Name: Cranberry Orange Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 1 cup fresh cranberries; 1 large orange (zested and juiced); 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup chicken broth or water; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Cranberry Orange Chicken is the vibrant, flavor-packed dish that will steal the show at your next meal. Imagin extracte succulent, tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy, irresistible sauce that perfectly balances sweet and tart. This isn’t just any chicken recipe; it’s a symphony of bright citrus notes from fresh orange juice and zest, harmoniously mingling with the deep, ruby-red tang of cranberries. It’s the kind of meal that makes mouths water from the moment it starts simmering and fills your home with an non-intoxicating aroma. People adore Cranberry Orange Chicken because it offers a delightful departure from the ordinary, providing a refreshing zestiness that awakens the palate. What truly makes this dish special is its unexpected yet utterly harmonious flavor profile, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Get ready to discover your new go-to weeknight wonder or impressive dinner party centerpiece.

Table of Contents

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 cup fresh cranberries
1 large orange (you’ll need both the zest and the juice)
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (use your preferred sweetener)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon of dried herbs if fresh aren’t available)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup chicken broth or water
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Preparation and Searing the Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Aromatics

Begin extract by preparing your chicken. If you are using chicken breasts, you might want to pound them to an even thickness for more uniform cooking. This also helps them cook more quickly and evenly. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels; this is a crucial step for achieving a good sear. Season generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Next, prepare your aromatics. Mince the garlic cloves finely. If you’re using fresh thyme or rosemary, strip the leaves from the stems and chop them roughly. Zest the large orange, making sure to only get the colored part of the peel and avoid the bitter white pith. Then, juice the orange. You should aim for about 1/4 cup of juice.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat the tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and just starting to smoke slightly, carefully add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets a good sear. You want to cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust. This searing process locks in juices and adds incredible flavor to the finished dish. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Don’t worry if the chicken isn’t fully cooked through at this stage; it will finish cooking in the sauce.

Building the Cranberry Orange Sauce

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Deglaze the Pan

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet, being careful not to burn it. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Now, add the fresh cranberries to the skillet. Cook them for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, untilgin extractey begin to soften and pop. This will release their juices and start to create the base of our vibrant sauce. Next, pour in the balsamic vinegar. Let it bubble and reduce for about 30 seconds, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These browned bits, called fond, are packed with flavor and will add significant depth to your sauce.

Step 4: Simmer and Develop the Sauce Flavors

Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and the freshly squeezed orange juice. Add the orange zest, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, and fresh or dried thyme/rosemary. Stir everything together, ensuring the honey is dissolved and the mustard is incorporated. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Continue to simmer the sauce for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. As it simmers, the cranberries will continue to break down, and the sauce will thicken slightly. The flavors will meld beautifully during this simmering period, creating a complex and delicious coating for the chicken. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Finishing the Cranberry Orange Chicken

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce, and Finish Cooking

Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the simmering cranberry orange sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the top of each piece of chicken. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let the chicken simmer gently in the sauce for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your chicken. You can also finish this dish in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) by placing the oven-safe skillet in the oven for the same amount of time, uncovered. Once the chicken is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat (or oven). Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. You can spoon extra sauce over the chicken when plating.

Conclusion:

There you have it – your guide to making the most delicious Cranberry Orange Chicken! We’ve explored a simple yet incredibly flavorful approach to this vibrant dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The sweet and tangy cranberry sauce beautifully complements the zesty orange, creating a delightful balance that coats tender chicken pieces. This recipe is surprisingly versatile, making it a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

For serving, this Cranberry Orange Chicken pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice to soak up all that delicious sauce, or with a side of roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green beans. A dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream can also offer a cooling contrast.

Looking for variations? You can swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer, or even try it with beef tenderloin. For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Remember, the goal is to have fun and enjoy the process!

Frequently Asked Questions about Cranberry Orange Chicken:

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! The cranberry orange sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it gently on the stovetop before tossing with your cooked chicken.

What kind of cranberries should I use?

Fresh or frozen cranberries work best for this recipe. If you use dried cranberries, you may need to adjust the amount of liquid in the sauce to achieve the desired consistency.

Is this recipe spicy?

The base recipe for Cranberry Orange Chicken is not typically spicy. However, you can easily add heat by incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other sauce ingredients, or by serving with a side of sriracha or hot sauce.