Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken offers a delightful blend of tangy cranberry and sweet orange flavors that perfectly complement tender, juicy chicken breasts. This vibrant dish is both easy to prepare and impressive enough for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir the mixture well to create the glaze.
5. Step 5: Pour the glaze evenly over the seared chicken breasts in the skillet.
6. Step 6: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Step 7: Halfway through baking, baste the chicken with the glaze to enhance flavor and keep it moist.
8. Step 8: Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
9. Step 9: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, then serve and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the glaze mixture.
• Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier and more forgiving cut of meat.
• If fresh cranberries aren’t available, frozen cranberries will work just as well—no need to thaw.
• Serve the chicken over rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious glaze.

Storage

Store any leftover cranberry orange glazed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to maintain moisture without drying out the chicken.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to keep the dish gluten-free without compromising flavor.

Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can mix the glaze ingredients in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to stir well before pouring it over the chicken.

Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 143 reviews

Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken features tender, juicy chicken breasts seared and then baked in a tangy, sweet glaze made from fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, and soy sauce. This bright and flavorful dish is perfect for a festive dinner or any time you want to elevate your chicken with a delicious citrus-fruit twist.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Glaze

• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed recommended)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken after searing.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. This locks in juices and builds flavor.
4. Make the Glaze: In a separate bowl, combine the fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir well until blended into a smooth glaze.
5. Add the Glaze: Pour the prepared glaze evenly over the seared chicken breasts in the skillet, ensuring they are well coated.
6. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), indicating it’s fully cooked.
7. Baste the Chicken: Halfway through the baking time, baste the chicken breasts with the glaze to keep them moist and infuse extra flavor.
8. Rest the Chicken: Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat tender and juicy.
9. Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken before serving for a colorful and fresh finish.

Notes

• Use fresh cranberries for the best tartness; frozen can be used but may alter texture slightly.
• Ensure the skillet is oven-safe to avoid transferring chicken to another dish.
• Basting halfway through baking enhances moisture and glaze flavor absorption.
• Can be served with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: cranberry chicken, orange glaze chicken, baked chicken breast, holiday chicken recipe, sweet and tangy chicken