Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken Recipe
Delight in this vibrant Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken recipe featuring tender, seared chicken breasts bathed in a tangy-sweet glaze made from fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, and a hint of soy sauce. Perfectly baked to juicy perfection, this dish marries citrus brightness with rich, savory undertones, making it an elegant yet simple meal for any occasion.
- 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
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
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’s ready when the chicken and glaze are prepared.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for balanced flavor throughout.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- Make the Glaze: In a separate bowl, combine fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard, stirring well to create a well-blended glaze.
- Add the Glaze: Pour the prepared glaze over the seared chicken breasts in the skillet, ensuring they’re well coated to infuse flavor.
- 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) to guarantee thorough cooking.
- Baste the Chicken: Halfway through baking, baste the chicken with the glaze from the skillet to maintain moisture and enhance the flavor profile.
- Rest the Chicken: After removing the skillet from the oven, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
- Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the cooked chicken breasts for an optional burst of color and fresh herb aroma before serving.
Notes
- Using freshly squeezed orange juice elevates the glaze’s citrus brightness.
- An oven-safe skillet simplifies the process by allowing searing and baking in the same pan.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
- For a thicker glaze, you can simmer the cranberry-orange mixture on the stovetop before pouring over the chicken.
- Fresh parsley is optional but adds a nice visual and flavor contrast.
Keywords: Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken, baked chicken breast, citrus chicken, cranberry glaze, healthy chicken recipe, easy dinner
