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Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

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4.2 from 37 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a tangy and sweet cranberry orange sauce. The dish combines fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, and balsamic vinegar to create a vibrant, flavorful meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The sauce simmers to a luscious texture that coats the chicken beautifully, complemented by aromatic garlic and thyme.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

  1. Heat Oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for searing the chicken.
  2. Season and Sear Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. Place them in the hot skillet and sear each side for 3-4 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
  4. Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey or maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and dried thyme. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes so the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some of the sauce over them, then cover the skillet. Let the chicken simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Serve the chicken with extra sauce drizzled on top for an appealing presentation and enhanced flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh cranberries for the best texture, but frozen cranberries work well too.
  • Adjust the sweetness by using honey or maple syrup based on your preference.
  • Ensure the chicken is cooked through by using a meat thermometer aiming for 165°F (75°C).
  • Serve with steamed vegetables or rice to complement the tangy sauce.
  • To make this dish gluten-free, verify that all condiments such as balsamic vinegar are gluten-free certified.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

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Find it online: https://a-tale-of-two.com/cranberry-orange-chicken-recipe/