Description
Cranberry Orange Chicken is a heartwarming, flavorful dish that brings together the sweetness of cranberries, the tang of orange, and savory chicken. Perfect for festive dinners, holiday meals, or cozy family nights, this dish is sure to impress with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 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
- Optional: 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar for extra depth of flavor
- Optional: 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard for a slight tang
Instructions
1. Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and a pinch of fresh thyme or rosemary. Marinate for 30 minutes if desired.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and honey (or maple syrup). Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
5. Let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes until cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon some sauce over the top.
7. Add chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
8. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10–12 minutes until chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
9. Spoon cranberry-orange sauce over the chicken before serving.
10. Garnish with fresh herbs or orange zest if desired.
Notes
Use thighs for a juicier result, or breasts for a leaner option.
Add balsamic vinegar or Dijon mustard to deepen the sauce flavor, if desired.
This dish pairs beautifully with wild rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg