Chef Mitchell - Professional Chef
👨‍🍳 Professional Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 12+ Years Experience ⏰ 1200+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary Institute Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"This recipe was inspired by my love for the flavors of fall and winter. The combination of cranberry and orange is a timeless classic that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. I often prepare this dish for holiday gatherings, where it never fails to impress."

Chef Mitchell has spent over a decade perfecting the art of culinary creation. With a passion for seasonal ingredients, he crafts dishes that celebrate flavor and simplicity. His expertise is evident in every recipe he shares.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken served on a plate

Why This Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken Recipe Works

This recipe combines the juicy tenderness of chicken thighs with a vibrant cranberry orange glaze. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the natural flavors to shine through, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. Baking it covered ensures that the chicken remains moist throughout the cooking process.

The balance of sweet honey and tart cranberries, along with the brightness of orange juice, adds depth to the flavor profile. This contrast makes it a standout dish that pairs beautifully with sides like rice or roasted vegetables. The vibrant colors also make it visually appealing for any occasion.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, use fresh cranberries as they provide a tartness that dried cranberries cannot replicate. Additionally, letting the chicken rest after baking allows the juices to settle, resulting in tender meat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the cranberry glaze in advance and marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight. Just bake it when you're ready to serve for the best flavor.

You can use maple syrup or agave nectar in place of honey for a similar sweetness. Adjust the amount to taste as needed.

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and juices run clear. You can also check that the meat is no longer pink in the center.

Yes, you can freeze the glazed chicken after cooking. Make sure to store it in an airtight container, and it should last for up to three months.

You will need a medium saucepan for the glaze, a baking dish, and aluminum foil. A meat thermometer is also helpful for checking doneness.

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. For a comforting meal, consider serving with mashed potatoes.

To adjust the spice level, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze. You can also experiment with spices like cayenne pepper to taste.

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: Chicken can become dry if overcooked, especially in the oven.

Solution: To fix, ensure you monitor the cooking time closely and consider basting with the glaze during baking for added moisture.

✅

Uneven Cooking

Problem: Uneven cooking can occur if chicken pieces vary in size.

Solution: Try to use chicken pieces of similar size, or check and remove smaller pieces earlier to avoid overcooking.

✅

Lacking Flavor

Problem: If the dish lacks flavor, it may need more seasoning or glaze.

Prevention: Add a pinch of salt or extra honey for sweetness. Allowing the glaze to reduce further can also intensify the flavor.

✅

Wrong Texture

Problem: The chicken can become rubbery if overcooked.

Recovery: Cook to the correct internal temperature and let it rest to maintain juiciness.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked chicken can result in a tough texture.

Prevention: To avoid this, use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness and remove it from the oven once it reaches 165°F.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the dish is too sweet, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to brighten it up.

Too Salty: Add a bit of sugar or honey to counteract excessive saltiness.

Bland: If bland, try adding more seasoning or herbs to enhance the flavors.

Fresh ingredients for Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken

Choosing the Best Ingredients

Selecting high-quality chicken thighs ensures your dish will be juicy and flavorful. Look for thighs that are plump and have a good amount of fat, as this adds richness to the meal.

Fresh cranberries are essential for a vibrant glaze, while using freshly squeezed orange juice enhances the dish's flavor profile. Always try to use fresh herbs and spices to elevate your dish even further.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken Thighs: Opt for boneless, skinless thighs for maximum flavor and tenderness. They cook evenly and remain juicy during baking.
  • Fresh Cranberries: Choose firm, bright cranberries for the best taste and color. Avoid any that are soft or wrinkled.
  • Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice will provide a brighter flavor compared to bottled versions. The zest can also add extra aroma and depth.
Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken baking in the oven

Cooking Technique Tips

Baking the chicken covered for part of the cooking time helps retain moisture, while uncovering it allows the glaze to caramelize. This two-step process ensures the chicken is both tender and flavorful.

Using a meat thermometer is crucial to prevent overcooking. Once the chicken reaches the desired temperature, let it rest to achieve optimal juiciness.

Chef's Secret Technique

For a truly exquisite glaze, reduce the sauce on low heat to concentrate the flavors. This enhances the sweetness and tartness, creating a mouthwatering finish.

Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken

Prep 15 min
Cook 30 min
Serves 4 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
    💡 Fresh cranberries are tart and flavorful.
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
    💡 Use fresh-squeezed for best results.
  • 1/4 cup honey
    💡 Adds sweetness to balance tartness.
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
    💡 Enhances the umami flavor.

For the Chicken:

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
    💡 Thighs are juicier than breasts.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    💡 Helps season the chicken evenly.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    💡 Adds aromatic flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    💡 Freshly ground for best flavor.

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking of the chicken.

  2. Step 2: Prepare the Glaze

    In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Cook over medium heat until cranberries start to burst.

  3. Step 3: Season Chicken

    Season the chicken thighs with black pepper and olive oil. Place them in a baking dish.

  4. Step 4: Coat with Glaze

    Once the cranberry sauce is ready, pour it over the chicken. Make sure each piece is well coated.

  5. Step 5: Bake Covered

    Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. This helps retain moisture.

  6. Step 6: Bake Uncovered

    Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. This allows the glaze to caramelize.

  7. Step 7: Rest the Chicken

    Once done, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute.

  8. Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

    Serve the chicken with a drizzle of the remaining cranberry sauce and enjoy! Pair with rice or salad for a complete meal.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage

Store leftover glazed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken pairs beautifully with steamed rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh salad. Consider serving with a side of green beans for a colorful plate.

Variations

Feel free to add additional herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic twist. You can also use turkey or pork for variations on this recipe.