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Cranberry Orange Chicken

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A cozy and flavorful skillet dish featuring juicy chicken glazed in a sweet-tart cranberry-orange sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining, this recipe is simple to make yet bold in flavor.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 23 tbsp honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
  3. Add chopped onion to the skillet and sauté 2–3 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  4. Pour in orange juice and broth, scraping up brown bits. Stir in honey and orange zest.
  5. Add cranberries and simmer until they burst and the sauce thickens, 5–7 minutes.
  6. Return chicken to the pan and spoon sauce over the top. Add thyme or rosemary if using.
  7. Cover and simmer 5 more minutes until chicken is cooked through and glazed.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve over rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

  • Use thighs for extra juiciness and flavor.
  • For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu.
  • Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
  • Top with toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch.
  • Reheat gently with a splash of broth to maintain sauce consistency.

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