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Oven-Baked 4-Ingredient Cranberry Chicken

This simple yet delicious meal combines cranberry sauce and orange juice for a sweet and tangy glaze over juicy chicken breasts, making it a perfect option for busy weeknights or special occasions.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts (about 2 1/2 to 3 pounds total)
  • 1 can (14–16 ounces) whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1/2 cup orange juice (or chicken broth for less sweetness)
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (regular or low-sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or neutral vegetable oil)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Lightly oil a roasting pan or a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
  4. Arrange them in a single layer in the roasting pan, skin side up, and season with kosher salt and black pepper.
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, orange juice, soy sauce, and olive oil.
  6. Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts.
Cooking
  1. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  2. Let the chicken rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving, spooning the cranberry sauce over the chicken.

Notes

For best results, dry the chicken well before seasoning to achieve crispy skin. Marinating the chicken in the sauce for a few hours or overnight enhances flavor. For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce.