Introduction

Cranberry Orange Chicken is a festive and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any special occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a holiday feast, or a romantic evening in. The combination of tangy cranberries, sweet orange zest, and succulent chicken creates a deliciously unique entrée that will leave everyone asking for seconds. This dish offers a balance of flavors: the tartness of the cranberries pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the orange, while the chicken provides a tender and savory base.

Not only is this recipe visually appealing, with the vibrant red and orange colors, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve Cranberry Orange Chicken with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes, making it a great option for both weeknight dinners and holiday celebrations.

The recipe is simple to prepare yet impressive enough to wow your guests. If you’re looking for a dish that’s full of flavor, easy to make, and looks beautiful on the table, Cranberry Orange Chicken is the perfect choice!

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Orange Chicken

Bright, Vibrant Flavors: The sweet and tangy combination of cranberries and orange adds a unique twist to your typical chicken recipe. It’s a refreshing and lively dish that stands out from traditional poultry dishes.
Perfect for Special Occasions: Cranberry Orange Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that works wonderfully for holiday meals, dinner parties, or any celebration where you want to impress your guests with something a little different.
Quick and Easy: While this dish has a sophisticated flavor, it’s surprisingly easy to make. With just a few key ingredients and some simple steps, you can have this beautiful dish on the table in under an hour.
Healthy and Nutritious: Chicken is a lean protein, and when combined with fresh, healthy ingredients like cranberries and oranges, this dish provides essential nutrients while keeping the calorie count reasonable.
Leftover-Friendly: This dish is just as delicious the next day! Whether you’re using leftovers for lunch or dinner, the flavors only get better after a little time in the fridge.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 45 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-400 calories, depending on serving size and specific ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 350-400 kcal
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 35g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 20g

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

For the Cranberry Orange Sauce:

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
Zest of 1 orange
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup water (for adjusting sauce consistency, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by preparing the chicken breasts. If they are thick, you can butterfly them or gently pound them with a meat mallet to ensure they cook evenly and more quickly. Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound them to about 1-inch thickness.

Once the chicken is prepared, season it generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. These simple seasonings will enhance the natural flavor of the chicken without overpowering the delicious cranberry orange sauce.

2. Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. You can check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure the chicken is safe to eat.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm while you prepare the cranberry orange sauce.

3. Make the Cranberry Orange Sauce

In the same skillet, add the olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the fresh cranberries. You’ll hear them pop as they begin to cook. Stir them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.

Add the orange juice, orange zest, honey or maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar to the skillet. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits left from the chicken. These bits add incredible flavor to the sauce.

Let the sauce simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the sauce has thickened slightly. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or acidity by adding more honey or vinegar if necessary.

If you like a little extra kick, you can also add some freshly grated ginger to the sauce, which will pair wonderfully with the sweetness of the cranberries and orange.

4. Combine the Chicken and Sauce

Once the cranberry orange sauce is ready, return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.

If desired, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and added freshness.

5. Serve and Enjoy

To serve, place each chicken breast on a plate and spoon the cranberry orange sauce over the top. This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, quinoa, or a simple green salad.

Tips for Perfect Cranberry Orange Chicken

Fresh vs. Frozen Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are ideal for this recipe because they hold their shape and provide a fresh, tart flavor. However, if fresh cranberries aren’t available, frozen cranberries can be used instead. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking.
Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on your personal taste, you may want to adjust the sweetness of the cranberry orange sauce. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey or maple syrup. For a tangier sauce, increase the balsamic vinegar or add a little more orange juice.
Serve with a Starch: Cranberry Orange Chicken pairs beautifully with starches like mashed potatoes, rice, or even a creamy risotto. These will soak up the flavorful sauce and create a complete meal.
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the cranberry orange sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stovetop and then sear the chicken when you’re ready to serve.
Grill Option: For a slightly smoky flavor, you can grill the chicken breasts instead of searing them in a skillet. The cranberry orange sauce can be served over grilled chicken just the same.
Cranberry Orange Sauce Variations: For a twist on this recipe, try adding a few spoonfuls of orange marmalade or some chopped dried apricots to the cranberry orange sauce. These ingredients will add sweetness and complexity to the flavor profile.

Variations of Cranberry Orange Chicken

Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken: For a thicker, more syrupy glaze, you can reduce the cranberry orange sauce even further, allowing it to become thicker and more concentrated. Brush the glaze over the chicken before serving for a glossy, caramelized finish.
Spicy Cranberry Orange Chicken: If you like a little heat, consider adding some chopped chili peppers or red pepper flakes to the cranberry orange sauce. The heat from the peppers balances the sweetness and tartness of the sauce, creating a unique flavor.
Cranberry Orange Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, this recipe works just as well with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. The thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful than breasts, and they pair perfectly with the tart cranberry orange sauce.
Cranberry Orange Chicken Salad: For a lighter option, you can slice the leftover chicken and serve it over a bed of mixed greens, topped with the cranberry orange sauce. This makes for a wonderful post-holiday lunch or a fresh, festive dinner.

Storage and Leftovers

Cranberry Orange Chicken makes fantastic leftovers! Store any remaining chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little extra orange juice or water to the sauce if needed.

For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately. The chicken will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months, while the cranberry orange sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop.

Conclusion

Cranberry Orange Chicken is the perfect recipe for any special occasion or holiday gathering. The combination of tender chicken, sweet and tangy cranberry orange sauce, and simple seasoning makes this dish both delicious and elegant. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a festive dinner party, Cranberry Orange Chicken will be a hit with everyone at the table.

With its vibrant colors, bright flavors, and easy preparation, this dish is sure to become a holiday favorite in your home. So, gather your ingredients and try this recipe today for a meal that’s both flavorful and memorable. Enjoy!

Introduction

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Orange Chicken

Preparation and Cooking Time