Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe
This Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked in a vibrant, sweet-tart cranberry orange sauce with hints of cinnamon and thyme. Perfect for a flavorful and comforting dinner, this one-pan meal combines fresh cranberries, orange juice, and aromatic spices for a delightful balance of taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen)
- ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 2 tbsp honey (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp orange zest
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup chicken broth
Garnish
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Cranberry Orange Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in cranberries, orange juice, honey, orange zest, dried thyme, cinnamon, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer the Chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Cover and let simmer for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If the sauce is too thin, remove the chicken and simmer the sauce uncovered for a few more minutes to thicken.
- Serve: Plate the chicken and spoon the cranberry orange sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor, but frozen cranberries work well too.
- Adjust honey to taste to balance the tartness of the cranberries and orange juice.
- Test chicken doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it uncovered after removing the chicken until it reduces to your liking.
- Fresh herbs for garnish add aroma and visual appeal but can be omitted if unavailable.
Find it online: https://lovelycooks.com/skillet-cranberry-orange-chicken-recipe/
