Description
Craving something festive and flavorful for dinner? This Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe combines juicy pan-seared chicken with a zesty, sweet-tart cranberry-orange glaze that’s both vibrant and comforting. It’s an easy recipe perfect for weeknight meals, yet fancy enough for the holidays. With fresh ingredients and bold flavors, this dish fits seamlessly into your list of healthy dinner ideas, cozy food ideas, and quick weeknight meals. It’s also great for impressing guests or adding a bright twist to your dinner rotation.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
1/3 cup honey
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional)
1 tablespoon water (for slurry)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear on both sides until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. Pour in orange juice, chicken broth, and honey. Stir in orange zest.
5. Add cranberries and bring to a simmer until they begin to burst.
6. Return chicken to skillet and simmer 8–10 minutes, spooning sauce over the chicken.
7. If desired, mix cornstarch and water, then stir into the sauce. Simmer until thickened.
8. Serve warm with extra glaze over the top.
Notes
For added depth, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or fresh rosemary to the sauce.
If using frozen cranberries, no need to thaw—just add them straight into the pan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: easy dinner, cranberry chicken, orange glaze chicken, holiday chicken recipe