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Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken

Juicy seared chicken breasts baked in a bright, sweet-tangy cranberry orange glaze made with fresh cranberries, honey, and Dijon mustard. Ready in 45 minutes and perfect for weeknights or holidays.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts patted dry
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries frozen works too, no need to thaw
  • 1 cup orange juice freshly squeezed preferred
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 0.25 cup honey mild wildflower honey recommended
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce low-sodium works great
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • fresh parsley optional garnish

Equipment

  • Oven-safe skillet or cast iron pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Meat thermometer
  • Basting brush or spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Allow it to come fully to temperature before baking.
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and sear for 5 minutes per side until deep golden brown. Do not move the chicken while searing -- if it sticks, it is not ready to flip.
  4. While the chicken sears, whisk together the cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard in a bowl.
  5. Pour the glaze over the seared chicken breasts directly in the skillet.
  6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F. Use a meat thermometer to check.
  7. At the halfway point (around 12 to 15 minutes), open the oven and baste the chicken with the pan glaze using a spoon or basting brush.
  8. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices inside.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm with the pan glaze spooned over the top.

Notes

For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the glaze for up to 1 hour before cooking. Frozen cranberries can replace fresh with no changes needed. Chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts and may take a few extra minutes to reach 165 degrees F internally. Leftovers store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and taste even better the next day.