Name: Easy Orange Cranberry Roasted Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, or drumsticks, chicken breast; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1 tbsp seas salt; ground black pepper; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tbsp thyme; 1 tbsp rosemary; 1 large onion; 5 medium mandarins, or 2 large oranges; 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries, or frozen (thawed); 20 garlic cloves; 3 to 4 stems fresh rosemary; small bundle fresh thyme; 1 1/2 to 2 cups chicken broth

Easy Orange Cranberry Roasted Chicken is truly a showstopper of a dish: sweet, tangy, and savory all at once, with juicy chicken nestled among bright mandarins, cranberries, whole garlic cloves, and fresh herbs. The roasting process fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, and every bite offers a balance of zesty orange, tart cranberries, and herb-kissed, perfectly cooked chicken. Whether it’s for a stress-free weeknight dinner or your next holiday get-together, this dish is a memorable centerpiece that looks stunning—and is far simpler than it tastes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Easy Orange Cranberry Roasted Chicken is as straightforward as it is flavorful. Each component brings something special to the pan, whether it’s color, aroma, or juiciness, and together they create a meal that’s as impressive as it is simple.

Chicken thighs (8 bone-in, skin-on or drumsticks/breast): These make for juicy, flavorful chicken that soaks up the zesty fruit and herb flavors.
Olive oil (1/4 cup): Adds richness and helps brown the skin beautifully.
Sea salt (1 tbsp): Essential for seasoning everything evenly and elevating those bold flavors.
Ground black pepper: A subtle kick that balances the sweet and tart notes.
Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Lends a warm, smoky undertone to your chicken skin.
Garlic powder (1 tsp): Boosts the aroma and depth, enhancing both chicken and roasted vegetables.
Onion powder (1 tsp): Rounds out the umami and melds with the natural sweetness of onions.
Dried thyme (1 tbsp): Pairs beautifully with citrus and brings the classic roast chicken character.
Dried rosemary (1 tbsp): Infuses the meat and sauce with an earthy, pine-like fragrance.
Large onion (1, for pan): Sliced and roasted, these turn gorgeously sweet and soft.
Mandarins (5 medium) or oranges (2 large): Their zest and wedges add a citrusy pop that’s unforgettable.
Fresh cranberries (1 1/2 cups) or frozen, thawed: Explode with tartness, balancing the richness of the chicken.
Garlic cloves (20!): Roasting whole turns them creamy and mellow—so worth peeling every one.
Fresh rosemary (3 to 4 stems): A garnish and flavor boost for both pan and presentation.
Fresh thyme (small bundle): Layer into the pan and snip extra for the perfect herbaceous finish.
Chicken broth (1 1/2 to 2 cups): Keeps things juicy and helps create a pan sauce you’ll want to drizzle over everything.

How to Make Easy Orange Cranberry Roasted Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Roasting Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F so it’s piping hot and ready for that initial blast of heat. Slice the onion into wedges and halve the mandarins or slice your oranges, being sure to save some zest strips for later—this orange oil is pure gold! Don’t forget to peel your 20 (!) garlic cloves; you’ll thank yourself later when they turn sweet and golden in the oven. Arrange the onion, citrus, cranberries, garlic, and a handful of fresh thyme and rosemary stems in your largest casserole pan, leaving a bit of everything aside for topping. The bottom of your pan should look vibrant and fragrant already.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Drizzle your chicken pieces with olive oil and massage it all over so the skin turns delectably crisp as it roasts. Generously season both sides with sea salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, and rosemary. The easy move here? Seasoning right over the pan! That way, every tasty bit that escapes your hands falls to the pan and not the counter. Lay the chicken skin side up, nestling it among the fruits and veggies. Scatter any reserved slices—onion, citrus, garlic, cranberries—around and between the chicken pieces for full flavor infusion.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Herbs

Pour in just enough chicken broth around the chicken so the pieces are barely, just barely, touching the liquid. You don’t want to drown that gorgeous skin—let it roast to crispness! Sprinkle the last of your fresh herbs and zest on top. This is the secret step that makes your entire kitchen smell like a five-star bistro for the next hour.

