Name: Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt; ½ teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 ½ cups (150 g) cranberries, fresh or frozen; ⅔ cup (166 g) orange juice; ¼ cup (79 g) pure maple syrup; ¼ cup (50 g) light brown sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons orange zest; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; orange slices, for garnish (optional)

There’s something wonderfully cozy about a dish that’s both tangy and savory, and this Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. With juicy chicken thighs bathed in a bright cranberry-orange sauce, it’s a fantastic way to brighten up any weeknight dinner.

A black cast iron pan holds seven pieces of golden-brown cooked chicken, each topped with bright red cranberry sauce and small green herb sprinkles. The chicken looks crispy on top with a juicy texture under the sauce. In the pan, the sauce pools around the chicken with visible whole cranberries adding texture. Around the pan, there are small orange wedges, green parsley leaves, and a small bowl with chopped green herbs, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet Recipe more times than I can count—there’s just something about how the tart cranberries and sweet orange notes marry with tender chicken that makes it addictive. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe delivers a balance of flavors that’s bright, comforting, and impressive without fuss.

Flavor Harmony: The combo of tart cranberries and zesty orange creates a sauce that’s both refreshing and rich, cutting through the savory chicken perfectly.
One-Skillet Wonder: You cook everything in one pan, meaning less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
Juicy Chicken Thighs: Using thighs keeps the chicken moist and tender, so you get maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Versatile and Easy: This recipe is quick enough for weeknights but special enough for guests, with room to customize ingredients to your taste.

The image shows a close-up of a single piece of cooked chicken on a spoon, coated in a thick, glossy, dark red sauce with chunks of what appear to be dried cranberries or similar berries. The chicken is golden-brown and moist, with fresh green parsley leaves sprinkled on top for contrast. The spoon is lifting the chicken from a white bowl containing more pieces of chicken covered in the same dark red sauce with visible bits of the berries and sauce spread around the bowl’s interior. The background and surface are a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Let’s talk about the ingredients here — each one plays a specific role in building layers of flavor. You’ll want fresh or frozen cranberries for that perfect tart burst, and fresh orange juice and zest to brighten the sauce naturally. The chicken thighs bring meaty richness, while the sweeteners balance the tartness without overpowering.

Flat lay of six raw boneless skinless chicken thighs seasoned with visible sprinkles of paprika and black pepper, a few whole kosher salt crystals scattered nearby, a small white ceramic bowl of extra virgin olive oil with a golden sheen, a handful of fresh bright red cranberries, a small white bowl filled with vibrant orange juice, a small white bowl holding rich amber maple syrup, a small white bowl with light brown sugar crystals, a few fresh orange slices arranged neatly, a small pile of finely grated orange zest, and a small mound of minced garlic cloves all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless skinless chicken thighs: They stay juicy and tender compared to breasts and absorb the sauce beautifully.
Kosher salt: Essential to season the meat properly and bring out the flavors in the sauce.
Paprika: Adds mild smokiness and a subtle depth without heat.
Black pepper: Gives a little kick and freshness to the seasoning.
Extra virgin olive oil: For searing the chicken and adding a nice, fruity note to the dish.
Cranberries (fresh or frozen): The star of the sauce, providing tartness and a beautiful vibrant color.
Orange juice: Adds a bright citrus punch that pairs perfectly with cranberries.
Pure maple syrup: Sweetens the sauce naturally, balancing tart and savory flavors.
Light brown sugar: Adds a touch of molasses flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Orange zest: Packs an aromatic burst that you don’t get from juice alone.
Garlic, minced: Brings subtle warmth and complexity to the sauce.
Orange slices (optional): A pretty garnish that doubles down on that fresh citrus vibe.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This recipe is so flexible, and I love making little tweaks depending on the season or my mood. Don’t hesitate to swap in fresh herbs or adjust the sweetness level to suit your taste—it’s all about making it yours.

