Description
This Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe offers a delightful balance of tangy cranberries and sweet orange zest combined with tender chicken breasts, creating a flavorful and easy-to-make dinner perfect for weeknights or special occasions. The combination of fresh ingredients and a hint of herbs provides a vibrant, juicy sauce that complements the chicken beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Sauce
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 large orange (zested and juiced)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the cranberry orange sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and fresh thyme or rosemary. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add fresh cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, honey or maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and chicken broth or water. Stir to combine.
- Simmer the sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the cranberries to soften and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Cover and let it cook for an additional 5-7 minutes on low heat until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and infused with the sauce flavors.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot with your choice of sides such as rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for juicier results.
- Use dried cranberries if fresh are unavailable, but soak them briefly in warm water before adding.
- Adjust honey or maple syrup amount according to your preferred sweetness level.
- The balsamic vinegar adds depth, but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Fresh herbs enhance flavor; however, dried herbs work well as a substitute.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
