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Cranberry Orange Chicken: A Festive Masterpiece for Your Dinner Table

Cranberry Orange Chicken: A Festive Masterpiece for Your Dinner Table
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Cranberry Orange Chicken is a deliciously bright and flavorful dish that balances the sweet-tart taste of cranberries with the zesty freshness of orange. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for festive dinners, holiday gatherings, or a cozy weeknight family dinner. It looks impressive but requires minimal effort, making it a go-to recipe when you want a special meal without the stress.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries

  • 1 large orange, zested and juiced

  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried)

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • ½ cup chicken broth or water

Optional:

  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (for extra depth)

  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for a slight tang)

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme or rosemary. Marinate for 30 minutes if desired for extra flavor, though it’s not necessary.

2. Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook 4–6 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.

3. Make the Cranberry Orange Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add cranberries, orange juice, zest, and honey or maple syrup. Stir and simmer for 5–7 minutes until cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly.

4. Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top. Add chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor. Cover and simmer on low for 10–12 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

5. Serve
Plate the chicken and spoon extra cranberry-orange sauce over it. Garnish with fresh herbs or orange zest for a festive touch.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce.

  • Serve over rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.

  • Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and taste great reheated.

Find it online: https://biteseason.com/cranberry-orange-chicken-a-festive-masterpiece-for-your-dinner-table/