Description
This Cranberry Orange Chicken is juicy, flavorful, and easy to make! A perfect sweet and savory dish for a cozy dinner or holiday meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Cranberry Orange Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
- Zest of 1 orange
- ¼ cup honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for warmth)
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley or thyme
- Orange slices or extra cranberries
Instructions
1. Season & Sear the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry with a paper towel and season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
2. Make the Cranberry Orange Sauce
- In the same skillet, add cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, vinegar, Dijon mustard, thyme, cinnamon, and chicken broth.
- Stir and simmer for 5-7 minutes, until cranberries burst and sauce thickens slightly.
3. Simmer the Chicken
- Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-15 minutes until chicken is cooked through (165°F/75°C internal temperature).
4. Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley, thyme, or orange slices.
- Serve warm with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables!
Notes
✔ Use fresh cranberries – They add the best tart flavor.
✔ Don’t overcook the chicken – Use a thermometer to keep it juicy.
✔ Let the sauce reduce – Helps intensify the flavors.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: DINNER
- Cuisine: AMERICAN
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320