Description
Cranberry Orange Chicken is a delightful and colorful dish that perfectly balances the tangy sweetness of cranberries and orange with tender chicken breasts, creating a tasty and festive meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and Season: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from heat.
- Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together cranberries, orange juice, honey (or maple syrup), balsamic vinegar, orange zest, cinnamon, and cloves. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the skillet.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Thicken Sauce: If a thicker sauce is desired, transfer the chicken to a plate, place the skillet back on the stove, and stir in the cornstarch slurry. Simmer until thickened, then spoon over the chicken.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
- This dish pairs beautifully with wild rice, roasted sweet potatoes, or a crisp green salad.
- For a bolder citrus flavor, add extra orange zest or a splash of orange liqueur.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
