Description
This Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe offers an incredible balance of sweet and tangy flavors, featuring tender chicken coated in a vibrant cranberry-orange glaze. It’s a simple yet impressive dish perfect for weeknights or special occasions, bringing color and zest to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients. Ensure chicken is thawed if frozen.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Cook over medium heat, stirring until cranberries soften and burst, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown chicken on both sides for 3-4 minutes per side.
- Place browned chicken in a baking dish and pour the cranberry orange sauce evenly over it.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve your Cranberry Orange Chicken.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh cranberries and freshly squeezed orange juice.
- Adjust honey amount to your sweetness preference.
- Consider marinating chicken in the sauce for a few hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Add thyme or rosemary to the sauce for extra aroma.
- A sprinkle of extra orange zest before serving adds a nice citrus touch.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh.
- Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Use less honey or agave syrup to reduce sweetness.
- If using canned cranberries, ensure they are not in syrup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 325 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: N/A