Easy Orange Cranberry Roasted Chicken Recipe – Juicy, Tangy, Delicious

Easy Orange Cranberry Roasted Chicken Recipe is your ticket to a cozy, citrus-scented dinner that tastes like the holidays—without needing a holiday to justify it. If you’ve ever wanted a dinner that feels fancy but secretly takes less than an hour of effort, this is it. The chicken turns golden, juicy, and perfectly tender, while cranberries and oranges work their magic, creating a sauce that’s equal parts tangy and sweet.

Honestly, it’s the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell like you’ve been cooking all day when really you just tossed everything into one pan. Between juggling work, kids, and that endless to-do list, we all need a meal that looks restaurant-worthy but feels totally doable on a Tuesday night—and that’s exactly what this Easy Orange Cranberry Roasted Chicken Recipe delivers.

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What is Easy Orange Cranberry Roasted Chicken Recipe?

This Easy Orange Cranberry Roasted Chicken Recipe is a one-pan wonder where citrus meets savory. Think roasted chicken thighs (or drumsticks, if that’s your jam) nestled in a bed of sweet oranges, tart cranberries, garlic, and fresh herbs. As everything roasts, the flavors meld into this bright, aromatic glaze that coats the chicken beautifully.

The orange brings natural sweetness, the cranberries add a tangy punch, and the rosemary and thyme give that homey holiday touch. It’s basically comfort food with a burst of freshness—like a cozy sweater with a pop of color. The best part? You don’t need to babysit it. Pop it in the oven, and while it works its magic, you can handle homework duty, fold laundry, or just sip your well-deserved glass of wine.

Reasons to Try Easy Orange Cranberry Roasted Chicken Recipe

There are a dozen reasons to fall in love with this Easy Orange Cranberry Roasted Chicken Recipe, but let’s start with the obvious: flavor. The combination of citrus and herbs makes every bite feel like a warm hug. It’s quick enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests—because nothing says “I’ve got it together” like serving roasted chicken that glistens in a cranberry-orange glaze. It’s also healthy-ish without tasting like diet food.

The olive oil keeps things heart-friendly, and the fresh fruit adds antioxidants and vitamin C (because we’re grown-ups who care about that stuff now). Plus, cleanup is minimal—just one roasting pan. If you’re someone who loves my Apple Butternut Squash Chicken in Crockpot or Maple Dijon Chicken Sweet Potato Bowls, this one’s going straight to your “repeat weekly” list.

Ingredients Needed to Make Easy Orange Cranberry Roasted Chicken Recipe

For Chicken & Seasonings:

• 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or drumsticks or breasts)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tbsp sea salt
• Ground black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp thyme
• 1 tbsp rosemary

For the Roasting Pan:

• 1 large onion
• 5 mandarins or 2 large oranges
• 1½ cups fresh cranberries (or thawed frozen)
• 20 garlic cloves
• 3–4 rosemary sprigs
• Small bundle of fresh thyme
• 1½–2 cups chicken broth

Instructions to Make Easy Orange Cranberry Roasted Chicken Recipe

Cooking this Easy Orange Cranberry Roasted Chicken Recipe step by step is simpler than you might think, but it delivers a flavor that feels straight out of a restaurant kitchen. Here’s your foolproof, stress-free guide to nailing it every time — no fancy gadgets, no complicated prep, just pure comfort and flavor.

Step 1: Prep the Roasting Pan Step by Step

Start this Easy Orange Cranberry Roasted Chicken Recipe step by step by preheating your oven to a cozy 400°F (because nothing good happens in a cold oven). While that’s heating up, grab your roasting pan or a large casserole dish — this will be the magic stage where all your flavors mingle and caramelize.

Slice a large onion into wedges (don’t worry about precision — rustic is good here), and scatter the pieces across the bottom of your pan. Peel all 20 garlic cloves — yes, all of them! Trust me, when they roast, they’ll turn buttery and sweet, adding depth to every bite. Next, cut your mandarins or oranges into halves or wedges. If using full oranges, zest them first with a microplane before peeling, because that bright citrus zest adds a beautiful punch.

Layer the onion wedges, orange slices, cranberries, and herbs (rosemary and thyme) into the pan, creating a colorful, aromatic base. You can save a little of each ingredient to scatter on top later for extra visual appeal. If you’d like more tips on how to prep citrus for savory dishes, check out my Easy Lemon Ginger Turmeric Chicken Soup for techniques that bring out bright, fresh flavor.

Step 2: Season the Chicken Step by Step

Now it’s time to make your chicken the star of the show. Drizzle each chicken thigh (or drumstick, or breast) generously with olive oil. This helps the skin turn golden and crispy while keeping the meat juicy inside.
Sprinkle on your seasoning blend: sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary. Don’t be shy — this mix is what gives your Easy Orange Cranberry Roasted Chicken Recipe its bold, aromatic taste. Massage the seasonings right into the skin and meat, ensuring every crevice gets some love.

