Delightful Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe for All Occasions

Cranberry Orange Chicken is not just a dish; it’s an experience that will tantalize your taste buds from the very first bite. Imagine tender chicken bathed in a luscious sauce bursting with sweet cranberries and zesty oranges. The aroma wafting through your kitchen is enough to make anyone stop in their tracks.

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Every time I whip up this delightful dish, it takes me back to family gatherings where laughter mingled with the sweet-sour tang of this irresistible sauce. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a festive holiday feast, Cranberry Orange Chicken steals the show and leaves everyone asking for seconds.

I once prepared this dish for my best friend’s birthday party, and I swear I saw her eyes light up like fireworks when she took her first bite.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose medium-sized breasts for even cooking and maximum tenderness.
• Fresh Cranberries: Look for bright red berries; they should be firm and plump for the best flavor.
• Fresh Oranges: Use juicy oranges for zest and juice; they add essential brightness to the dish.
• Honey: Opt for raw honey if possible; it enhances sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic cloves are essential here; they provide depth to the flavor profile.
• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce keeps the salt levels in check while enhancing umami flavors.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it adds richness without being too heavy.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate all other flavors in the dish.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter so you’re ready to cook without interruptions. Chop garlic finely and zest those oranges ahead of time.

Cook the Chicken: Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle olive oil. Sear the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides—about 6-7 minutes per side—until cooked through.

Create the Sauce: In a bowl, mix fresh cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Add Sauce to Pan: Pour the cranberry-orange mixture over the seared chicken in the skillet. Bring it to a gentle simmer until cranberries burst open—about 5-7 minutes.

Finish Cooking: Let everything simmer together until thickened slightly and aromatic—this step allows all those glorious flavors to meld beautifully.

Serve It Up: Plate your succulent Cranberry Orange Chicken with a drizzle of sauce on top. Pair it with rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that’ll impress everyone at your table!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first for a golden crust, then simmer it with cranberries and orange juice until tender for perfect results.

Add Your Touch

Consider swapping cranberries for cherries or adding fresh herbs like thyme for an extra flavor boost.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently on the stovetop to preserve texture.

The first time I made this dish, my friends thought I had taken a gourmet cooking class! Their compliments were abundant, and I felt like a kitchen rockstar.

FAQ

What can I serve with cranberry orange chicken?

Pair it with rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal experience.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Cook until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

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

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Cranberry Orange Chicken

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• Author: tastyfoodonly
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

This vibrant Cranberry Orange Chicken combines tender chicken with a sweet and tangy sauce, making it a perfect centerpiece for any meal.

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Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Fresh cranberries
• Fresh oranges (zest and juice)
• Honey
• Garlic cloves
• Low-sodium soy sauce
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients: Chop garlic, zest oranges, and gather everything on the counter.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Create the sauce: In a bowl, combine cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Add sauce to pan: Pour the cranberry-orange mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Simmer gently until cranberries burst (about 5-7 minutes).
5. Finish cooking: Allow the dish to simmer until thickened slightly and fragrant.
6. Serve it up: Plate your Cranberry Orange Chicken with sauce drizzled on top. Pair with rice or roasted vegetables.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Searing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (150g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 75mg