Description
Cranberry Orange Chicken is a vibrant, festive dish made with tender chicken, tangy cranberries, and fresh citrus flavors. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, it balances sweet, tart, and savory notes for a memorable entrée.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh-squeezed preferred)
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 3 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, chicken broth, and herbs. Bring to a simmer.
- Return chicken to skillet, spooning sauce over the top.
- Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 10–15 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and serve hot, garnished with extra orange zest or herbs.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for richer flavor and juicier meat.
- Maple syrup can be substituted for honey for a deeper sweetness.
- Add shallots or onions for extra flavor depth.
- For a festive twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg.
- To thicken sauce quickly, stir in a cornstarch slurry.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
