There’s a certain magic that happens when you combine sweet, tangy cranberries with juicy chicken and a zesty hint of orange. The first time I made Cranberry Orange Chicken, my kitchen transformed into a fragrant wonderland, bursting with flavors that danced on my palate. Picture this: tender chicken bathed in a shimmering cranberry-orange glaze that glistens like holiday ornaments—it’s not just food; it’s an experience! For more inspiration, check out this Hot Honey Chicken Bowls recipe.
Now, if you’re looking to impress your family or friends at dinner, this dish makes an appearance worthy of applause. I remember serving it on a cozy Sunday evening, and the moment the first bite hit their tongues, smiles exploded around the table like confetti at a party. Trust me, you’ll want to make this every week!
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This delightful Cranberry Orange Chicken is simple and quick to prepare. Bursting with vibrant flavors, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or festive occasions. Its colorful presentation makes it visually appealing and mouthwatering. Plus, it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making meal planning a breeze. [/info_box]
I once made this dish for my best friend’s birthday dinner and let me tell you—their eyes lit up like Christmas lights when they tasted it.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts for an ideal serving size that’s both hearty and satisfying.
Cranberry Sauce: Opt for homemade or store-bought; either way, ensure it’s smooth for a luscious glaze.
Fresh Orange Juice: Squeeze fresh oranges for vibrant flavor—trust me, it’s worth the extra effort!
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds depth; aim for about two cloves minced finely to enhance the overall taste.
Honey: This natural sweetener balances the tartness of cranberries beautifully—use about two tablespoons for optimal sweetness. honey cilantro lime salmon.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness while adding umami richness to the dish.
Pepper and Salt: Simple seasonings elevate flavor; adjust according to your taste preferences during cooking.
Olive Oil: Use high-quality olive oil when sautéing; it complements the chicken perfectly and adds healthy fats.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) as we dive into creating this delightful dish.
Prepare the Chicken: Start by patting dry your chicken breasts with paper towels—this helps achieve that golden sear you crave. Season each side generously with salt and pepper.
Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil until shimmering. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet; cook until browned on both sides—about 5 minutes per side should do.
Create the Glaze: While your chicken cooks, whisk together cranberry sauce, orange juice, minced garlic, honey, and soy sauce in a bowl until well combined. chimichurri chicken bowl The aroma will be irresistible!
Add the Glaze: Once your chicken has browned beautifully, pour the glaze over the top. Let it simmer for around 10 minutes; this allows those flavors to meld together like old friends at a reunion.
Bake It: Transfer everything into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Serve & Enjoy: Plate your succulent Cranberry Orange Chicken and spoon some glaze over each piece. maple chicken rice pairing Pair it with fluffy rice or roasted veggies for a complete meal that will have everyone begging for seconds.
This recipe is not only delectable but also versatile—you can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have or prefer! Enjoy every bite!
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] This delightful cranberry orange chicken recipe combines sweet and tangy flavors, creating a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The vibrant colors and aromas will impress your guests, making it a showstopper at holiday dinners or casual gatherings. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken to golden perfection first, then simmer with cranberry sauce while preparing sides. This ensures everything is ready simultaneously, delighting everyone’s taste buds.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap orange juice for lemon juice for a zesty twist or add walnuts for crunch. Personalizing the dish keeps it exciting every time you make it.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through to maintain flavor and texture.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] For that perfect glaze, let the sauce reduce until thickened; this enhances flavor immensely. Always let the chicken rest before slicing; it retains juices beautifully. Don’t skip searing; it adds depth to both flavor and appearance! [/info_box]
I remember the first time I made cranberry orange chicken for Thanksgiving. My family went wild over it, requesting I make it every year since!
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for cranberry orange chicken?
Yes, but ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking to achieve even results.
What sides pair well with cranberry orange chicken?
Mashed potatoes and green beans complement this dish beautifully with their flavors. roasted garlic mashed potatoes.
How can I make this dish spicy?
Add crushed red pepper flakes during cooking for a delightful kick of spice!
Cranberry Orange Chicken
Cranberry Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that harmoniously blends the sweetness of cranberries, the zest of oranges, and tender chicken. This quick and easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful feast, perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. With its vibrant colors and enticing aroma, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Serve it alongside fluffy rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat dry chicken breasts with paper towels; season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil until shimmering. Sear chicken breasts for about 5 minutes on each side until browned.
- In a bowl, whisk together cranberry sauce, orange juice, minced garlic, honey, and soy sauce.
- Pour the glaze over the seared chicken and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Serve hot with extra glaze over the top, paired with rice or veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (150g)
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For added zest, substitute orange juice with lemon juice. Add chopped walnuts for extra crunch. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently.
