Easy Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe for a Flavorful Meal

The aroma of roasted chicken mingling with the sweet-tart scent of cranberries fills the air as you prepare for a culinary adventure. The vibrant hues of this dish promise a burst of flavor that dances on your taste buds, making it the perfect centerpiece for any gathering.

Imagine serving this mouthwatering cranberry orange chicken to friends at a cozy dinner party. Their delighted expressions and satisfied smiles will be priceless as they savor every bite. This dish is not just food; it’s an experience filled with laughter and joy.

A memorable moment I recall is when my kids declared this dish their new favorite after just one bite—talk about kitchen victory!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well but adjust depending on your crowd size.
• Fresh Cranberries: Opt for bright red berries; they’ll bring that beautiful color and tartness.
• Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed is ideal for maximum flavor impact; bottled juice can work in a pinch.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness; consider local honey for bonus flavor points!
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic packs a punch; choose firm cloves for optimal taste.
• Dried Thyme: This herb enhances the dish’s depth; feel free to substitute with oregano if needed.
• Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to balance flavors without overpowering the dish.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken and building flavor; don’t skimp on quality here.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to personal preference.
• Green Onions (for garnish): These add a pop of color and fresh flavor once plated.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, create a cozy cooking space by gathering all your ingredients—this makes everything smoother!

Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined. The mixture should smell enticingly sweet yet savory.

Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them in the skillet. Sear each side until golden brown—about 5 minutes per side—creating that lovely crust we all adore.

Add Cranberries: Pour half of your marinade over the seared chicken along with fresh cranberries. Watch as they bubble and pop like little festive fireworks in the pan!

Bake: Transfer your skillet into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Your kitchen will soon fill with tantalizing aromas that will have everyone asking what’s cooking.

Garnish: Once cooked through, remove from oven and let rest for about five minutes before slicing. Top with chopped green onions for that extra zing!

Enjoy serving this delightful cranberry orange chicken over rice or alongside roasted vegetables—it’s sure to be a hit!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken to lock in flavors, then simmer with the cranberry sauce for maximum juiciness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap cranberries for cherries or add spices like cinnamon for an extra zing.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove.

Sharing my first attempt at cranberry orange chicken still makes me smile. My friends raved about it, asking for seconds and thirds!

FAQ

What type of chicken works best for cranberry orange chicken?

Boneless skinless chicken breasts work great for this recipe, ensuring even cooking.

Can I make cranberry orange chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! It can be prepared a day before and reheated just before serving.

What sides pair well with cranberry orange chicken?

Serve this dish with rice or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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Cranberry Orange Chicken

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• Author: mydishtoday
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Cranberry Orange Chicken is a vibrant dish that marries the sweetness of cranberries with the zestiness of oranges. This easy-to-make recipe will impress at any gathering.

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Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Fresh cranberries
• Orange juice
• Honey
• Garlic cloves
• Dried thyme
• Low-sodium soy sauce
• Olive oil
• Green onions (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Whisk together orange juice, honey, minced garlic, soy sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper for the marinade.
3. In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear until golden brown on both sides (about 5 minutes each).
4. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken and add fresh cranberries.
5. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Let rest for five minutes before slicing and garnish with chopped green onions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece (113g)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg