Tangy Cranberry-Glazed Chicken Recipe That Dazzles Every Plate

Succulent cranberry-glazed chicken brings together sweet and tangy flavors that dance across your palate with unexpected harmony.

Bright bursts of tart fruit complement the tender meat, creating a remarkable dinner experience.

Seasonal ingredients merge into a delightful culinary adventure that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Simple preparation techniques make this dish accessible for home cooks seeking something extraordinary.

Festive yet uncomplicated, the recipe promises to impress without demanding complex cooking skills.

Juicy chicken draped in vivid crimson glaze will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive in and let your taste buds celebrate this delectable combination.

Sweet Meets Savory in This Cranberry-Glazed Chicken

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: Whip up this delectable chicken dish in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy families craving a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor Explosion in Every Bite: The tangy cranberry glaze combined with sweet honey and zesty Dijon mustard creates a mouthwatering blend of sweet and savory flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Versatile Dinner Solution: Pairs wonderfully with various side dishes like roasted vegetables, rice, or salad, making it an adaptable recipe for different dietary preferences and meal styles.
• Impressive Yet Effortless Cooking: Looks and tastes like a gourmet restaurant creation, but requires minimal cooking skills and basic ingredients that most home cooks already have in their pantry.

Cranberry-Glazed Chicken Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein base of the dish.

• Salt, Pepper: Enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.

• Cranberry Sauce, Balsamic Vinegar, Honey, Dijon Mustard: Creates a sweet and tangy coating for the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Helps cook the chicken and prevent sticking.

Cooking Cranberry-Glazed Chicken with Sweet-Savory Flavors

Step 1: Prep and Season Chicken

Gather your chicken breasts and give them a flavor boost by generously sprinkling salt and black pepper on both sides. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help achieve a beautiful golden sear.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle in olive oil. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot pan. Let them cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust and reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 3: Whip Up the Cranberry Glaze

• Cranberry sauce
• Balsamic vinegar
• Honey
• Dijon mustard

Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth, glossy mixture that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Glaze and Simmer

Pour the vibrant cranberry glaze over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Allow the sauce to simmer and bubble for about 5 minutes, helping it thicken and lovingly coat every inch of the chicken with its sweet and tangy embrace.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the glazed chicken to serving plates. Drizzle any remaining sauce over the top for extra flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh thyme or parsley on top to add a pop of color and herbal freshness. Get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering meal that combines sweet and savory perfection!

Chicken Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Glaze Balance

• Quick-Sear for Golden Perfection: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a beautiful, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Glaze Consistency Matters: Simmer the cranberry glaze gently to prevent burning and allow it to reduce to a thick, clingy sauce that beautifully coats the chicken.
• Temperature Check is Crucial: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (75°C), guaranteeing safe and juicy meat every single time.
• Substitute with Ease: Swap chicken breasts with thighs or turkey for a different protein option while maintaining the delicious cranberry glaze profile.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cranberry glaze in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, saving time on busy cooking nights.

Store Cranberry Glazed Chicken Flavorfully

• Seal cooked chicken in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the remaining cranberry glaze separately to prevent soggy chicken.
• Wrap individual chicken pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature periodically to avoid overcooking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), then drizzle reserved glaze on top before serving.

Cranberry-Glazed Chicken Complements

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the sweet-tangy cranberry glaze, balancing the rich chicken flavors with its bright, acidic notes.
• Create Rustic Side Dish Harmony: Roasted rosemary sweet potatoes complement the cranberry glaze's sweetness while adding earthy undertones that enhance the chicken's savory profile.
• Elevate with Fresh Herb Salad: A light arugula salad with toasted almonds and lemon vinaigrette provides a peppery, crunchy contrast to the glazed chicken, refreshing the palate between bites.
• Match with Sparkling Cider: A crisp, slightly sweet hard apple cider mirrors the cranberry's fruity essence, offering a playful and refreshing beverage that doesn't overpower the dish's delicate flavors.

Cranberry-Glazed Chicken Flavor Takes

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace Dijon mustard with gluten-free mustard and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Variation: Substitute honey with a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol and use a low-carb cranberry sauce alternative.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Confirm olive oil is the only fat used and skip any potential dairy-based garnishes.
• Herb-Infused Version: Add fresh rosemary or sage to the glaze for an enhanced aromatic profile, complementing the cranberry's tangy notes.

FAQs

• What ingredients give this chicken its unique flavor profile?

The combination of cranberry sauce, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard creates a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes that elevate the chicken’s taste.

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, but ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before cooking to achieve a golden brown exterior and prevent excess moisture during searing.

• Is this recipe suitable for people watching their sugar intake?

While the glaze contains honey and cranberry sauce, you can modify the recipe by using sugar-free cranberry sauce and reducing the honey amount to make it more diabetes-friendly.

• What type of skillet works best for this recipe?

A heavy-bottomed stainless steel or cast-iron skillet is ideal for achieving even heat distribution and creating a perfect golden-brown crust on the chicken.

Cranberry-Glazed Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent cranberry-glazed chicken brings festive flavors from Mediterranean kitchens to your dining table. Tangy cranberry sauce perfectly complements juicy chicken, offering a delightful balance of sweet and savory notes you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) honey
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) Dijon mustard

Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:

• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

Garnish (optional):

• Fresh thyme or parsley

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Instructions

1. Liberally coat the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, ensuring an even distribution of seasoning across both surfaces.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, carefully placing the seasoned chicken breasts into the pan.
3. Cook the chicken for approximately 6-8 minutes on each side, developing a rich golden-brown exterior and confirming doneness through an internal temperature reading of 165°F.
4. Simultaneously prepare the glaze by vigorously blending cranberry sauce, balsamic vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard in a separate mixing vessel until achieving a smooth, uniform consistency.
5. Transfer the perfectly cooked chicken breasts to the glaze, allowing them to gently simmer and absorb the vibrant, tangy sauce for 3-4 minutes.
6. Carefully plate the glazed chicken, generously drizzling any remaining sauce over the top for maximum flavor intensity.
7. Optionally, enhance the visual appeal and aromatic profile by garnishing with delicate sprigs of fresh thyme or finely chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

• Customize the chicken’s flavor by experimenting with different spice blends like smoked paprika or herbs de Provence for a unique twist.
• For a lower-sugar option, replace honey with monk fruit sweetener or use sugar-free cranberry sauce to reduce overall carbohydrate content.
• Ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked by using a meat thermometer, checking the internal temperature reaches exactly 165°F to prevent dryness while guaranteeing food safety.
• Transform this dish into a gluten-free meal by verifying all ingredients are certified gluten-free, particularly the cranberry sauce and Dijon mustard.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg