Description
A delicious and vibrant Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cooked in a tangy and slightly sweet sauce made with fresh cranberries, orange zest and juice, honey, garlic, and herbs. This dish combines bright citrus flavors with the tartness of cranberries for a perfect balance, ideal for a healthy and flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Sauce
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 large orange, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the chopped garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add fresh cranberries, orange zest, and orange juice, stirring briefly to combine.
- Add sweeteners and seasoning: Stir in honey or maple syrup, chicken broth or water, fresh thyme or rosemary, balsamic vinegar (if using), and Dijon mustard (if using). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing cranberries to burst and sauce to thicken slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Finish cooking: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top. Cover and let simmer on low heat for an additional 5-8 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C) and sauce is rich and flavorful.
- Serve: Plate the cranberry orange chicken, spoon extra sauce over the top, and garnish with additional fresh thyme or orange zest if desired. Perfect served with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for the best tartness and texture; frozen can be substituted but may alter sauce consistency.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of honey or maple syrup to suit your taste.
- Balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard add depth but are optional if you prefer a simpler sauce.
- For boneless skinless thighs, cooking time may vary slightly; ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Leftover cranberry orange chicken makes great sandwiches or salad toppers the next day.
Keywords: Cranberry Orange Chicken, chicken breasts, cranberry sauce, orange zest, honey chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner, tangy chicken dish