Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken Recipe
Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken is a delicious and vibrant dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts baked in a tangy and sweet glaze made from fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, and savory Dijon mustard. Perfectly balanced with citrus zest and enhanced by a quick oven finish, this recipe is a delightful meal that’s simple to prepare and bursting with flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cranberry Orange Glaze
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the chicken.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to build the foundational flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large oven-safe skillet. Sear the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust, locking in the juices.
- Make the Glaze: In a separate bowl, mix fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard together thoroughly to create a tangy and sweet glaze.
- Add the Glaze: Pour the prepared glaze over the seared chicken breasts in the skillet, coating them evenly to infuse flavor during baking.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Baste the Chicken: About halfway through the baking time, baste the chicken with the glaze from the skillet to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Rest the Chicken: Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute for a juicy final texture.
- Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken before serving to add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet for seamless transition from stovetop to oven.
- Freshly squeezed orange juice enhances the glaze’s brightness, but bottled can be used if needed.
- To check doneness, use a meat thermometer to confirm an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Resting the chicken before slicing helps keep it juicy.
- Garnish with parsley or other fresh herbs for presentation and freshness.
Keywords: cranberry chicken, orange glazed chicken, baked chicken breast, holiday chicken recipe, sweet and tangy chicken, easy chicken dinner
