Cranberry Orange Chicken

Craving a Flavor Explosion?

Imagine the juicy flavors of fresh cranberries and sweet oranges melding together with perfectly cooked chicken. Sounds divine, right? This Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe is an easy one-pan wonder that’ll leave your taste buds dancing, and your kitchen looking tidy. Think of it as a cozy hug on a plate, coming together without much fuss!

Why Make This Recipe

You’ll love this chicken dish for a handful of reasons. First off, it’s an easy cleanup situation – one skillet does it all! Who wants a sink full of dishes after a delightful dinner? Not me! Plus, it’s super family-friendly; even the pickiest eaters will be tempted by the glistening, fruity sauce. And did I mention it’s equally great for a casual weeknight or a festive gathering? 🎉

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the orange juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
3. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
4. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them in the skillet until golden brown on both sides (about 4-5 minutes per side).
5. Pour the cranberry and orange mixture over the chicken and scatter the cranberries around.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for around 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
7. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Chicken (Overview)

Let’s break it down! First, you sear the chicken to golden perfection—because who can resist that beautiful color? Next, you whisk together that fabulous orange sauce and pour it all over. Finally, slide the skillet into the oven and let the magic happen. Just don’t skip toasting the garlic; it makes all the difference! 😉

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Chicken

Serving this dish is where the fun begins! Imagine plating up moist, juicy chicken topped with that vibrant cranberry-orange sauce. It’s a feast for the eyes! Serve it over fluffy white rice or alongside roasted veggies. The pops of color combined with the aroma will make your dining experience absolutely irresistible.

How to Store Cranberry Orange Chicken

Leftover craving? This dish keeps well! In the fridge, it lasts about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. Reheat it in the microwave or a skillet, and it’ll be just as delightful as day one!

Tips to Make Cranberry Orange Chicken

• Sear the Chicken: Don’t be shy about giving those chicken breasts a good sear for that extra flavor.
• Add Zest: For an extra zing, add some fresh orange zest to your sauce!
• Sweetness: Adjust the brown sugar based on your sweetness preference; you can even swap in honey for a different twist.
• Garnish: Fresh herbs aren’t just for show! Parsley adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.
• Serves Well: This chicken pairs well with everything from rice to mashed potatoes!

Variation

Want to mix things up? Try swapping in turkey for a leaner option or add some spicy peppers if you love a bit of heat. You can even go vegan! Substitute the chicken with hearty mushrooms or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. The possibilities are endless!

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking, and adjust the cooking time if needed.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Of course! You can marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight and then bake it the next day for an even more infused flavor.

What should I serve with Cranberry Orange Chicken?
It’s fantastic with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. For a cozy twist, mash some potatoes on the side!

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!

Cranberry Orange Chicken

A delicious one-pan Cranberry Orange Chicken dish that combines juicy chicken with a flavorful cranberry and orange sauce, perfect for any occasion.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice Freshly squeezed or store-bought
• 1/2 cup brown sugar Adjust based on sweetness preference
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil For searing the chicken
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced For flavoring the sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped For garnish

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the orange juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, salt, pepper, and minced garlic.

Cooking

1. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them in the skillet until golden brown on both sides (about 4-5 minutes per side).
3. Pour the cranberry and orange mixture over the chicken and scatter the cranberries around.
4. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for around 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
5. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Leftovers last in the fridge for about 3-4 days or can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or a skillet.