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Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 120 reviews

This Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe features tender, golden-brown chicken breasts or thighs simmered in a vibrant, tangy sauce made from fresh cranberries, orange juice, zest, and a touch of honey or maple syrup. Enhanced with garlic, fresh herbs, and a splash of balsamic vinegar, this dish offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors perfect for an elegant weeknight dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

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Chicken

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1 large orange (zested and juiced)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and a pinch of fresh thyme or rosemary. If you have time, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to enhance flavor, though this step is optional.
  2. Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 4-6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. Make the Cranberry Orange Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and honey or maple syrup. Stir to combine and simmer for 5-7 minutes until cranberries burst and the sauce slightly thickens.
  4. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon some sauce over each piece. Add chicken broth and scrape the browned bits from the pan to deepen the flavor. Cover the skillet, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  5. Serve: Once cooked through, spoon additional cranberry-orange sauce over the chicken. Garnish with fresh herbs or extra orange zest to add a bright, fresh finish.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken enhances flavor but is optional.
  • Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and sauce texture.
  • Adjust the sweetness by varying honey or maple syrup according to your preference.
  • Check the internal temperature of chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it is safely cooked.
  • Serve with rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables to complement the tangy sauce.

Keywords: cranberry orange chicken, cranberry chicken recipe, orange sauce chicken, stovetop chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner, gluten free chicken

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