Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe
A vibrant and flavorful Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts or thighs cooked in a tangy cranberry and fresh orange sauce. This skillet recipe combines the natural sweetness of cranberries and honey with the brightness of orange zest and juice, enhanced by aromatic herbs and garlic, making a delightful and easy main dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (breasts for leaner option or thighs for juicier flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning the chicken)
Sauce
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (frozen cranberries work as well)
- 1 large orange (zested and juiced)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth or water (to help make the sauce)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and a pinch of thyme or rosemary. Optionally, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes for extra flavor.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 4-6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Cranberry Orange Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and honey or maple syrup. Stir and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce reduce slightly for 5-7 minutes, until the cranberries burst and release their juice.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the chicken broth. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to enhance the flavor of the sauce. Cover and simmer on low for 10-12 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve: Once cooked through, spoon the cranberry-orange sauce over the chicken. Garnish with fresh herbs or additional orange zest for extra color and freshness.
Notes
- For juicier chicken, use thighs instead of breasts.
- Marinating the chicken for 30 minutes can enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Use frozen cranberries if fresh are not available; thaw before use.
- Optional balsamic vinegar or Dijon mustard adds depth but can be omitted.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee safety.
- This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.
Keywords: Cranberry Orange Chicken, chicken recipe, cranberry sauce, orange zest, stovetop chicken, quick chicken dinner
Find it online: https://tastybella.com/cranberry-orange-chicken-recipe/
