Cranberry Orange Chicken 

Cranberry Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of cranberries with the citrusy zing of oranges. This flavorful combination creates a vibrant sauce that perfectly complements tender chicken breasts or thighs. Ideal for cozy family dinners or impressing guests at holiday gatherings, this dish is both easy to prepare and bound to be a crowd pleaser.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• 1 cup fresh cranberries (frozen cranberries can also be used)

• 1 large orange (for juice and zest)

• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (plus extra for garnish)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• ½ cup chicken broth or water

• Optional: Balsamic vinegar or Dijon mustard for added flavor complexity

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and a pinch of fresh thyme or rosemary. Optionally, marinate for 30 minutes to enhance flavor.

2. Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4–6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Cranberry Orange Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and honey (or maple syrup). Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5–7 minutes until cranberries burst and the sauce reduces slightly.

4. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the browned chicken to the skillet. Add chicken broth, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for added flavor. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

5. Serve: Once the chicken is cooked through, spoon the cranberry orange sauce over the top. Garnish with additional fresh herbs and a drizzle of orange zest if desired.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 320 kcal

• Protein: ~30g

• Fat: ~10g

• Carbohydrates: ~25g

• Fiber: ~3g