Cranberry Orange Chicken Delight

$- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless - 1 cup fresh cranberries - 1 large orange (zested and juiced) - 1/2 cup chicken broth The main ingredients create a balanced mix of flavors. Chicken breasts provide protein, while fresh cranberries add tartness. The orange gives a bright, citrusy zest. Chicken broth keeps the dish moist and rich. This combination shines in any meal. - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste Honey brings sweetness to the dish. Fresh thyme adds an earthy note. Olive oil helps with cooking and adds flavor. Salt and pepper enhance all the ingredients. These additional ingredients make the dish come alive. - Fresh parsley, chopped Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. It brightens up the plate and adds a pop of flavor. This small touch makes your meal look beautiful and inviting. Garnishing elevates the whole dining experience. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the sauce, start by boiling the cranberries and orange mixture. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of fresh cranberries, the zest of 1 large orange, the juice of that orange, 1/2 cup of chicken broth, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Turn the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer. Keep an eye on it for about 10 minutes. You want the cranberries to burst and the sauce to thicken slightly. This step is key to building flavor. While your sauce simmers, prepare the chicken. Take 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season both sides with salt and pepper. This adds depth to the flavor. Next, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken. Sear each breast for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown. This step locks in moisture and adds a nice crust. Now, it’s time for the oven. Pour the cranberry-orange sauce over the seared chicken in the skillet. Make sure each piece is well-coated for maximum flavor. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). After baking, remove the skillet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute. For the final touch, garnish with chopped fresh parsley. This adds color and freshness to your dish. Enjoy your Cranberry Orange Chicken Delight! To keep your chicken juicy, always sear it before baking. Searing locks in moisture and flavor. Use medium-high heat and a bit of olive oil. Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown. If you want to try a different method, you can grill the chicken. Just marinate it in the cranberry-orange sauce for a few hours. Grilling adds a nice smoky flavor that pairs well with the sweet sauce. You can spice things up by adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. These spices blend well with the cranberries and orange. Fresh herbs, like rosemary or sage, can also add depth. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite flavor. For pairing, serve this dish with rice or quinoa. Both grains soak up the sauce well. A simple green salad or steamed veggies also works nicely to balance the meal. Ideal side dishes include garlic mashed potatoes or roasted Brussels sprouts. Their flavors complement the sweet and tangy chicken. For presentation, slice the chicken and arrange it on a platter. Drizzle the sauce over the top and sprinkle fresh parsley for color. This makes for a beautiful and inviting meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cranberries and a ripe orange will enhance the flavor of the dish significantly. Frozen cranberries can work in a pinch but won't have the same bright taste. Perfectly Sear the Chicken: Make sure the pan is hot enough before adding the chicken. This will create a beautiful golden crust and lock in moisture. Let it Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after baking helps redistribute the juices, ensuring each bite is tender and juicy. Garnish for Presentation: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh flavor that complements the dish beautifully. {{image_2}} You can change the fruits in the sauce. Instead of cranberries, try using blueberries or cherries. They give a different taste but still pair well with chicken. If you want a sweeter sauce, consider using apples or pears. They add a nice fruity flavor too. For the chicken, you can use turkey breasts or even pork chops. These proteins work well with the sauce. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. To make this dish gluten-free, check your chicken broth. Some brands add gluten. Use a certified gluten-free broth instead. This small change keeps the dish safe for those with gluten issues. If you want a low-sugar option, skip the honey. You can also use a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit. These options help cut sugar but keep the meal tasty. Add global flavors to this recipe by mixing in spices. For a Mexican twist, add cumin and chili powder. This gives the dish a warm, spicy kick. If you want to go Asian, add soy sauce and ginger to the sauce. This change creates a unique flavor that blends sweet and savory. You can also top the chicken with sesame seeds for added crunch. To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can make it soggy. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken. Divide it into portions and place them in freezer bags. Squeeze out the air to prevent freezer burn. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This keeps the meat safe and tasty. For safe reheating, use the oven or microwave. If using an oven, set it to 350°F (175°C) and heat until warm. In the microwave, cover the dish to keep moisture in. This helps maintain flavor and texture. Avoid reheating more than once. This keeps the chicken juicy and delicious. Cranberry Orange Chicken Delight is a tasty dish that blends sweet and savory. The chicken has a nice, juicy flavor from the fresh cranberries and oranges. This dish is colorful and looks great on any plate. The sauce gives the chicken a lovely shine and a unique taste. You will enjoy the mix of tangy and sweet flavors, making it a big hit at dinner. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. If you want to save time, cook the chicken and make the sauce earlier in the day. Store the sauce and chicken in separate airtight containers. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, reheat the chicken in the oven. Warm the sauce on the stove until it is hot. This method keeps the flavors fresh. You can check if the chicken is cooked by measuring its internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken. The safe temperature is 165°F (74°C). If you do not have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The meat should be white, not pink. Juices should run clear. This way, you can be sure it is safe to eat. This recipe showcases how to make a flavorful cranberry orange chicken. You learned about the main and additional ingredients, along with step-by-step cooking instructions. We explored tips for enhancing flavor and serving suggestions. You can even try variations with different proteins or spices. Store your leftovers safely for tasty meals later. Cooking should be fun, so enjoy trying this dish. Trust me, you will love how delicious and easy it is!$

Cranberry Orange Chicken Delight

A delicious chicken dish featuring a sweet and tangy cranberry-orange sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
1 cup fresh cranberries
1 large orange (zested and juiced)
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
1 tablespoon olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, chicken broth, honey, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly.
While the sauce is simmering, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown.
Once the chicken is seared, pour the cranberry-orange sauce over the chicken in the skillet, making sure to coat the pieces well.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for an added touch of color.

Notes

Let the chicken rest before serving for better flavor.

Keyword chicken, cranberry, dinner, easy, orange