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Why Make This Recipe

Cranberry Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the tangy sweetness of cranberries with the bright flavors of orange. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or even a festive gathering. This recipe is easy to prepare and offers a wonderful blend of flavors that everyone will enjoy. If you want to impress your guests or simply enjoy a delicious meal at home, this dish is a fantastic choice.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Chicken

Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts
1 cup cranberry sauce
1/2 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon orange zest
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh cranberries and orange slices for garnish (optional)

“Cranberry orange chicken” with golden-browned chicken thighs glazed in a sticky orange sauce, surrounded by fresh cranberries, orange slices, and rosemary sprigs. — Juicy cranberry orange chicken baked until caramelized and glazed, with bright cranberries, zesty orange slices, and rosemary for the perfect cozy holiday-style dinner.

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and sear them in the skillet until golden brown on both sides.
In a bowl, mix cranberry sauce, orange juice, and orange zest. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the skillet.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices if desired, and serve warm.

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Chicken

Serve Cranberry Orange Chicken warm, straight from the oven. It pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. You can also add some crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce. For a festive touch, decorate the plate with additional orange slices and fresh cranberries.

How to Store Cranberry Orange Chicken

To store leftover Cranberry Orange Chicken, let it cool completely. Place the chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should last for about 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven or microwave.

Tips to Make Cranberry Orange Chicken

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the cranberry and orange sauce for a few hours before cooking.
Make sure not to overcook the chicken; use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C) for perfect tenderness.
Feel free to add other ingredients like chopped herbs or garlic for more depth of flavor.

MAKE IT YOUR OWN

IF YOU WANT TO CUSTOMIZE YOUR CRANBERRY ORANGE CHICKEN, THERE ARE LOTS OF EASY WAYS TO ADAPT IT TO YOUR TASTE OR THE SEASON. YOU CAN PLAY WITH THE SWEETNESS BY USING WHOLE-BERRY CRANBERRY SAUCE, LOW-SUGAR SAUCE, OR EVEN HOMEMADE CRANBERRY SAUCE. FRESH HERBS LIKE ROSEMARY OR THYME ADD A SAVORY TOUCH THAT BALANCES THE FRUITY FLAVORS. YOU CAN ALSO ADD SLICED ONIONS OR CARROTS TO THE PAN SO THEY ROAST IN THE SAUCE ALONGSIDE THE CHICKEN, TURNING THIS INTO A MORE COMPLETE ONE-PAN MEAL. WHETHER YOU KEEP IT SIMPLE OR DRESS IT UP FOR THE HOLIDAYS, THIS RECIPE IS VERY FLEXIBLE AND EASY TO ADJUST.

Variation

You can make this dish healthier by using skinless chicken breasts or substituting low-sugar cranberry sauce. Additionally, adding diced apples or nuts can give the dish a unique twist.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking for even cooking.

What can I serve with Cranberry Orange Chicken?
Great options include rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or a fresh vegetable salad.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce the night before, then bake it just before serving for a fresh meal.

Cranberry Orange Chicken

A delightful dish combining the tangy sweetness of cranberries and the bright flavors of orange, perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

4 pieces chicken breasts
1 cup cranberry sauce
1/2 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon orange zest
to taste Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

Garnish (optional)

Fresh cranberries
Orange slices

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and sear them in the skillet until golden brown on both sides.
In a bowl, mix cranberry sauce, orange juice, and orange zest.
Pour this mixture over the chicken in the skillet.

Cooking

Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

Serving

Garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the cranberry and orange sauce for a few hours before cooking. Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for perfect tenderness. You can add chopped herbs or garlic for more depth of flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

Keyword comfort food, Cranberry Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe, Holiday Dish, Orange Chicken