Why Make This Recipe
Cranberry Orange Chicken Breasts is a delightful dish that brings together the tangy flavor of cranberry sauce and the bright, fresh taste of orange. It’s perfect for a family meal or when you want to impress your guests. The recipe is easy to follow and uses simple ingredients, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. Plus, it offers a delicious twist on standard chicken recipes, making it a great option for weeknight dinners.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided (or avocado oil)
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 large orange, zested and squeezed (around 2/3 cup fresh orange juice)
- 2 shallots, finely chopped (or cooking onions)
- 1 cup leftover cranberry sauce
- Freshly chopped parsley, to garnish (optional)
Directions
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. Rub them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and orange zest.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and drizzle in the remaining oil. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Set the chicken aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the shallots in the leftover oil until they turn golden. Then, stir in the orange juice and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cranberry sauce and stir well to combine. Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over it. Garnish with parsley if desired.
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Chicken Breasts
Serve Cranberry Orange Chicken Breasts warm, drizzled with the rich cranberry and orange sauce. This dish goes well with side dishes like mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh green salad. It not only makes for a wholesome meal but also looks pretty on the plate.
How to Store Cranberry Orange Chicken Breasts
To store leftovers, place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Cranberry Orange Chicken Breasts
- Make sure to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly.
- If you don’t have fresh oranges, you can use store-bought orange juice. Just ensure it’s not too sweet.
- Feel free to add some sliced almonds or walnuts on top for a nice crunch.
Variation
For a twist, you can add some chopped spinach to the sautéed shallots for a pop of color and a boost of nutrition. Another variation is to use different fruit preserves, such as raspberry or apricot, in place of cranberry sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
What if I don’t have cranberry sauce?
You can make a quick cranberry sauce by simmering fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar and water until they burst open and thicken.
How can I make this dish spicy?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic and oregano mix for a little heat!
Cranberry Orange Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
Method
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
- Rub them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and orange zest.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and drizzle in the remaining oil.
- Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Set the chicken aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the shallots in the leftover oil until they turn golden.
- Stir in the orange juice and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cranberry sauce and stir well to combine.
- Return the chicken to the pan and spoon the sauce over it.
- Garnish with parsley if desired.