Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe
A vibrant and flavorful Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe featuring juicy chicken breasts or thighs simmered in a tangy-sweet cranberry and orange sauce. This dish balances the tartness of fresh cranberries with the brightness of orange zest and juice, enhanced by aromatic herbs and a touch of honey or maple syrup. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it combines simple ingredients with an elegant flair.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried), plus pinch for seasoning
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
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and a pinch of fresh thyme or rosemary. Optionally, marinate for 30 minutes to enhance flavor, but this step can be skipped for convenience.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for 4-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and nicely seared. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Cranberry Orange Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and honey or maple syrup. Stir well and bring to a simmer. Allow the sauce to simmer for 5-7 minutes until cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon some sauce over each piece. Pour in the chicken broth and balsamic vinegar, adding Dijon mustard as well. Scrape the bottom of the pan to release browned bits and infuse the sauce with flavor. Cover the skillet and reduce heat to low. Simmer gently for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Once cooked, plate the chicken and generously spoon the cranberry-orange sauce over the top. Garnish with additional fresh herbs or orange zest if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken before cooking can intensify flavors.
- Fresh cranberries can be substituted with frozen if fresh are not available; no need to thaw before using.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of honey or maple syrup to your taste.
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier, richer dish or breasts for a leaner option.
- Ensure not to overcook chicken to keep it tender and moist.
Keywords: cranberry orange chicken, chicken with cranberry sauce, stovetop chicken recipe, cranberry sauce chicken, easy chicken dinner
Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/cranberry-orange-chicken-recipe/