Name: Cranberry Orange Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup fresh cranberries; 1/2 cup orange juice; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup fresh orange zest; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

This Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe combines the sweet and tangy flavors of cranberry sauce with the refreshing brightness of orange. It’s a beautifully balanced dish that will add excitement to any dinner table. The tender chicken breasts are cooked in a fragrant sauce made from fresh cranberries, orange juice, and a touch of honey, creating a savory yet slightly sweet meal. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup fresh cranberries

1/2 cup orange juice

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup fresh orange zest

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Add the chicken to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add the cranberries, orange juice, honey, balsamic vinegar, and ginger. Stir and cook for 5 minutes, until the cranberries begin to break down and the sauce thickens.

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the cranberry sauce over the top.

Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Once the chicken is cooked, remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh orange zest and chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Add spice: If I want to add a bit of heat to the dish, I like to toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the cranberry sauce.

Use turkey: For a variation, I can substitute turkey breasts or thighs for the chicken to make it a festive holiday dish.

Make it balsamic glaze: If I’m in the mood for an extra sweet twist, I’ll reduce the balsamic vinegar to a syrupy glaze and drizzle it over the chicken just before serving.

Fresh herbs: I sometimes like to mix in fresh thyme or rosemary for an earthy addition to the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: I store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cranberry sauce keeps its flavor well and continues to complement the chicken even after it has been refrigerated.

Reheating: To reheat, I place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, covering it to retain moisture. I heat it for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. I can also reheat in the microwave, but I prefer the skillet method to keep the texture of the chicken intact.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Yes, I can definitely use frozen cranberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking.

Can I make the cranberry sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! I often make the cranberry sauce a day or two ahead and store it in the fridge. When I’m ready to cook, I just reheat it and continue with the recipe.

What should I serve this dish with?

I love serving this dish with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. The bright flavors of the chicken pair well with just about anything!

Can I use a different type of chicken for this recipe?

I could easily swap out boneless chicken breasts for thighs or even chicken cutlets. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if using bone-in or thicker cuts of chicken.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t contain any gluten-containing ingredients. Just be sure to double-check any additional ingredients, like balsamic vinegar or honey, to make sure they’re certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

Cranberry Orange Chicken is a flavorful and simple recipe that’s sure to delight anyone at your dinner table. With just a few ingredients, I can create a dish that balances savory and sweet flavors beautifully. Whether it’s for a special holiday meal or a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish is a winner every time. I can’t wait for you to try it—I’m sure it’ll quickly become one of your favorites too!

Recipe:

Cranberry Orange Chicken

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A savory and slightly sweet dish combining tender chicken breasts with a cranberry-orange sauce, perfect for any occasion.