Season the chicken directly over the roasting pan so that any extra seasoning or oil falls onto the veggies and fruit below — nothing goes to waste here. Once everything’s coated beautifully, arrange the chicken skin-side up over the onion and orange mixture. This step by step process not only keeps the chicken flavorful but allows the natural juices from the meat to drip down into the pan, creating a self-basting effect that’s pure magic.

Step 3: Add the Liquid and Assemble the Pan Step by Step

Before sending your dish off to the oven, it’s time to bring everything together. Pour 1½ to 2 cups of chicken broth around the chicken, just enough so the meat isn’t submerged — you want it to roast, not boil. The broth, combined with the fruit and herb mixture, creates a naturally rich sauce as it cooks.

At this point, you can add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup if you like a touch of sweetness. (It’s a trick I often use in my Apple Butternut Squash Chicken in Crockpot to balance tart and savory flavors.) Give the pan a little shake to evenly distribute the broth and herbs, and then take a moment to admire your creation — it already looks (and smells) amazing.

Step 4: Roast the Chicken Step by Step

Slide your roasting pan into the preheated oven and roast uncovered for 40 to 60 minutes. The timing will depend on the size of your chicken pieces. Smaller drumsticks may be ready in about 30 minutes, while larger thighs might take closer to an hour.

You’ll know your Easy Orange Cranberry Roasted Chicken Recipe is done when the skin is golden, and a meat thermometer reads 165°F at the thickest part of the chicken. If you like that extra crispy finish (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t?), turn on the broiler for 3 to 4 minutes at the end — just long enough to caramelize the top.

As it cooks, your kitchen will fill with the most incredible aroma — that’s the orange zest, garlic, and rosemary working their magic together. If you’re a fan of aromatic dinners like this, you might love my Thai Red Curry Chicken for a fragrant, spicy twist.

Step 5: Rest, Serve, and Enjoy Step by Step

Once the chicken reaches perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This step helps the juices redistribute, keeping every bite moist and flavorful.
Spoon some of that gorgeous pan sauce — the mix of melted cranberries, roasted garlic, and citrus broth — over each chicken piece before serving. It’s the kind of sauce that deserves to be mopped up with a piece of crusty bread or spooned over Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes.

For a beautiful finishing touch, sprinkle a few fresh thyme leaves or orange zest over the top before serving.
You can serve this Easy Orange Cranberry Roasted Chicken Recipe step by step with your favorite sides like roasted sweet potatoes, mashed cauliflower, or a crisp salad. If you want to keep things seasonal, pair it with Easy Glazed Carrots for a colorfully sweet balance.

Step 6: Cleanup and Leftover Magic Step by Step

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s all done in one pan, so cleanup is a breeze. Any leftovers? Lucky you. Store them in an airtight container and reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes with a splash of broth to bring back that just-roasted juiciness. Or, repurpose leftovers by shredding the chicken and tossing it into salads or wraps the next day — a trick I often share in my One Pot Leftover Roast Chicken Pasta.

What to Serve with Easy Orange Cranberry Roasted Chicken Recipe

This dish plays well with others. Pair it with something creamy like mashed potatoes or even Buttery Mashed Potatoes to soak up the citrus-herb sauce. If you want something lighter, a crisp green salad or roasted veggies are great options. During the holidays, I love serving it with Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds with Honey and a glass of white wine. It’s also divine with couscous, quinoa, or even wild rice for a wholesome touch.

Key Tips for Making Easy Orange Cranberry Roasted Chicken Recipe

1. Don’t skip the zest! Orange zest adds a bright, floral flavor that makes the dish pop.
2. Use bone-in chicken. It keeps the meat tender and flavorful.
3. Taste the sauce. Once roasted, spoon a bit of the pan juice and adjust salt or acidity to taste.
4. Meal prep win: This recipe reheats beautifully, so make extra for lunches.
5. Add a twist: Try a drizzle of honey or maple syrup if you prefer a slightly sweeter glaze.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Easy Orange Cranberry Roasted Chicken Recipe

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, use the oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it juicy. Microwave works in a pinch but cover it with a damp paper towel to avoid drying it out. This Easy Orange Cranberry Roasted Chicken Recipe also freezes surprisingly well—just remove the orange slices before freezing to prevent bitterness. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and reheat as above.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken? Yes, but reduce cooking time by 10–15 minutes.
Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! Prep everything the night before and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I substitute cranberries? Pomegranate seeds or dried cherries work if fresh cranberries aren’t available.
Is it spicy? Nope! Just warm, savory, and citrusy.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Orange Cranberry Roasted Chicken Recipe is proof that delicious doesn’t have to mean difficult. It’s the kind of meal that makes any night feel special, even if you’re just trying to get dinner on the table before the next soccer practice. Bright, tangy, and comforting, it’s one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table—no convincing required. So go ahead, pour yourself that glass of wine, and let your oven do the heavy lifting tonight.

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