Cranberry Orange Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh cranberries - 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice - Zest of 1 large orange - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) The ingredients for cranberry orange chicken create a lovely balance of sweet and tart. The fresh cranberries and orange juice shine through in each bite. I love using fresh ingredients. They add bright flavors and colors to the dish. - Calories: 320 - Protein: 36g - Carbohydrates: 22g - Fats: 10g - Fiber: 3g This meal packs in good protein while being low in fat. The cranberries and orange juice provide fiber and vitamins. You can enjoy a tasty dish without feeling guilty. Remember, it is all about balance! {{ingredient_image_2}} Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, orange juice, zest, honey, garlic, ginger, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir it well. Heat the mixture over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes. You will see the cranberries pop and create a thick sauce. Once you see that, remove it from heat. Set the sauce aside for now. Now, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Make sure to season both sides well for the best flavor. In an oven-safe skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side. Look for a nice golden-brown crust. This step helps lock in moisture and flavor. Once your chicken is seared, pour the cranberry-orange sauce over it. Make sure every piece is well coated for maximum flavor. Now, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check that the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). After baking, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This resting time keeps it juicy. Serve the chicken on plates, drizzled with the remaining sauce. If you like, add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of color. To get a great sear on your chicken, preheat your skillet first. This step is key. A hot pan helps lock in the juices and flavor. I use medium-high heat for the best results. Check for doneness by looking for a golden-brown crust. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part. The juices should run clear, not pink. Want to adjust the flavor? You can increase sweetness by adding more honey. If you like it tart, add extra orange juice. Herbs and spices can change the taste too. Try rosemary for a woodsy flavor or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Experiment with what you like best! For garnishing, fresh parsley works well. It adds a nice color and taste. You might also try orange slices on the plate for a bright touch. Pair this dish with sides like rice or steamed veggies. They soak up the sauce well and balance the meal. Enjoy your beautiful creation! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: The flavor of your dish greatly improves when using fresh cranberries and freshly squeezed orange juice. Avoid canned or processed products for the best results. Let the Chicken Rest: After baking, allow the chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes. This helps to retain the juices, making the meat tender and flavorful. Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add more honey. Taste the sauce before pouring it over the chicken to achieve your desired flavor profile. Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the overall flavor of the dish. It’s a simple way to elevate your presentation! {{image_4}} You can swap chicken for turkey or pork. Turkey breast works well and keeps the meal light. Pork tenderloin adds a nice twist. Just adjust cooking times for different meats. For a vegetarian option, try firm tofu or tempeh. Marinate them in the cranberry sauce for flavor. Bake or sauté them until golden. This way, you still get rich flavors in every bite. The sauce is key to this dish. You can enhance it with orange marmalade for extra sweetness. Balsamic vinegar adds a nice tang. Both options create a unique taste. Want some heat? Add red pepper flakes to the sauce. It gives a spicy kick that pairs well with the tart cranberries. You can easily customize the flavor to suit your taste. I enjoy making this dish in different ways. You can use a slow cooker for a hands-off meal. Just combine everything and let it cook. This method makes the chicken tender and juicy. If you prefer grilling, that works too. Grill the chicken first, then brush on the sauce. This adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with the sweet and tart notes. Each method brings its own charm to the table. To store leftover Cranberry Orange Chicken, let it cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. These are safe and help avoid odors. You can freeze Cranberry Orange Chicken for later use. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps avoid freezer burn. You can store it in the freezer for up to three months. Reheating your chicken is easy. For the best taste, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish with a bit of sauce. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but the oven gives better texture. Enjoy your flavorful meal again! The total time to cook this dish is about 50 minutes. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, make the sauce and sear the chicken. Cooking the chicken in the oven takes 25-30 minutes. Always check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. This step ensures you have juicy, tender chicken. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Make the cranberry-orange sauce a day before and store it in the fridge. You can also sear the chicken and keep it in the fridge. When ready, pour the sauce over the chicken and bake it. This method saves time and allows the flavors to mix. Many side dishes pair well with this chicken. Here are a few ideas: - Rice (white or brown) - Quinoa - Steamed broccoli - Roasted sweet potatoes - Mixed green salad These sides bring out the flavors in the dish and create a balanced meal. Enjoy experimenting with your favorite sides! This blog post covered a tasty recipe for Cranberry Orange Chicken. You learned about the ingredients, cooking steps, and storage tips. It also included variations to suit different tastes. With its sweet and tangy flavors, this dish can impress anyone. You can easily adjust flavors and presentation to make it your own. Enjoy cooking and sharing this dish with friends and family. Remember, a homemade meal always brings joy. Happy cooking!$

Cranberry Orange Chicken

A delicious chicken dish with a tangy cranberry-orange sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh cranberries
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 large orange zest
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon dried thyme
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine the fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture well and allow it to simmer for approximately 5-7 minutes.
In the meantime, heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
When the skillet is hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.
Pour the cranberry-orange sauce generously over the browned chicken breasts in the skillet.
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
After baking, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
Serve the chicken on plates, generously drizzled with the remaining cranberry-orange sauce, and add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top if desired.

Notes

Let the chicken rest after baking for juicier meat.

Keyword chicken, cranberry, dinner, orange