Description
Cranberry Orange Chicken is a heartwarming, flavorful dish that brings together the sweetness of cranberries, the tang of orange, and savory chicken. Perfect for festive dinners, holiday meals, or cozy family nights.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 large orange, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup chicken broth or water
- Optional: 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Optional: 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of thyme or rosemary. Marinate for 30 minutes if desired.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 4-6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté 30 seconds. Add cranberries, orange juice, zest, and honey. Simmer 5-7 minutes until cranberries burst and sauce thickens slightly.
- Return chicken to skillet, spoon sauce over top, add chicken broth, and scrape browned bits from pan. Cover and simmer 10-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Spoon cranberry-orange sauce over chicken and garnish with herbs or orange zest.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add balsamic vinegar or Dijon mustard to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté & Simmer
- Cuisine: American