Savory Cranberry Glazed Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh cranberries - 1/2 cup chicken broth For the main part of this dish, I use chicken breasts, fresh cranberries, and chicken broth. The chicken gives a nice base, while the cranberries add a sweet and tart flavor. Chicken broth keeps everything moist and adds depth. - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar I love mixing sweet and savory. Honey brings sweetness, soy sauce adds umami, and apple cider vinegar gives a nice tang. These flavors blend perfectly with the cranberries. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh thyme, for garnish Seasoning is key. I use garlic powder and onion powder for that savory kick. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Olive oil helps in cooking the chicken and gives it a golden crust. Fresh thyme is perfect for garnish, adding a nice touch to the dish. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a balanced and tasty meal. You can adjust the amounts to suit your taste, making it personal. Enjoy the process and have fun cooking! {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat the oven: Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking the chicken. 2. Prepare the cranberry glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, chicken broth, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This mix will give the chicken a great flavor. 3. Cook the glaze: Place the saucepan on medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once it starts boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. You will see the cranberries burst, and the sauce will thicken. Stir it occasionally to keep it from sticking. 1. Searing the chicken: While the glaze simmers, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This adds extra taste. 2. Browning techniques: Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want a nice golden-brown crust on the chicken. Once browned, take the skillet off the heat. 1. Adding the glaze: Carefully pour the cranberry glaze over the seared chicken. Make sure each piece is well-coated in the sauce. 2. Baking process and optimal doneness: Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). 3. Resting tips before serving: When done, take the skillet out of the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices in when you slice it. To make the glaze just right, simmer it slowly. This gives the cranberries time to burst. Stir it often to stop it from burning. If it gets too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. Watch for the color change; it should deepen and look glossy. Common mistakes include boiling the glaze too fast. This can lead to a burnt flavor. Another pitfall is not stirring enough. If you let it sit, it might stick to the pan. Always keep an eye on it for the best results. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F (75°C) for safety. If you don’t have one, cut into the chicken. It should be white inside, not pink. To keep the chicken juicy, don’t skip the resting step. Let it sit for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices stay inside. If you slice it too soon, the juices run out and the chicken can dry out. For a beautiful plate, serve the chicken on a large platter. Pour the glaze over the top and around the sides. Scatter some fresh cranberries and thyme for color. This not only adds flair but also highlights the flavors in the dish. Garnishing with fresh thyme adds a lovely touch. Its bright green leaves contrast nicely with the chicken. Plus, it gives a fresh aroma that enhances the dish. Try to arrange it in a way that catches the eye. Pro Tips Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide a tartness that balances the sweetness of the honey. If you can’t find fresh ones, opt for frozen cranberries but avoid canned for the best flavor. Don’t Skip the Searing: Searing the chicken before baking helps to lock in moisture and enhances the flavor with a nice caramelized crust. Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. Let it Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest after baking is crucial for juicy meat. This step helps redistribute the juices throughout the chicken, resulting in a more flavorful bite. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme not only adds a pop of color but also elevates the dish with its aromatic flavor. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or rosemary for a different twist. {{image_4}} To spice up your savory cranberry glazed chicken, consider adding fruit preserves or citrus. Fruit preserves like orange or raspberry can add sweetness and depth. Just mix in a few tablespoons during the glaze step. Citrus juices, like lemon or orange, bring a bright punch. A splash can lift the flavors and balance the sweetness of the honey. Another great option is incorporating spices like ginger. Fresh or ground ginger adds warmth and a slight kick. You can add about a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger or a half teaspoon of ground ginger to the glaze. This addition makes your dish more complex and interesting. If you need gluten-free options, swap the soy sauce for tamari. Tamari gives you the same great flavor without gluten. You can also use coconut aminos as a soy sauce substitute. Both options keep your dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities. For low-sugar alternatives, use maple syrup in place of honey. Maple syrup provides a rich flavor and keeps the glaze sweet. You can also reduce the total amount of honey or syrup to lower the sugar content. Just remember, balance is key! You can use turkey or pork as alternative proteins. Turkey breasts work well and have a similar texture to chicken. Simply adjust the cooking time based on the thickness. For pork, tenderloin or chops are great choices. Adjust the glaze slightly to match the meat's flavor. If you prefer vegetarian options, tofu is a fantastic substitute. Choose firm tofu for the best results. Press it to remove excess water, then cube it and follow the same cooking steps. The glaze will soak into the tofu, giving it a delicious taste. To store your leftover Savory Cranberry Glazed Chicken, follow these steps: - Let the chicken cool to room temperature. - Place it in an airtight container. - Store it in the refrigerator. You can keep it for up to three days. To enjoy your chicken safely, consume it within this time. When reheating chicken, keep the following tips in mind: - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). - Place the chicken in a baking dish. - Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat the chicken for about 15-20 minutes. This helps maintain the flavor and keeps the chicken juicy. You can also reheat in the microwave. Just be sure to cover it to avoid drying out. Enjoy your savory meal again! Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. They work well in this recipe. To use them, simply replace fresh cranberries with frozen ones. There is no need to thaw them first. Just add them to the saucepan with the other glaze ingredients. They may take a few extra minutes to cook down, but they will still burst and create a lovely glaze. You can serve this chicken with many tasty sides. Here are some great options: - Mashed potatoes - Steamed green beans - Roasted Brussels sprouts - Rice pilaf - Quinoa salad These sides balance the sweet and tart flavors of the chicken. They also add nice colors to your plate. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the breast. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don't have a thermometer, you can cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear, not pink. Another way is to press the chicken; it should feel firm, not soft. This blog post guides you through making Savory Cranberry Glazed Chicken. We discussed key ingredients, from chicken breasts to fresh cranberries and seasonings. You learned step-by-step instructions on preparing, cooking, and serving the dish. Tips ensure a perfect glaze, juicy chicken, and great presentation. We also explored variations and storage tips to keep leftovers tasty. Enjoy crafting a delicious meal that impresses everyone. Your cooking skills can shine with this easy recipe. Happy cooking!$

Savory Cranberry Glazed Chicken

A delicious chicken dish glazed with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce, perfect for any occasion.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh cranberries
0.5 cup chicken broth
0.25 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
for garnish fresh thyme

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking.
Prepare the Cranberry Glaze: In a medium saucepan, mix together the fresh cranberries, chicken broth, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook the Glaze: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. You will know it’s ready when the cranberries start to burst and the sauce thickens slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Sear the Chicken: While the glaze simmers, heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper for added flavor.
Brown the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the hot skillet. Sear them for approximately 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Once browned, take the skillet off the heat.
Add the Glaze: Carefully pour the cranberry glaze over the seared chicken, making sure each breast is generously coated in the sauce.
Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken should be fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Rest before Serving: Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. This helps to retain its juices when slicing.
Serve: Slice the chicken and drizzle it with any remaining cranberry glaze from the skillet. Garnish with fresh thyme for an aromatic touch.

Notes

Serve the chicken on a platter with the glaze pooled around it, and scatter some cranberries and thyme sprigs for an attractive centerpiece.

Keyword chicken, cranberry, glazed, savory