Go Back
+ servings
Tasty Cranberry Orange Chicken

Tasty Cranberry Orange Chicken: A One-Pot Delight for Families

This Tasty Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe combines citrus and cranberry flavors for a sweet and savory one-pot meal.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Chicken Breasts/Thighs Choose thighs for juiciness, or breasts for quicker cooking.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust according to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust according to taste.
  • 1 tablespoon Thyme or Rosemary Fresh herbs add aromatic flavor.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Perfect for sautéing.
  • 1 cup Fresh Cranberries Or dried cranberries with reduced sweeteners.
  • 1 piece Orange Juice and zest required.
  • 2 tablespoons Honey or Maple Syrup Adjust based on sweetness preference.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced fresh garlic preferred.
  • 1/2 cup Low-Sodium Chicken Broth Provides moisture to the sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar Enriches the sauce's flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard Adds tang and helps emulsify the sauce.

Equipment

  • large skillet

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Pat chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and fresh thyme or rosemary on both sides.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 4-6 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  3. Lower the heat to medium, add minced garlic, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add fresh cranberries, orange juice and zest, and honey or maple syrup to the skillet. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the cranberries burst.
  5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard. Scrape the bottom of the pan to mix flavor.
  6. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 10-12 minutes until chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
  7. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve over rice or mashed potatoes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 28gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon for proper consistency.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!