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Cranberry Orange Chicken

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This Cranberry Orange Chicken is a deliciously tangy and sweet dish that combines the bright citrus flavor of orange with the tartness of fresh cranberries. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this easy-to-make recipe offers a juicy, flavorful chicken with a zesty sauce that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen)
  • 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  • Prepare the Chicken:
  • Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  • Make the Cranberry Orange Sauce:
  • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and honey to the skillet. Stir everything together.
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Combine Chicken and Sauce:
  • Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet with the cranberry orange sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated.
  • Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 3-4 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  • Serve:
  • Transfer the chicken to a serving plate and spoon extra sauce over the top.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • For a thicker sauce, you can mash some of the cranberries or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) to the sauce during cooking.
  • If you prefer a sweeter sauce, adjust the honey to taste.
  • Serve this dish with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.