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Cranberry Orange Chicken

Cranberry Orange Chicken

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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 320 kcal

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
  • ½ cup chicken broth or water

Optional:

  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar for extra depth of flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard for a slight tang

Instructions
 

Prep the Chicken

  • Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and a pinch of fresh thyme or rosemary. You can marinate the chicken for 30 minutes if you have time, but it's not necessary for great flavor.

Brown the Chicken

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for 4-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Make the Cranberry Orange Sauce

  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and honey (or maple syrup). Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until the cranberries burst and release their juice, creating a slightly thickened sauce.

Combine Chicken and Sauce

  • Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top. Add the chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to infuse the sauce with extra flavor. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low, simmering for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Serve

  • Once the chicken is fully cooked, spoon the cranberry-orange sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs or orange zest for an added touch.
Keyword Cranberry Orange Chicken