Brighten your dinner table with Cranberry Orange Chicken, a tangy citrus dish that blends sweet cranberries and zesty orange with tender chicken. Perfect for autumn weeknights or festive holiday gatherings, this vibrant chicken recipe is easy to make yet elegant enough to impress. Create this flavorful poultry dish and savor the cozy, delicious joy of tangy citrus dishes!
Why You’ll Love Cranberry Orange Chicken
- Bold Flavors: Sweet and tart in a tangy citrus dish.
- Quick Prep: Ready in under an hour for vibrant chicken recipes.
- Versatile: Ideal for weeknights or holiday flavorful poultry dishes.
- Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples create tangy citrus dishes.
- Elegant: Impresses guests with vibrant chicken recipe flair.
Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Chicken
Here’s what you need for this tangy citrus dish (serves 4):
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, about 1 lb/450g)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Cranberry Orange Sauce:
- 1 cup (100g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ cup (120ml) orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- Zest of 1 orange
- ¼ cup (60ml) honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup (120ml) low-sodium chicken broth
Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley or thyme
- Orange slices or extra cranberries
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board and knife
- Tongs
- Zester
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredient Tips
- Cranberries: Fresh or frozen for tart vibrant chicken recipes.
- Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed boosts tangy citrus dish flavor.
- Honey: Balances tartness in flavorful poultry dishes.
- Thyme: Dried thyme adds warmth to tangy citrus dishes.
- Chicken: Thighs stay juicier for vibrant chicken recipes.
Directions for Cranberry Orange Chicken
Let’s make this flavorful poultry dish—a sweet and tangy delight!
Season and Sear Chicken
I pat 4 chicken breasts dry and season with 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and ½ tsp garlic powder. In a skillet over medium-high heat, I heat 1 tbsp olive oil, sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden, then set aside for juicy vibrant chicken recipes.
Make Cranberry Orange Sauce
In the same skillet, I add 1 cup cranberries, ½ cup orange juice, orange zest, ¼ cup honey, 1 tbsp vinegar, 1 tsp mustard, ½ tsp thyme, ½ tsp cinnamon (if using), and ½ cup broth. I simmer for 5–7 minutes until cranberries burst and sauce thickens for a rich tangy citrus dish.
Simmer Chicken
I return the chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over it, cover, and simmer on low for 10–15 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for tender flavorful poultry dishes.
Serve
I garnish with parsley, thyme, or orange slices and serve warm with rice or roasted vegetables for vibrant chicken recipes.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: ~40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~320 kcal per serving
- Macros per Serving: 25g carbs, 30g protein, 10g fat, 2g fiber
Variations for Cranberry Orange Chicken
Try these spins on this tangy citrus dish:
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes for zesty vibrant chicken recipes.
- Thigh Swap: Use thighs for juicier flavorful poultry dishes.
- Pomegranate Twist: Swap orange juice with pomegranate, inspired by LaylaCooks’ Mexican Street Corn Brussels Sprouts, for fruity tangy citrus dishes.
- Herb Swap: Use rosemary instead of thyme for aromatic vibrant chicken recipes.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free, just check broth for flavorful poultry dishes.
Serving Ideas:
- Pair with LaylaCooks’ Cucumber Blueberry Feta Salad for a fresh side.
- Serve with LaylaCooks’ Vanilla Raspberry Iced Latte for a cool drink.
- Enjoy with LaylaCooks’ The Best Peach Sorbet for a sweet finish.
Storage
- I store vibrant chicken recipes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- I reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or in the microwave in 30-second intervals for fresh tangy citrus dishes.
- I freeze chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months, thawing overnight before reheating for flavorful poultry dishes.
Serving Tips
- Presentation: Serve flavorful poultry dishes on a platter with orange slices.
- Garnish: Sprinkle parsley for vibrant chicken recipe appeal.
- Pairing: Enjoy with LaylaCooks’ Cucumber Mint Agua Fresca or wine.
- Portion Size: 1 breast per person for tangy citrus dishes.
- Occasions: Perfect for autumn dinners, holidays, or gatherings.
FAQs About Cranberry Orange Chicken
Here are answers to common questions about this dish:
Can I use dried cranberries?
Yes, soak ½ cup in warm water for 10 minutes for vibrant chicken recipes.
Is it dairy-free?
Yes, naturally dairy-free for tangy citrus dishes; check broth ingredients.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, cook for 25–30 minutes for flavorful poultry dishes.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes, prep sauce and sear chicken, refrigerate, then simmer before serving for tangy citrus dishes.
What sides pair well?
Rice or roasted carrots complement vibrant chicken recipes.
More Chicken Recipes
- Chicken Piccata with Lemon Sauce
- Chicken Cabbage Savory Pirog
- Chicken and Broccoli Baked Alfredo
- Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
- Mexican Pulled Chicken
Conclusion
Cranberry Orange Chicken is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This tangy citrus dish, with its sweet-tart sauce and tender chicken, shines at autumn gatherings. Create this vibrant chicken recipe and enjoy the cozy, delicious joy of flavorful poultry dishes!
Cranberry Orange Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, about 1 lb/450g)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Cranberry Orange Sauce:
- 1 cup 100g fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ cup 120ml orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- Zest of 1 orange
- ¼ cup 60ml honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp cinnamon optional
- ½ cup 120ml low-sodium chicken broth
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley or thyme
- Orange slices or extra cranberries
Instructions
Season and Sear Chicken
- I pat 4 chicken breasts dry and season with 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and ½ tsp garlic powder. In a skillet over medium-high heat, I heat 1 tbsp olive oil, sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden, then set aside for juicy vibrant chicken recipes.
Make Cranberry Orange Sauce
- In the same skillet, I add 1 cup cranberries, ½ cup orange juice, orange zest, ¼ cup honey, 1 tbsp vinegar, 1 tsp mustard, ½ tsp thyme, ½ tsp cinnamon (if using), and ½ cup broth. I simmer for 5–7 minutes until cranberries burst and sauce thickens for a rich tangy citrus dish.
Simmer Chicken
- I return the chicken to the skillet, spoon sauce over it, cover, and simmer on low for 10–15 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for tender flavorful poultry dishes.
Serve
- I garnish with parsley, thyme, or orange slices and serve warm with rice or roasted vegetables for vibrant chicken recipes.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries – They add the best tart flavor.
- Don’t overcook the chicken – Use a thermometer to keep it juicy.
- Let the sauce reduce – Helps intensify the flavors.
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