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Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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