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Cranberry Orange Chicken

A delightful dish combining sweet and savory flavors of chicken, cranberries, and orange, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries Use fresh for the best flavor.
  • 1 large orange zested and juiced
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup Adjust according to your sweetness preference.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional) For extra depth of flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional) For a slight tang.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme or rosemary. For best flavor, marinate the chicken if time allows.
Cooking
  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 4 to 6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
  3. Add cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and honey or syrup. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the cranberries burst and soften.
  4. Return the chicken to the skillet and add chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Cover and simmer on low for 10 to 12 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Serving
  1. Serve the chicken with the cranberry orange sauce and garnish with fresh herbs or additional orange zest.

Notes

To store leftovers, cool completely before placing in an airtight container. Enjoy with steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.