If you’re looking for a quick yet impressive dinner, this cranberry orange glazed chicken is the perfect choice. With tender chicken breasts seared to perfection and a tangy, sweet glaze made from fresh cranberries and orange juice, this dish balances flavors beautifully. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special dinner, it’s easy to make but feels like a gourmet treat.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, cinnamon, and ground ginger.
- Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, and orange zest. Stir to combine, and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes, until the cranberries begin to break down and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some of the cranberry-orange mixture over the chicken, and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh thyme leaves before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 350 kcal per serving
Servings: 4
Cranberry Orange Chicken: A Sweet and Savory Delight
This Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe combines the tangy sweetness of fresh cranberries with the citrusy zest of orange, creating a mouthwatering glaze that coats the tender, juicy chicken breasts. It’s a perfect dish for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special holiday meal. The balance of sweet, tart, and savory flavors will have your guests asking for seconds.
The combination of cranberries and orange juice adds not only a burst of flavor but also brings a refreshing twist to your usual chicken recipes. It’s easy to prepare, yet it feels gourmet enough for any occasion. Paired with a simple side dish like roasted vegetables or a light salad, this dish can elevate any meal.
Ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to cook, and they absorb the glaze beautifully.
- Fresh Cranberries: Add a sweet and tangy pop. You could use frozen cranberries in a pinch, but fresh ones give the best texture and flavor.
- Orange Juice and Zest: Adds both tartness and a refreshing citrus flavor.
- Honey: Sweetens the glaze naturally, balancing out the tartness of the cranberries.
- Olive Oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection.
- Cinnamon and Ginger: These warm spices add depth and complexity to the sauce.
- Thyme: Fresh thyme brings an aromatic, herbal note that complements the citrus.
Directions:
- Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with cinnamon, ginger, salt, and pepper. This seasoning mix helps create a flavorful crust on the chicken.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear on both sides until golden brown. This step locks in the juices, ensuring your chicken stays tender and moist.
- Make the Cranberry Orange Sauce: In the same skillet, add fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, and orange zest. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the cranberries to burst and create a vibrant, sweet glaze.
- Finish in the Oven: Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon some of the sauce over the top, and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The sauce will thicken and coat the chicken beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the chicken just before serving for a burst of herbal flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes. You can also serve it alongside a simple quinoa or wild rice pilaf to soak up the extra cranberry-orange glaze. For a lighter option, serve it with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette.
Tips & Variations:
- Add Nuts: For a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or pecans over the chicken right before serving.
- Use Bone-In Chicken: If you prefer bone-in chicken, adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. Bone-in cuts may take an extra 10-15 minutes to cook through.
- Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Make it a Make-Ahead Meal: The cranberry-orange glaze can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve and pour it over the cooked chicken.
Storage:
- Leftovers: Store any leftover cranberry orange chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of orange juice or water to loosen the glaze.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well if you want to make it ahead of time. After baking, let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350 kcal per serving (depending on the size of the chicken breast)
- Protein: 35g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
This Cranberry Orange Chicken will add a burst of seasonal flavor to your dinner table, especially during the fall and winter months. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday meal or a casual dinner, it’s a recipe that’s sure to impress.
Cranberry Orange Chicken: A Perfect Blend of Sweet and Savory
This Cranberry Orange Chicken is a simple yet impressive dish that combines the bright flavors of fresh cranberries and orange with the savory goodness of chicken. The result is a juicy, flavorful chicken breast coated in a luscious glaze made from the tangy cranberries, fresh orange juice, and a touch of honey for sweetness. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or create a delicious weeknight meal, this recipe delivers both flavor and ease.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Sweet and Savory: The natural sweetness of cranberries and honey balances beautifully with the citrusy brightness of fresh orange juice, making this dish a delightful contrast of flavors.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is ready in under 45 minutes, making it an ideal option for a busy weeknight dinner or a last-minute meal.
- Versatile: This dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes, from roasted vegetables to mashed potatoes or a crisp salad.
- Healthy and Flavorful: Chicken breasts are lean and packed with protein, while the homemade cranberry-orange glaze is fresh and full of vitamins. It’s a light yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients Breakdown:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this dish because they cook quickly and absorb the glaze well, ensuring the chicken stays moist and flavorful. You can also use thighs if you prefer a richer flavor.
- Fresh Cranberries: These little berries are packed with antioxidants and give the glaze a tart, vibrant flavor. While you can use frozen cranberries, fresh ones give the best texture and flavor.
- Orange Juice and Zest: Fresh orange juice is a must for the best flavor, while the zest adds a punch of citrus aroma and taste. Using fresh ingredients will elevate the overall flavor of the dish.
- Honey: This natural sweetener complements the tangy cranberries and balances out the acidity of the orange juice, giving the glaze a perfect amount of sweetness.
- Olive Oil: Essential for pan-searing the chicken, olive oil helps create a crispy, golden crust while keeping the chicken tender and juicy on the inside.
- Cinnamon and Ginger: These spices add a warm, aromatic touch to the dish, enhancing the depth of flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount to your taste.
- Fresh Thyme: A touch of thyme brings a savory herbaceous note to the dish, complementing the sweetness of the glaze.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Chicken:
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, cinnamon, and ginger. This simple seasoning complements the glaze and helps build flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Searing the chicken on both sides ensures a golden crust and helps lock in moisture.
- Make the Glaze: After removing the chicken, use the same skillet to make the glaze. Adding cranberries, orange juice, honey, and zest to the pan creates a vibrant sauce that will reduce and thicken, coating the chicken beautifully.
- Simmer and Combine: After simmering the glaze, return the chicken to the skillet and let it soak in all the flavor. Finish cooking in the oven for a few minutes to allow the glaze to thicken and the chicken to reach the perfect temperature.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with fresh thyme leaves for a hint of herbal flavor, and serve immediately!
Tips and Variations:
- For a Lighter Option: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor or swap in turkey breast for a leaner protein.
- Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Side Dish Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted Brussels sprouts, a simple green salad, mashed sweet potatoes, or rice pilaf.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The glaze will thicken as it cools, but you can reheat the dish in a skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth to restore its moisture.
- Freezing: If you have leftovers or want to make the dish ahead of time, you can freeze the cooked chicken and cranberry-orange glaze for up to 2 months. Simply thaw and reheat when ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Cranberry Orange Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious glaze. For a more festive touch, try pairing it with roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes. A fresh salad with mixed greens, walnuts, and feta cheese makes for a refreshing side that complements the richness of the chicken.
Conclusion:
This Cranberry Orange Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that combines the sweet tang of cranberries with the bright zest of oranges, creating a delicious glaze for juicy chicken breasts. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, and pairs well with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and versatile, this dish will become a go-to favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy a healthy, vibrant meal that’s sure to impress with minimal effort!