Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the tartness of cranberries with the bright sweetness of orange. This easy recipe yields juicy, tender chicken breasts coated in a delicious homemade glaze that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir well to create the glaze.
5. Step 5: Pour the glaze evenly over the seared chicken breasts in the skillet.
6. Step 6: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Step 7: Halfway through baking, baste the chicken with the glaze to keep it moist and flavorful.
8. Step 8: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
9. Step 9: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra depth of flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the glaze mixture.
• Use fresh cranberries for the best texture, but frozen cranberries work well if fresh are unavailable.
• If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, sear the chicken in a regular pan, then transfer to a baking dish for the oven step.
• Try garnishing with chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a pleasant crunch.

Storage

Store leftover cranberry orange glazed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. The glaze may thicken upon cooling, so add a splash of water or orange juice when reheating if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw them before cooking to ensure even cooking and proper searing.

Is it possible to make this dish on the stovetop only?

You can simmer the glazed chicken on low heat covered in a skillet until cooked through, but baking helps develop the glaze and locks in moisture better.

Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 141 reviews

Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken is a delightful and flavorful dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts glazed with a tangy, sweet, and citrusy cranberry-orange sauce. This easy oven-baked recipe balances the tartness of fresh cranberries with the bright zest of orange, honey sweetness, and a savory hint from soy sauce and Dijon mustard. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, it delivers a juicy and vibrant meal with minimal effort.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Glaze

• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken after searing.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance their flavor.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken breast for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown, developing flavor and sealing in juices.
4. Make the Glaze: In a separate bowl, mix together fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard to create a vibrant glaze.
5. Add the Glaze: Pour the prepared glaze evenly over the seared chicken breasts in the skillet, coating them thoroughly.
6. Bake: Place the skillet with the chicken and glaze into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) ensuring it is fully cooked.
7. Baste the Chicken: Halfway through baking, carefully baste the chicken with the glaze from the skillet to keep it moist and intensify the flavor.
8. Rest the Chicken: Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, making it tender.
9. Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken for a bright, fresh finish and a pop of color before serving.

Notes

• If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen cranberries can be used; just thaw before preparing the glaze.
• For a spicier glaze, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cranberry mixture.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to accurately check the chicken’s internal temperature for safe consumption.
• The dish pairs well with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: cranberry orange glazed chicken, baked chicken recipe, citrus chicken glaze, sweet and tangy chicken, easy chicken dinner