Why Make This Recipe
Cranberry Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that brings together the tangy sweetness of cranberries and oranges. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The vibrant colors and delicious smells will brighten your table and impress your family and friends. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy seasonal ingredients!
How to Make Cranberry Orange Chicken
Ingredients:
- 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups cranberries, fresh or frozen
- 2/3 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons orange zest
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Orange slices, for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine salt, paprika, and pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly on both sides of the chicken thighs.
- In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. When it’s hot, place the chicken thighs in the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 5 minutes on one side, then flip over and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken to a plate and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- Lower the heat to medium-low.
- In the same skillet, add cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup, brown sugar, orange zest, garlic, and salt. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Gently squish the cranberries while scraping the browned bits off the skillet.
- Place the chicken back in the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Cook for about a minute, or until the chicken is heated through.
- Garnish with orange slices if you like and serve warm.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Chicken
Serve the Cranberry Orange Chicken warm on a plate. It goes well with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. Don’t forget to drizzle some of that delicious sauce over the sides.
How to Store Cranberry Orange Chicken
If you have leftovers, let the chicken cool and then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for about 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it in the skillet until heated through.
Tips to Make Cranberry Orange Chicken
- Make sure the chicken thighs are dry for better browning.
- If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Fresh cranberries work best, but frozen will also do the job. Just make sure to add a little more cooking time if using frozen.
Variation
You can try using turkey thighs instead of chicken for a different flavor. Adding some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, can give it a nice crunch!
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts, but they might need a bit more cooking time.
2. What can I use instead of maple syrup?
You can substitute honey or agave syrup for a similar sweetness.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free!
Cranberry Orange Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, combine 1 1/4 tsp salt, paprika, and black pepper. Sprinkle this mixture evenly on both sides of the chicken thighs.
- In a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. When hot, place the chicken thighs in the skillet in a single layer.
- Cook for 5 minutes on one side, then flip over and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove the chicken to a plate and cover with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- Lower the heat to medium-low.
- In the same skillet, add cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup, brown sugar, orange zest, minced garlic, and remaining salt.
- Cook until the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Gently squish the cranberries while scraping the browned bits off the skillet.
- Place the chicken back in the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Cook for about a minute, or until the chicken is heated through.
- Serve the Cranberry Orange Chicken warm on a plate, garnished with orange slices if desired. It pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.