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–+ servings
Melany

Cranberry Orange Chicken with Rosemary

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!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

. Prepare the Chicken
  1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and fresh thyme or rosemary.
  2. Optional: Marinate the chicken with the seasoning for 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.
2. Sear the Chicken
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. 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
  1. In the same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and honey (or maple syrup).
  3. Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes until the cranberries burst and form a thick sauce.
4. Combine and Simmer
  1. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top.
  2. Add chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan for added flavor.
  3. 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
  1. Transfer the chicken to a serving dish, spoon the cranberry-orange sauce over the top.
  2. 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.

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