Cranberry Orange Chicken

The aroma of succulent chicken mingled with zesty orange and tart cranberry fills the air, making your mouth water in anticipation. This is not just any dish; it’s a culinary hug that warms your soul on cold evenings or celebrates festive gatherings.

Imagine gathering around the table with loved ones as you unveil your masterpiece—Cranberry Orange Chicken. The vibrant colors and enticing scents promise an unforgettable flavor experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

I remember the first time I made this dish; my family was so impressed they almost forgot about dessert—almost!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work best; adjust based on your audience’s appetites.
• Fresh Oranges: Use juicy oranges for maximum zest and sweetness; their fragrance will elevate the dish.
• Cranberry Sauce: Opt for homemade if possible; otherwise, store-bought works fine in a pinch.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth; use minced garlic cloves instead of powder for better flavor.
• Olive Oil: Choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance the overall taste and richness of the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors; don’t skip them!
• Thyme: Fresh thyme leaves add an aromatic touch; dried thyme can work too if needed.
• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels while adding moisture to the chicken.

For the Sauce:

• Brown Sugar: This balances the acidity of cranberries perfectly; adjust according to your sweetness preference.
• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps maintain flavor without overwhelming saltiness in the dish.
• Cornstarch Slurry (optional): Mix cornstarch with water to thicken up your sauce if desired.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s essential for achieving that golden brown crust on our chicken.

Prepare Chicken: In a large bowl, season your boneless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This simple step boosts flavor remarkably.

Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each side of the chicken until golden brown—about 5 minutes per side. Your kitchen will smell amazing!

Make Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine cranberry sauce, freshly squeezed orange juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and thyme. Stir until well mixed.

Combine Everything: Pour the sauce mixture over the seared chicken in your skillet. Bring it all to a gentle simmer and watch as those flavors meld together beautifully.

Bake Chicken: Transfer everything into the preheated oven. Let it bake uncovered for about 25 minutes or until cooked through—juicy and tender perfection awaits!

Serve & Enjoy: Plate up your fabulous Cranberry Orange Chicken with some roasted veggies or rice on the side. Don’t forget to drizzle some extra sauce over top!

This delightful dish not only satisfies hunger but also creates lasting memories around your dinner table!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken in the cranberry-orange sauce for at least an hour, then sear it until golden brown. This ensures maximum flavor and juiciness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out cranberries for other fruits like apricots or peaches. Add herbs like rosemary or thyme for an extra flavor boost!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to preserve moisture.

Cooking this cranberry orange chicken reminds me of my first dinner party where I accidentally spilled sauce everywhere, turning my kitchen into a crime scene!

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for cranberry orange chicken?

Yes, but ensure it’s fully thawed before marinating and cooking.

What side dishes pair well with cranberry orange chicken?

Roasted vegetables or wild rice make excellent companions to this dish.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F for safe consumption.

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Cranberry Orange Chicken

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• Author: Doorecipes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Cranberry Orange Chicken is a vibrant, sweet-tart dish that perfectly combines succulent chicken with a fragrant sauce, making it ideal for family gatherings or cozy dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 fresh oranges (juiced)
• 1 cup cranberry sauce
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; sear the chicken until golden brown (about 5 minutes per side).
4. In a bowl, mix cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and thyme.
5. Pour the sauce over the seared chicken in the skillet; bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Transfer everything to the oven and bake uncovered for about 25 minutes until cooked through.
7. Serve with roasted veggies or rice, drizzling extra sauce on top.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (200g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 630mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: - Marinate chicken in cranberry-orange sauce for at least one hour for extra flavor. - Substitute cranberries with fruits like apricots or peaches; add herbs like rosemary for variety.