Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken is a vibrant dish bursting with tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. Perfect for festive occasions or a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe combines juicy chicken with a delectable cranberry-orange glaze. The dish is made in one skillet, making it not only delicious but also easy to prepare and clean up.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken:
   Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika for a flavorful crust.
2. Sear the Chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
   • Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary.
     Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Make the Cranberry Orange Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients:
   In the same skillet, add the cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, chicken broth, garlic, thyme, and cinnamon. Stir well to combine.
2. Simmer:
   Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer the sauce for 8–10 minutes, or until the cranberries begin to burst and the sauce thickens slightly.
   • Tip: Use the back of a spoon to gently mash some of the cranberries for a smoother sauce.

Step 3: Combine and Cook

1. Return the Chicken to the Skillet:
   Nestle the seared chicken into the cranberry-orange sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to coat it.
2. Cover and Cook:
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C).
3. Adjust the Sauce:
   If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or orange juice. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for an additional 2–3 minutes.

Step 4: Serve

1. Garnish:
   Sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken and add orange slices or zest for a pop of color.
2. Plate and Enjoy:
   Serve the chicken warm, spooning extra sauce over each piece. Pair with your favorite side dishes.

Tips for Success

1. Choose the Right Chicken:
   Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and evenly, but bone-in thighs add extra flavor and juiciness.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients:
   Fresh cranberries and orange juice make the flavors vibrant and bright.
3. Don’t Skip the Sear:
   Searing the chicken locks in moisture and adds a caramelized crust, enhancing the overall taste.
4. Balance the Sauce:
   Adjust the sweetness and acidity to your liking by adding more honey or orange juice.

Variations

1. Spicy Cranberry Orange Chicken:
   Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a hint of heat.
2. Herb-Infused Sauce:
   Swap thyme for rosemary or sage to give the dish an earthy flavor profile.
3. Gluten-Free Option:
   Ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.
4. Vegetarian Adaptation:
   Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based alternative.

Serving Suggestions

This Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, making it versatile for any meal.

Starchy Sides

• Fluffy white or brown rice
• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Buttery couscous or quinoa

Vegetable Sides

• Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans
• Steamed asparagus with a drizzle of olive oil
• Sweet potato fries or wedges

Bread Options

• Crusty French bread to soak up the sauce
• Garlic knots for a flavorful twist
• Cornbread for a sweet-savory pairing

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dried cranberries?
   Fresh or frozen cranberries are ideal, but dried cranberries can work in a pinch. Soak them in orange juice to rehydrate before using.
2. What if I don’t have orange juice?
   Substitute with pineapple juice or apple cider for a slightly different flavor.
3. How do I know when the chicken is done?
   Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes! Prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then reheat together before serving.

Conclusion

Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken is an easy yet elegant dish that will impress your family and guests alike. The combination of tart cranberries, zesty orange, and savory chicken creates a harmony of flavors perfect for any occasion.

Yield: 4

Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

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Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken is a vibrant dish bursting with tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. Perfect for festive occasions or a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe combines juicy chicken with a delectable cranberry-orange glaze. The dish is made in one skillet, making it not only delicious but also easy to prepare and clean up.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 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

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken:
   Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
   
2. 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.
   
3. 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 the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
   
4. 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).
   
5. 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.
   
6. Serve:
   Plate the chicken and spoon the cranberry orange sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs.

Notes

Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy-sweet kick.

Side Suggestions: Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or wild rice for a complete meal.