Description

A vibrant and flavorful Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection and coated with a tangy, sweet, and slightly savory cranberry-orange sauce. This dish brings a delicious balance of citrus brightness and autumn-inspired warmth, perfect for a wholesome family dinner or special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce

1 cup fresh cranberries
1 large orange, zested and juiced
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/2 cup chicken broth or water
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)

Instructions

Season Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts or thighs evenly with salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme or rosemary. Let the seasoned chicken rest while you prepare the other ingredients, allowing the flavors to meld.
Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Place the chicken pieces in the pan and cook for 4-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Make Sauce: In the same pan, add the finely chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the fresh cranberries, orange juice and zest, and honey or maple syrup. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 5-7 minutes until the cranberries burst and create a thickened, fruity sauce.
Finish Dish: Return the cooked chicken back to the pan with the sauce. Add chicken broth (or water) and optional balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard if using. Scrape the bottom of the pan to loosen any flavorful bits. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes over low heat until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is fully cooked.
Garnish: Serve the chicken topped generously with the cranberry orange sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of additional orange zest for a beautiful presentation and extra aroma.

Notes

Use fresh cranberries for the best tart flavor, but frozen cranberries can be substituted if necessary.
Adjust sweetness by adding more or less honey or maple syrup according to taste.
Chicken thighs can be used for a juicier alternative to breasts.
For a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes before adding the chicken back.
Pair with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Make sure to cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-Searing and Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 10 g
Sodium: 280 mg
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: cranberry chicken, orange chicken, cranberry orange sauce, healthy chicken recipe, autumn chicken dish, citrus chicken, boneless chicken recipe