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Cranberry Orange Chicken

Cranberry Orange Chicken

This Cranberry Orange Chicken features tender chicken in a luscious sauce with tart cranberries and zesty oranges, perfect for holiday meals.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Resting Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chicken, comfort food, Cranberry, Holiday, Orange, Skillet Meals
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 350kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs Choose thighs for extra juiciness and flavor.

For the Sauce

  • 2 cups Fresh cranberries Their tartness balances the sweetness of the honey and oranges.
  • 1 large Orange Provides both zest and juice.
  • 1/4 cup Honey or maple syrup Sweetens the sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil For searing the chicken.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced.
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme or rosemary Adds an earthy touch.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt To taste.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Pepper To taste.
  • 1/2 cup Chicken broth or water Use broth for a richer sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon Balsamic vinegar Adds complexity.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Offers a subtle tang.

Instructions

How to Make Cranberry Orange Chicken

  • Zest and juice the orange, then mince the garlic. Pat the chicken dry and generously season with salt and pepper.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 4-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  • Add fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, thyme or rosemary, chicken broth or water, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard to the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  • Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the cranberries burst and the chicken reaches 165°F.
  • Rest the skillet from the heat for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or orange slices if desired.

Notes

Serve over fluffy rice or a bed of greens for a delightful meal.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 400mg | Potassium: 600mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 200IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 2mg
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