Description
Festive cranberry orange chicken brings zesty Mediterranean flair to weeknight dinners. Juicy roasted chicken gleams with tangy citrus glaze, promising a delightful meal you’ll savor with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless (skinless) chicken breasts or thighs
Fruits and Herbs:
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 large orange (zested and juiced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth or water
Optional:
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by seasoning with salt, pepper, and an aromatic herb like thyme or rosemary. Allow the chicken to marinate for up to 30 minutes to enhance flavor penetration.
- Preheat a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot pan, cooking for 4-6 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust develops. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.
- In the same skillet, quickly sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Introduce cranberries, fresh orange juice, vibrant orange zest, and sweet honey, stirring to combine. Reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing cranberries to burst and create a luscious, slightly thickened sauce.
- Gently return chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces into the tangy sauce. Pour chicken broth around the meat, using a spatula to deglaze and incorporate those flavorful browned bits from the pan bottom. Cover and reduce heat to low, simmering for 10-12 minutes until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Plate the chicken and generously spoon the cranberry-orange sauce over the top. Elevate the presentation by garnishing with fresh herb sprigs or additional orange zest for a bright, aromatic finish.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken in citrus juices or buttermilk beforehand to enhance tenderness and prevent dryness during cooking.
- Swap honey with agave nectar for a vegan-friendly option or use brown sugar for deeper caramelized flavor notes.
- Choose fresh cranberries over dried for a more vibrant sauce texture and brighter taste profile.
- Reduce sauce further if you prefer a thicker, more concentrated glaze by simmering an extra 2-3 minutes after chicken is cooked.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg