introduction
This recipe mixes fresh cranberries and bright orange for a warm, happy meal. You can also try a quick orange sauce like the one in 3-ingredient orange chicken if you want a faster option.
why make this recipe
You will make this recipe when you want a sweet and tart dish that feels special. It uses simple items and gives warm color and fresh taste, like many easy orange dishes such as easy orange chicken.
how to make Cranberry Orange Chicken
You sear the chicken, make the sauce on the stove, then bake until the meat is done. The fresh cranberry sauce gives juice and lift to the chicken. For a similar oven method, see ideas like roasted orange chicken.
Ingredients :
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 orange, juiced and zested
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon rosemary (optional)
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
- In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and rosemary. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them in the skillet for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Pour the cranberry orange sauce over the chicken in the skillet.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ยฐF (74ยฐC).
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your festive meal!
how to serve Cranberry Orange Chicken
Serve the chicken over plain rice or small roasted potatoes so the sauce shines. You can add a green side like steamed broccoli or a light salad, or use ideas from a simple roast dish such as roasted orange chicken for pairings.
how to store Cranberry Orange Chicken
Cool the chicken to room temperature before you store it. Keep it in a tight box in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. You can freeze the chicken and sauce in a safe box for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before you reheat.
tips to make Cranberry Orange Chicken
- Use fresh cranberries for bright taste.
- Taste the sauce as it cooks and add a bit more sugar if you want it sweeter.
- Sear the chicken well to get a nice color before baking.
- If you like herbs, try a light sprinkle of thyme or rosemary. For a different spice idea, see a simple baked chicken style like baked ranch chicken.
variation (if any)
- Swap chicken thighs for breasts for more fat and more flavor.
- Add a splash of balsamic or a teaspoon of mustard to the sauce for depth.
- Stir in a handful of chopped nuts on top for crunch when you serve.
FAQs (minimum three FAQ)
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries?
A: Yes. Use frozen cranberries and cook a little longer until the sauce thickens.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: Yes. Make the sauce a day early and keep it in the fridge. Warm it before you pour it on the chicken.
Q: How do I know the chicken is done?
A: Use a meat thermometer. The safe temperature is 165ยฐF (74ยฐC). You can also cut the thick part to check the juices run clear.
Q: Can I use less sugar?
A: Yes. Cut the brown sugar to fit your taste. The sauce will be more tart but still good.
Cranberry Orange Chicken
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delightful sweet and tart dish featuring fresh cranberries and orange, perfect for a festive meal.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 orange, juiced and zested
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon rosemary (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
- In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and rosemary. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them in the skillet for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Pour the cranberry orange sauce over the chicken in the skillet.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ยฐF (74ยฐC).
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve over rice or with roasted potatoes. Can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
