Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the tangy sweetness of cranberries and oranges with tender chicken breasts. I stumbled upon this recipe during a bustling holiday season and found it to be the perfect balance of flavors and textures. This dish makes an impressive centerpiece for any festive occasion and can effortlessly brighten up a weeknight dinner. The combination of juicy chicken and a vibrant glaze brings a touch of warmth and comfort to your table, making it an instant family favorite.

What Makes This Recipe Special

Why should you consider adding Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken to your dinner repertoire? Here are a few reasons that make this recipe stand out:

Quick and Easy: This dish can be prepared in about 45 minutes, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Budget-Friendly: Utilizing common ingredients, this recipe won’t break the bank, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful meal without overspending.
Kid-Approved: The sweet and tangy flavors of the glaze attract kids and adults alike.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive holiday gathering, this chicken dish fits right in.
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"This chicken is a hit at our family dinners. The glaze is so flavorful and perfectly balances the chicken!" – Satisfied Customer

Your Easy Cooking Guide

Making Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken is straightforward, even for novice cooks. You’ll start by simmering a delightful glaze while preparing the chicken, then sear it for an impressive golden crust before baking. Each step flows naturally into the next, ensuring a minimal mess and maximum flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil

You can swap out honey for brown sugar if you prefer a richer sweetness. For a healthier version, use low-sodium soy sauce.

Step-by-Step Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a saucepan, mix the cranberries, orange juice, honey (or brown sugar), soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Cook this mixture over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly, about 10 minutes.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear each side until golden brown, roughly 4 minutes per side.
Pour the cranberry-orange glaze over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
Serve the chicken warm, drizzled with any remaining glaze.

Perfect Pairings for Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken

To elevate your meal, consider serving Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken alongside:

Rice Pilaf: The nutty flavor contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the chicken glaze.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like Brussels sprouts or carrots add color and crunch.
Mashed Potatoes: A classic side to soak up the delicious glaze.
Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette freshens up your plate and balances the richness of the chicken.

Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers, it’s easy to store and enjoy them later:

Refrigeration: Allow the chicken to cool down before placing it in an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, seal the chicken in freezer-safe bags. It will maintain its quality for 2-3 months.
Reheating: Microwave or bake the chicken covered to reheat, retaining its moisture.

Pro Chef Tips

Searing: Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding chicken; this helps achieve that beautiful golden crust.
Glaze Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the glaze according to your taste. Adding a dash of chili flakes can provide a delightful spicy kick.
Fresh Herbs: Garnishing with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme prior to serving adds a burst of freshness.

Creative Twists

Looking to customize your dish? Here are some fun variations to try:

Herb-Infused Glaze: Infuse the glaze with herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist.
Cranberry-Orange Stuffed Chicken: Stuff chicken breasts with a mixture of cream cheese, cooked cranberries, and orange zest before cooking.
Grilled Version: Use the glaze as a marinade for grilling chicken, giving it a smoky flavor profile.
Spicy Kick: Introduce jalapeños to the glaze for those who enjoy a fiery flavor.

Your questions answered

What’s the prep time for this recipe? The overall preparation time, including cooking, is approximately 45 minutes.
Can I substitute the cranberries? If cranberries aren’t available, you can try using pomegranate seeds or even cherries for a similar flavor.
How can I ensure the chicken stays juicy? Make sure not to overcook the chicken; using a meat thermometer can help achieve the perfect doneness.

Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience that brings warmth, flavor, and joy to your dining table. Give it a try, and you’ll see just why it deserves a special spot in your kitchen!

Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken

Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free

Description

A delightful dish combining the tangy sweetness of cranberries and oranges with tender chicken breasts, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a saucepan, mix the cranberries, orange juice, honey (or brown sugar), soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly, about 10 minutes.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear each side until golden brown, roughly 4 minutes per side.
Pour the cranberry-orange glaze over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
Serve the chicken warm, drizzled with any remaining glaze.

Notes

For a healthier version, use low-sodium soy sauce. You can also adjust the sweetness of the glaze to your taste or add chili flakes for a spicy kick.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: chicken, cranberry, orange, holiday, glazed chicken, easy dinner