
• zester or microplane
• measuring cups and spoons

Method

 

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add cranberries, orange juice, zest, honey, broth, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and thyme. Bring to a simmer and cook 5–6 minutes until cranberries burst.
3. Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over top. Simmer uncovered for another 10–12 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.

Nutrition

Calories: 370kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 32gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 360mgPotassium: 490mgFiber: 2gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 220IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 1.4mg

Notes

Use bone-in thighs for extra flavor. For more depth, reduce the sauce further or add a splash of white wine. Serve over mashed potatoes, rice, or couscous.

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Conclusion

This Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe blends sweet, tart, and savory flavors into a simple 30-minute dinner that feels special enough for holidays. It’s the perfect seasonal dish for November, a must-try cranberry dinner recipe, and an easy citrus main dish you’ll want on repeat all winter long.

FAQs