Variation: Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that contrasts nicely with the sweetness.
Dietary Modifications: For a lower sugar version, I reduce the brown sugar and maple syrup; the natural tartness still shines through wonderfully.
Seasonal swaps: When oranges are out of season, lemon juice and zest offer a lovely bright alternative.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Like a Pro

First, take the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels—that’s step one for crispier, nicely browned skin. Mix your salt, paprika, and black pepper in a small bowl, then sprinkle the seasoning over both sides of the chicken. Trust me, even seasoning is key here to make sure each bite bursts with flavor.

Step 2: Sear Those Thighs to Perfection

Heat your skillet over medium with olive oil until you see it shimmer. Place the chicken thighs skin side down and don’t crowd the pan; work in batches if needed. Cook for about 5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook an additional 5 minutes or until the internal temp hits 165°F. The golden crust you get here adds so much flavor and texture.

Step 3: Create the Magic Sauce

Lower your heat to medium-low and add cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup, brown sugar, orange zest, minced garlic, and salt right into the skillet with the browned bits from the chicken. Let everything simmer gently for about 10 minutes, mashing the cranberries occasionally to release their juices. The sauce will thicken and become beautifully glossy.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Once your sauce is luscious and thick, nestle the cooked chicken back into the pan. Spoon some sauce over each piece and cook just a minute longer to rewarm the chicken and let flavors meld. Garnish with fresh orange slices if you like that extra pop of color and citrus aroma.

Top Tip

After making this Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet Recipe multiple times, I’ve learned a few little tricks that really boost the final dish. These tips make sure you get perfectly cooked chicken and a sauce that’s thickened just right without burning.

Pat Dry Before Seasoning: Dry chicken means better sear and golden crust, so don’t skip this step!
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give each piece space to brown properly; crowded pans lead to steaming, not searing.
Simmer Sauce Gently: Use medium-low heat for the sauce to avoid burning the sugars and to let cranberries soften nicely.
Include the Pan Bits: Scrape up those browned bits when making the sauce—they add depth and wonderful flavor.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet Recipe

cranberry orange chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to finish this dish with fresh orange slices—adds a bright pop of color and echoes the citrus flavor. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley also adds freshness and makes it look restaurant-worthy! If you want a little texture, some toasted pecans on top are surprisingly good too.

Side Dishes

This Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like buttery mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up the sauce. Roasted green beans or a crisp arugula salad add a nice contrast to the sweet and tangy main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes serve this over a bed of wild rice or quinoa to add an earthy base. You could also plate each chicken piece with a drizzle of the sauce artistically spooned around and garnish with a few fresh cranberries and an edible flower for a show-stopping presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend storing the chicken with some sauce to keep it moist. When ready to eat, gently reheat on the stove or microwave.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish successfully by letting it cool completely first, then transferring to freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for up to 2 months. When thawed and reheated, the texture of the chicken stays surprisingly tender, and the sauce holds up beautifully.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra orange juice if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwaving works too, but go slow in intervals to avoid drying out the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! You can substitute boneless skinless chicken breasts, but be careful not to overcook them as they dry out faster. Consider pounding them to even thickness and adjust cooking time accordingly.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

You can definitely prepare the cranberry orange sauce a day ahead and reheat it gently before adding the cooked chicken. Just keep it refrigerated in an airtight container. This works great for meal prep or entertaining.

What can I substitute for fresh cranberries?

If fresh or frozen cranberries aren’t available, you could try using dried cranberries soaked in warm water or pomegranate seeds for a different but pleasant tartness and texture.

How do I know when the sauce is done?

The sauce is done when it has thickened nicely and the cranberries have softened and started to burst, releasing their juices. It should coat the back of a spoon and have a glossy, syrupy consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet Recipe is one of those dishes I always turn to when I want something cozy yet flavorful—something that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes one of your go-to weeknight heroes too. It’s a bright, pretty plate of comfort that’s bound to bring smiles around your table.