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Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 110 reviews

A delightful and vibrant Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts or thighs simmered in a tangy, slightly sweet cranberry orange sauce. This dish combines fresh cranberries, zesty orange, and aromatic herbs for a perfect balance of flavors, making it an ideal dinner option that’s both comforting and refreshing.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (breasts for leaner option or thighs for juicier flavor)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried)

Sauce

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries (frozen can be used)
  • 1 large orange (zested and juiced)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup chicken broth or water
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Cooking

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and a pinch of thyme or rosemary. For enhanced flavor, optionally marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking.
  2. Brown the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 4-6 minutes per side or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the Cranberry Orange Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and honey or maple syrup. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let the sauce reduce slightly for 5-7 minutes, until the cranberries burst and release their juice.
  4. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet and pour in the chicken broth. If using, add balsamic vinegar or Dijon mustard now. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to enhance flavor. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  5. Serve: Once cooked, spoon the cranberry orange sauce over the chicken. Garnish with fresh herbs or additional orange zest for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

  • For leaner meat, use chicken breasts; for juicier and more flavorful results, use thighs.
  • Marinating the chicken for 30 minutes intensifies the herb flavors but is optional.
  • Frozen cranberries can be used if fresh are not available.
  • The addition of balsamic vinegar or Dijon mustard is optional but adds depth to the sauce.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

Keywords: Cranberry Orange Chicken, chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, cranberry sauce, orange chicken, skillet chicken, fall recipes

Find it online: https://leofoster.com/cranberry-orange-chicken-recipe/