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Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 120 reviews

This Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts or thighs cooked in a tangy and sweet cranberry orange sauce. The dish combines the bright citrus flavors of fresh orange zest and juice with tart cranberries and a touch of honey or maple syrup to create a beautifully balanced sauce. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or special occasion, this skillet-cooked recipe is quick, easy, and sure to impress.

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)

Cranberry Orange 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

  • Marinating the chicken for 30 minutes enhances the flavor but is optional.
  • Using chicken thighs results in a juicier dish, while breasts offer a leaner option.
  • Frozen cranberries can be used as a substitute for fresh cranberries.
  • For added depth, try stirring in balsamic vinegar or Dijon mustard to the sauce.
  • Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.

Keywords: Cranberry Orange Chicken, Chicken Dinner, Cranberry Sauce, Orange Chicken Skillet, Easy Chicken Recipes, Gluten Free Chicken

Find it online: https://miarosetti.com/cranberry-orange-chicken-recipe/