Name: Cranberry Glazed Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-488970H55M18S
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp dried thyme or rosemary; 1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied); 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar (optional, to taste)

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This cranberry glazed chicken is a beautiful, flavorful main dish that’s perfect for weeknights or holiday dinners. I love how the sweet-tart cranberry glaze adds a festive touch to juicy, oven-baked chicken. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, and the result is always a tender, flavorful meal that looks like I put in more effort than I actually did.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines savory chicken with a slightly sweet and tangy cranberry glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to make. I also enjoy how versatile it is — I can serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies, and it works for both weeknight meals and special occasions. Cranberry Glazed Chicken Recipe

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Olive oil
Salt
Black pepper
Garlic (minced)
Dried thyme or rosemary
Cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
Balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar
Dijon mustard
Honey or brown sugar (optional, for added sweetness)

Directions

I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
I season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs.
In a small bowl, I whisk together the cranberry sauce, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey or brown sugar if I want it sweeter.
I place the chicken in the baking dish and pour the cranberry glaze over the top, making sure each piece is coated.
I bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes (for breasts) or 35–40 minutes (for thighs), until the chicken is cooked through and the glaze is bubbling and slightly thickened.
I let it rest for a few minutes before serving, spooning extra glaze over the top.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. It takes me around 10 minutes to prep and 30 to 40 minutes to bake, depending on the cut of chicken I use.

Variations

Sometimes I add a handful of fresh cranberries to the glaze for extra texture and tang. If I want a spicier version, I stir in a bit of crushed red pepper or chipotle chili powder. I’ve also swapped the Dijon mustard for whole grain mustard for a bolder flavor, or added orange zest for a citrusy twist.

storage/reheating

I store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I either microwave it with a spoonful of glaze to keep it moist, or warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. I’ve also frozen leftovers with good results — the glaze helps keep the chicken juicy after reheating. Cranberry Glazed Chicken Recipe

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, I often use thighs when I want a juicier result. They take a bit longer to cook but stay moist and flavorful.

Can I make this with leftover cranberry sauce?

Definitely. I use leftover cranberry sauce from the holidays all the time — it gives the dish great flavor and helps reduce waste.

Is this recipe sweet or savory?

It’s a perfect balance. The cranberry glaze is slightly sweet, but the vinegar and mustard add savory depth that complements the chicken beautifully.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I sometimes prepare the glaze and marinate the chicken earlier in the day, then just pop it in the oven before dinner.

What sides go well with cranberry glazed chicken?

I usually serve it with mashed potatoes, wild rice, or roasted vegetables. The glaze pairs really well with earthy, hearty sides.

Conclusion

Cranberry glazed chicken is one of those recipes I keep coming back to when I want something easy, flavorful, and a little special. I love how the cranberry glaze transforms simple chicken into a dish that looks and tastes festive. It’s great for family dinners, guests, or any time I want something cozy and satisfying without a lot of fuss.

Cranberry Glazed Chicken Recipe

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Cranberry glazed chicken is a savory-sweet main dish featuring juicy baked chicken topped with a tangy, festive cranberry glaze. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for both weeknights and special occasions.

Author: Lizaa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30–40 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
1 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey or brown sugar (optional, to taste)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, minced garlic, and dried herbs.
In a small bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey or brown sugar if using.
Place the chicken in the baking dish and pour the cranberry glaze over each piece, coating well.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes for breasts or 35–40 minutes for thighs, until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Spoon extra glaze over the chicken before serving.