There’s something irresistible about the combination of sweet fruit, bright citrus, and savory, caramelized chicken. Sticky Cranberry Orange Chicken is one of those recipes that feels special enough for the holidays yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. It’s bold, glossy, and packed with flavor—tangy cranberries, fresh orange zest, savory soy sauce, and just enough sweetness to make every bite addictive.

This dish hits all the right notes: crispy seared chicken, a vibrant sauce that clings to every piece, and a balance of flavors that feels comforting without being heavy. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or just craving something different from your usual chicken routine, this recipe delivers.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make Sticky Cranberry Orange Chicken from scratch, plus expert tips, variations, and serving ideas to make it your own.

Why You’ll Love This Sticky Cranberry Orange Chicken

This recipe stands out because it’s more than just chicken with sauce—it’s a carefully layered flavor experience.

Sweet meets savory: Tart cranberries and fresh orange juice balance soy sauce and garlic.
Sticky perfection: The sauce reduces into a glossy glaze that coats the chicken beautifully.
Versatile: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even roasted vegetables.
Seasonal but flexible: Perfect for fall and winter, yet bright enough to enjoy year-round.
Crowd-pleasing: A guaranteed hit at family dinners or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients for Sticky Cranberry Orange Chicken

Use fresh, quality ingredients for the best flavor. This recipe is forgiving, but freshness makes a noticeable difference.

Ingredients:

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Fresh or frozen cranberries
Fresh orange juice
Orange zest
Honey or brown sugar
Soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
Garlic, minced
Fresh ginger, grated
Apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
Cornstarch
Olive oil
Salt
Black pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)

Instructions: How to Make Sticky Cranberry Orange Chicken

Prepare the chicken:
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Sear the chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and sear until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
Build the sauce base:
In the same skillet, lower heat slightly. Add garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant—about 30 seconds.
Add cranberries and liquids:
Stir in cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, soy sauce, honey, and vinegar. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Simmer and soften:
Let the sauce simmer until cranberries burst and soften, releasing their juices.
Return the chicken:
Add the seared chicken back to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top.
Thicken the glaze:
Mix cornstarch with a little water and stir it into the sauce. Continue simmering until thick and glossy.
Finish and garnish:
Taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle with parsley or green onions before serving.

Pro Tips for the Best Sticky Chicken

Use thighs for juiciness: Chicken thighs stay tender and flavorful.
Don’t rush the glaze: Letting the sauce reduce properly creates that sticky finish.
Zest before juicing: Always zest oranges first—it’s much easier.
Control sweetness: Add honey gradually if you prefer a more tart flavor.
Deglaze the pan: Scrape up browned bits for extra depth.

Delicious Variations

Spicy Cranberry Orange Chicken:
Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha.

Baked Version:
Transfer everything to a baking dish and bake at 375°F until bubbly and thick.

Orange Cranberry Chicken Stir-Fry:
Slice chicken thin and cook quickly over high heat with vegetables.

Gluten-Free Option:
Use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Sticky Cranberry Orange Chicken pairs beautifully with:

Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
Garlic butter noodles
Mashed potatoes
Roasted Brussels sprouts
Simple green salad

For entertaining, serve it family-style straight from the skillet—it’s stunning.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Make ahead: Sauce can be prepared 2 days in advance.
Store: Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or orange juice.

Fun Flavor Fact

Cranberries are one of the few fruits native to North America and were historically paired with meats to balance richness—making this dish both modern and rooted in tradition.