Step 4: Roast to Golden Perfection

Slide your pan into that preheated oven. Roast, uncovered, until the internal temp of the largest chicken piece hits a safe 165°F, usually in about 40 minutes to an hour. Drumsticks will go a bit faster—check at 30 minutes—while a whole spatchcock chicken will need more time. If you crave extra color and a crisper top, pop on the broiler for a few final minutes but keep a close eye! The skin should be deeply golden and the citrus and cranberries caramelized at the edges.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Let your Easy Orange Cranberry Roasted Chicken rest just a few minutes before serving so the juices settle back into the meat. Now comes the fun part—bring the bubbling, aromatic pan straight to the table and prepare for a symphony of “oohs” and “aahs” as you ladle up juicy chicken, roasted fruit, and plenty of that herby, citrusy sauce.

How to Serve Easy Orange Cranberry Roasted Chicken

Garnishes

A scatter of fresh thyme leaves, extra orange zest, or a few reserved sprigs of rosemary turns your Easy Orange Cranberry Roasted Chicken into a feast for the eyes. If you love a pop of vibrant red, toss on a handful of fresh cranberries right before serving—they’ll look like little edible jewels.

Side Dishes

This dish just begs for something creamy and comforting on the side. Mashed sweet potatoes, silky mashed potatoes, or garlic-roasted root vegetables make dreamy pairings. If you’re leaning light, a crisp green salad or haricots verts are perfect for contrasting the richness of the roast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Easy Orange Cranberry Roasted Chicken family-style, right in the roasting pan for maximum visual wow. For a more upscale presentation, place a thigh on a shallow bowl of mashed potatoes, spoon on roasted fruit and juices, and finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and microgreens. Or go rustic—tuck the roasted chicken into a crusty baguette, pile on caramelized onions and cranberries, and declare it the world’s best sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), slide any cooled chicken, roasted fruit, and pan juices into an airtight container. They’ll stay delightful in the fridge for up to 4 days, and the flavors actually deepen as they mingle.

Freezing

Easy Orange Cranberry Roasted Chicken freezes beautifully. Simply transfer fully cooled chicken, fruits, and a bit of sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

To keep everything juicy, reheat your chicken and fruit mixture in a covered baking dish at 325°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. For smaller portions, a covered skillet over low heat works wonders—just add a splash of extra broth to bring back that sauciness.

FAQs

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead?

Absolutely! They work well, though they may cook quicker. Keep an eye on them and check for doneness around the 25–30 minute mark. The pan juices keep even lean cuts moist and full of flavor.

What if I can’t find fresh cranberries?

Frozen cranberries work just as well—just make sure to thaw and drain them first. In a pinch, you can even use dried cranberries; soak them in hot water for 15 minutes so they don’t dry out while roasting.

Can I use a whole chicken instead of pieces?

You sure can! Just spatchcock the chicken (remove the backbone so it lays flat) for more even cooking and allow extra roasting time—typically 60–75 minutes, depending on size.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Look for a rich golden color and an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the meat. The juices should run clear, and the cranberries should be burst and bubbling. A meat thermometer is extra handy here!

Can I make Easy Orange Cranberry Roasted Chicken ahead for a party?

Definitely! You can prep and marinate the chicken, then assemble everything in your roasting pan earlier in the day. It’s also delicious served at room temperature, so it’s a host’s best friend for stress-free entertaining.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that’s as easy as it is spectacular, Easy Orange Cranberry Roasted Chicken promises juicy chicken, vibrant citrus, and the aroma of herbs filling every corner of your kitchen. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it the centerpiece of your next family dinner or celebration—because everyone deserves a meal this beautiful and delicious!