Description
Infuse your chicken dinner with vibrant flavors of cranberry, orange, and rosemary. This simple yet elegant dish delivers a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory. Perfect for festive occasions or a cozy family meal, it’s ready in under 40 minutes!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 large orange (zested and juiced)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- ½ cup chicken broth or water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ons:
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
. Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme or rosemary.
- Optional: Marinate the chicken with the seasoning for 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.
2. Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 4-6 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Create the Cranberry Orange Sauce
- In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and honey (or maple syrup).
- Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes until the cranberries burst and form a thick sauce.
4. Combine and Simmer
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top.
- Add chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan for added flavor.
- Cover and simmer over low heat for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the chicken to a serving dish, spoon the cranberry-orange sauce over the top.
- Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs or additional orange zest.
Notes
- Adjust Sweetness: Customize the honey/maple syrup to taste for the perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
- Marinate for Depth: For richer flavor, marinate the chicken in the orange juice and rosemary mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Serve With: Complement this dish with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American