Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe
A Flavorful Symphony on a Skillet
Imagine biting into a juicy chicken breast dripping with a tangy, sweet cranberry-orange sauce. Mmm! This Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe is your go-to for a meal that sings with flavor while keeping things super easy and one-pan. Who knew dinner could smell this good?
Why Make This Recipe
You’ll adore this dish for more than just the tantalizing taste. First, it’s all about easy cleanup—because who wants to deal with a mountain of dishes after a tough day? Second, it’s downright family-friendly; even the pickiest eaters will be tempted by that delightful flavor. Lastly, you can whip it up in 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests. Seriously, what’s not to love?
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen!)
- ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 2 tbsp honey (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp orange zest
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup chicken broth
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for garnish
Directions
Here’s how to make this delightful dish in just a few simple steps:
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Cranberry Orange Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in cranberries, orange juice, honey, orange zest, dried thyme, cinnamon, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer the Chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Cover and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If the sauce is too thin, remove the chicken and simmer the sauce uncovered for a few more minutes to thicken.
- Serve: Plate the chicken and spoon the cranberry orange sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs.
How to Make Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe (Overview)
Okay, let’s break it down! Start by sizzling the chicken to a perfect golden brown—that’s your secret base flavor right there. After that, it’s all about the sauce: mix that vibrant, sweet tartness together, then let the magic happen as everything simmers in your skillet. Don’t forget, it’s all about ensuring that garlic gets to do its thing—toasting it releases those delicious aromas that make the entire kitchen smell divine. Pro tip? Always taste as you go; it helps you adjust the honey and spices just right.
How to Serve Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe
Serve it up over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes for a gorgeous contrast in color and texture. Picture bright red cranberries swimming in that rich sauce on perfectly browned chicken—it’s a feast for the eyes! Add a side of roasted veggies for that lovely crunch and earthy flavors. Your family will rave about dinner tonight!
How to Store Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe
This delectable dish holds up pretty well! You can keep it in the fridge for about 3-4 days in an airtight container. Want to save it for later? Absolutely! It freezes like a charm for about 2-3 months. Just remember to reheat it gently; you don’t want to dry out that juicy chicken.
Tips to Make Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe
- Timing is everything! Don’t overcrowd your skillet; it can cause uneven cooking.
- If you’re short on cranberries, take a chance and mix in some chopped apples for a new spin.
- Want a little extra kick? Add some red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy twist.
- Feel free to swap out the chicken for pork chops or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Always taste and adjust your honey; sweetness can vary depending on the tartness of your cranberries.
Variation
Got a special diet? No problem! To make it vegan, swap out the chicken for tofu or tempeh and replace honey with maple syrup. Want to kick up the flavor? Experiment with different herbs like basil or even a splash of balsamic vinegar to add depth. Your kitchen, your rules!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cranberries?
Absolutely! Just toss them in straight from the freezer—no thawing necessary.
2. How can I make this dish ahead of time?
Feel free to prep your chicken and sauce a day before, then combine and simmer when ready to serve.
3. Is there a substitute for chicken broth?
Yes! Vegetable broth works great if you’re keeping it veggie-friendly, or use water as a last resort.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in cranberries, orange juice, honey, orange zest, dried thyme, cinnamon, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Cover and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- If the sauce is too thin, remove the chicken and simmer the sauce uncovered for a few more minutes to thicken.
- Plate the chicken and spoon the cranberry orange sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs.
