This cranberry orange glazed chicken is a showstopper that’s both flavorful and easy to make. The sweet and tart cranberry sauce pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken, creating a meal that’s both comforting and vibrant. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will surely impress!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add cranberries, orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and cinnamon. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and cranberries burst.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the cranberry orange glaze over the chicken. Let it simmer together for 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Kcal: 320 | Servings: 4
History and Origin:
Cranberry and orange is a classic flavor pairing often associated with festive dishes, particularly during the fall and winter holidays. This combination brings together the tartness of fresh cranberries and the sweetness of oranges, creating a vibrant and refreshing sauce. Cranberry Orange Chicken takes this flavorful pairing and elevates it by using the sauce as a glaze for juicy, tender chicken breasts. The dish is perfect for holiday meals, dinner parties, or a weeknight family dinner with a gourmet twist.
Why You’ll Love This Dish:
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious and satisfying.
- Flavorful and Unique: The combination of sweet and tangy cranberry-orange glaze is a standout, balancing perfectly with the savory chicken.
- Versatile: Serve this dish with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It’s also great for meal prepping and can be stored in the fridge for several days.
Ingredients Breakdown:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used in this recipe for their tenderness and ease of cooking. You could also substitute with chicken thighs if preferred, but be sure to adjust the cooking time.
- Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are essential for this recipe as they provide a tart flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness of the honey and orange juice. If fresh cranberries are not available, you can substitute with frozen ones.
- Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice brings a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the cranberries and adds a bit of zest to the dish.
- Honey and Dijon Mustard: Honey adds sweetness and helps thicken the glaze, while Dijon mustard adds a tangy kick that balances the richness of the chicken.
- Cinnamon: A subtle hint of cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the sauce, making it ideal for the cooler seasons.
Cooking Tips:
- Brown the Chicken Properly: When browning the chicken breasts, make sure the skillet is preheated and the oil is hot to achieve a crispy, golden exterior.
- Simmer the Sauce: Allow the cranberry orange sauce to simmer until it thickens slightly. The longer you let it cook, the more the flavors will develop.
- Customize the Glaze: If you prefer a thicker glaze, let the sauce reduce for a few more minutes. For a more tangy flavor, you can add a little extra Dijon mustard or a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Garnishing: Garnish the finished dish with fresh parsley or thyme to add a touch of color and a fresh flavor contrast.
Serving Suggestions:
- Side Dishes: This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts, or a simple green salad. For a lighter option, serve it with cauliflower rice or quinoa.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, would pair wonderfully with the cranberry orange glaze, enhancing the citrus notes in the dish.
Nutritional Information:
Cranberry Orange Chicken is a relatively healthy option for dinner. The glaze provides a natural sweetness from the cranberries and honey, and the chicken is a lean protein source. For those watching calories, you can substitute the honey with a low-calorie sweetener like stevia.
Variations and Tips for Customizing the Recipe:
- Adding Nuts: For a little crunch and extra flavor, you can add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cranberry orange sauce as it simmers. The nuts will give the dish a delightful texture and enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Spice it Up: If you prefer a bit of heat with your sweet and savory combination, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze. This will give the dish a subtle spicy kick without overpowering the natural flavors.
- Substitute Ingredients: While chicken breasts are the recommended choice for this recipe, you can substitute them with chicken thighs for a juicier option. The cooking time may vary slightly, so be sure to adjust accordingly.
- Make it Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but if you want to make it even more versatile, you can serve it over gluten-free grains like quinoa or rice, or pair it with a gluten-free side dish.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian option, you can use tofu or tempeh in place of chicken. Simply press the tofu to remove excess water and cut it into thick slabs. Pan-fry the tofu until golden, then glaze with the cranberry-orange sauce.
- Make Ahead: Cranberry Orange Chicken can easily be made in advance. Prepare the chicken and glaze ahead of time, then store them separately in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to serve, reheat and combine them for a quick and delicious meal.
What to Serve with Cranberry Orange Chicken:
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it adaptable for any occasion:
- Mashed Potatoes: The creamy texture of mashed potatoes complements the sweet and tangy glaze, creating a perfect balance.
- Rice Pilaf: A flavorful rice pilaf is a great side dish to absorb the delicious cranberry-orange sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts add a hearty touch and provide a colorful contrast to the chicken.
- Green Beans Almondine: For an extra touch of elegance, serve this dish with green beans almondine for a crunchy, nutty side.
Nutritional Benefits:
Cranberry Orange Chicken not only offers a delicious flavor combination but also provides several nutritional benefits:
- Lean Protein: Chicken breasts are an excellent source of lean protein, which is important for muscle building and repair.
- Antioxidants: Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and support immune health.
- Vitamin C: The orange juice in the recipe provides a good dose of vitamin C, helping to boost your immune system and keep your skin healthy.
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil adds healthy fats to the recipe, which are essential for heart health and keeping your skin hydrated.
Storing and Reheating:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cranberry-orange sauce will continue to develop flavor as it sits, so it’s even better the next day! To reheat, simply place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Conclusion:
Cranberry Orange Chicken is a delightful and flavorful dish that brings a burst of vibrant, seasonal flavors to your dinner table. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a quick, comforting meal, this recipe combines the perfect balance of sweetness, tartness, and savory goodness. The simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s both elegant and easy to make, making it a versatile option for any meal. Paired with your favorite sides, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Plus, the combination of fresh cranberries and tangy orange will leave your taste buds craving more. Try this dish today and experience the delicious fusion of flavors!