Looking for a deliciously festive dish to serve this holiday season? This Holiday Chicken with Cranberry and Orange is the perfect blend of sweet and savory. The tender chicken is seared to golden perfection and paired with a tangy cranberry-orange sauce that’s sure to impress. Whether it’s for a holiday dinner or a cozy meal at home, this dish brings a touch of elegance to any table!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and rosemary.
- Sear the chicken in the skillet for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some of the cranberry-orange mixture over the top. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve the chicken with the cranberry-orange sauce and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 320 per serving
Servings: 4
Holiday Chicken with Cranberry and Orange
This festive Holiday Chicken with Cranberry and Orange is the perfect dish to add a touch of elegance to your holiday meal. The combination of juicy, tender chicken breasts with a tangy-sweet cranberry and orange sauce creates a delicious balance of flavors that everyone will love. The slight sweetness from the cranberries and honey complements the savory richness of the chicken, while the orange zest adds a refreshing citrus note. It’s easy to make, yet looks and tastes impressive—ideal for a special dinner or a holiday gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Festive Flavors: The bright and tart flavor of fresh cranberries combined with the sweetness of orange zest and honey makes this dish feel like a celebration on your plate.
- Quick and Simple: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can make a delicious dinner in under an hour, perfect for busy holiday dinners or weeknight meals.
- Healthy & Flavorful: Chicken breasts are a lean protein, and the dish includes fresh fruits and herbs for a healthy, nutrient-packed meal.
- One-Pan Wonder: The entire dish is made in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
Serving Suggestions:
Pair this Holiday Chicken with Cranberry and Orange with a variety of side dishes to complete your meal. Consider serving it with:
- Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes for a seasonal touch.
- A side of wild rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious cranberry-orange sauce.
- A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the chicken.
Tips for the Perfect Holiday Chicken:
- Searing the chicken: Don’t skip the step of searing the chicken breasts in the skillet. This adds depth of flavor to the chicken, creating a beautiful golden crust and ensuring the meat stays juicy.
- Adjust the sweetness: Depending on your taste preference, you can adjust the amount of honey in the sauce. If you like it sweeter, add a little more, or reduce it for a more tart flavor.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the cranberry-orange sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just heat it up and add the chicken for a quick and easy meal.
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries: Fresh cranberries are typically available during the holiday season, but if you can’t find them, frozen cranberries work just as well.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Kcal: Approximately 300-350 calories per serving (based on 4 servings)
- Serves: 4
How to Make Holiday Chicken with Cranberry and Orange:
Making this dish is straightforward and requires just a few simple steps. Start by searing the chicken in a hot skillet to get a beautiful golden crust, then simmer the cranberry and orange sauce right in the same pan. This method enhances the flavor of the sauce, as it picks up all the savory bits from the chicken. After the sauce is ready, return the chicken to the skillet and let it bake in the oven, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
Ingredients for Holiday Chicken with Cranberry and Orange:
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless for a lean protein option that cooks quickly.
- Fresh cranberries: These provide a burst of tartness and color.
- Orange: Use both the juice and zest to get that citrusy sweetness and fragrance.
- Honey: A little bit of sweetness to balance the tartness of the cranberries.
- Olive oil: For searing the chicken and adding richness to the sauce.
- Rosemary: This herb adds a warm, earthy flavor that complements the sweetness of the cranberries.
- Chicken broth: This provides the liquid needed for the sauce, enriching the flavor.
- Fresh parsley: A simple garnish to add a touch of color and freshness at the end.
Serving Ideas:
This dish is versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes for a complete, seasonal meal.
- Mashed Potatoes or Rice: A creamy side like mashed potatoes or a hearty serving of rice will soak up the cranberry-orange sauce beautifully.
- Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the chicken and sauce.
Perfect for Any Occasion:
This recipe isn’t just for the holidays—it’s great for any special occasion when you want to impress your family or guests with a stunning dish that’s both easy to make and delicious to eat. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering, Holiday Chicken with Cranberry and Orange will undoubtedly become a go-to recipe.
Conclusion
The Holiday Chicken with Cranberry and Orange is not only a flavorful and festive dish, but it also offers simplicity and elegance that will elevate any dinner table. With its perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors, this dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it an ideal centerpiece for your next holiday meal or special occasion. Whether you’re celebrating with family, hosting a gathering, or just craving something seasonal, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, its ease of preparation means you can spend more time enjoying the company of loved ones and less time in the kitchen. Enjoy the holiday spirit in every bite with this delightful dish!