Orange Cranberry Chicken and Bone Broth Rice Pilaf Recipe

Published at: August 11, 2026

Orange Cranberry Chicken and Bone Broth Rice Pilaf Recipe
Looking for a cozy, all-in-one dinner that's both comforting and nourishing? This Orange Cranberry Chicken and Bone Broth Rice Pilaf bakes marinated chicken right on top of a savory-sweet rice pilaf made with Kroma's 24K Chicken Bone Broth, orange juice, apples, walnuts, cranberries, and fresh herbs — all in one dish.

This recipe is the perfect Kroma's Reset-approved dinner for a cozy weeknight or a fall-inspired gathering.



WHERE DID RICE PILAF COME FROM?

Rice pilaf has roots across the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Mediterranean, where rice is traditionally cooked in a seasoned broth along with aromatics, dried fruit, and nuts to build layers of flavor into every grain. This version leans into those same techniques — cooking the rice directly in a rich, savory bone broth alongside apples, walnuts, and cranberries — while baking marinated chicken right on top so the whole meal comes together in one dish.



WHY ORANGE CRANBERRY CHICKEN AND BONE BROTH RICE PILAF?

This recipe builds its flavor around Kroma's 24K Chicken Bone Broth, which replaces plain water or stock as the cooking liquid for the rice, adding a rich depth of flavor along with a boost of collagen to support joint, gut, and skin health. Orange juice adds brightness, while sautéed onion and garlic, chopped apples, walnuts, dried cranberries, and fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage build a warm, savory-sweet base. On top, chicken marinated in a sweet-and-tangy jam and stone-ground mustard mixture bakes directly over the rice, so the flavors meld together as everything cooks in one dish.

It's a genuinely one-dish meal, easy to prep ahead, and perfect for cooler-weather dinners.



INGREDIENTS FOR ORANGE CRANBERRY CHICKEN AND BONE BROTH RICE PILAF

Serves 4-6

For the Rice

  • 2–3 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1 small white onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1½ cups long grain brown rice
  • 1½ cups Kroma's 24K Chicken Bone Broth
  • 1¼ cups orange juice
  • 2 small red apples, chopped
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, minced
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme, stems removed
  • 2 sprigs fresh sage, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ¾ tsp fresh cracked black pepper

For the Chicken

  • 2 chicken breasts or 5 chicken thighs
  • ¼ cup jam of choice
  • 2 tbsp stone ground mustard
  • 3 heads garlic, minced
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp fresh cracked black pepper
  • Chopped parsley, for garnishing



How to Make Orange Cranberry Chicken and Bone Broth Rice Pilaf

Marinate the Chicken

  • In a bowl, combine the jam, stone-ground mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until a thick marinade forms.
  • Coat the chicken evenly with the marinade.
  • Cover and refrigerate while preparing the rice.

Sauté the Aromatics

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Add the avocado oil, chopped onion, and minced garlic to a baking dish.
  • Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the onions are soft and lightly golden.

Build the Pilaf

  • Add the brown rice, Kroma 24K Chicken Bone Broth, orange juice, apples, walnuts, cranberries, rosemary, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper to the baking dish.
  • Stir well to combine.

Bake

  • Arrange the marinated chicken on top of the rice mixture.
  • Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the rice has absorbed all the liquid.

Serve

  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
  • Serve warm and enjoy.




BENEFITS OF ORANGE CRANBERRY CHICKEN AND BONE BROTH RICE PILAF

This isn't just a comforting dinner — it's built to nourish you:

  • Supports Joint and Gut Health: Kroma's 24K Chicken Bone Broth provides collagen and essential nutrients that support healthy joints, gut, and skin.
  • High-Quality Protein: Chicken breasts or thighs offer a satisfying, protein-rich centerpiece for the meal.
  • Whole Grains and Fiber: Long grain brown rice adds fiber and whole grains compared to refined white rice.
  • Nutrient-Dense Add-Ins: Apples, walnuts, and cranberries bring vitamins, healthy fats, and antioxidants to every bite.
  • One-Dish Convenience: Everything bakes together in a single dish, making cleanup simple.


TIPS FOR THE BEST ORANGE CRANBERRY CHICKEN AND BONE BROTH RICE PILAF

  • Marinate Ahead: For deeper flavor, let the chicken marinate for a few hours or overnight in the fridge before baking.
  • Chop Evenly: Cut the apples and onion into similarly sized pieces so everything cooks evenly in the oven.
  • Check Chicken Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken has reached 165°F before serving, especially if using chicken breasts, which can vary in thickness.
  • Let it Rest: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking so the rice can fully absorb any remaining liquid.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage make a noticeable difference in flavor compared to dried herbs in this recipe.



SERVING SUGGESTIONS

  • Family-Style: Serve straight from the baking dish for an easy, family-style dinner.
  • Add a Side: Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Make it a Gathering Dish: This recipe's fall flavors make it a great addition to a holiday or potluck spread.
  • Garnish Generously: A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens up the dish right before serving.
This Orange Cranberry Chicken and Bone Broth Rice Pilaf brings together the richness of Kroma's 24K Chicken Bone Broth, the warmth of fresh herbs, and the sweet-savory combination of orange, apple, cranberry, and walnut for a cozy, nourishing, one-dish dinner. Give it a try and experience a delicious way to support your wellness journey.


ENJOY!

Last Edited: August 11, 2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this orange cranberry chicken and rice pilaf healthy?

Yes. It's made with whole-food ingredients — chicken, brown rice, bone broth, fruit, and nuts — offering a good balance of protein, fiber, and nutrients in one dish.

What makes Kroma 24K Chicken Bone Broth special?

Kroma 24K Chicken Bone Broth is crafted with premium ingredients, providing a rich source of collagen and essential nutrients that support joint, gut, and skin health, while also adding deep, savory flavor to dishes like this rice pilaf.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs, or vice versa?

Yes, this recipe works well with either 2 chicken breasts or 5 chicken thighs. Just be sure to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving, as cooking time can vary slightly by cut.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes. You can marinate the chicken up to a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. The fully baked dish also reheats well, making it a great option for meal prep.

What can I substitute for walnuts if I have a nut allergy?

You can omit the walnuts entirely or substitute a nut-free option like pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for a similar crunch without the allergen concern.

How do I know when the rice pilaf is done cooking?

The dish is ready when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the rice has fully absorbed the cooking liquid, which typically takes 50–60 minutes of baking.