Cranberry Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the savory flavors of chicken with the sweet and tangy notes of cranberries and oranges. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or special occasions. The bright colors and fresh flavors make it a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
Table of Contents
Why make this recipe
This recipe is not only tasty but also easy to prepare. It allows you to enjoy the health benefits of chicken and fresh fruits in one meal. The cranberry-orange combination adds a burst of flavor that will impress your guests. Plus, it’s a great way to showcase seasonal ingredients, making it a wonderful choice for holiday meals.
How to make Cranberry Orange Chicken
Ingredients:
- Chicken
- Salt
- Pepper
- Herbs
- Oil
- Garlic
- Cranberries
- Orange Juice
- Orange Zest
- Honey
- Broth
Directions:
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Sear the chicken in oil until golden brown, then set it aside.
- In the same pan, sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and honey to the pan. Simmer until the berries burst.
- Return the chicken to the pan, add broth, and cover. Cook until the chicken is done.
- Garnish with the sauce, fresh herbs, or additional orange zest. Serve warm.
Cranberry Orange Chicken
A delightful dish that combines savory chicken with sweet and tangy cranberries and oranges.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 4 Chicken pieces
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Herbs, to taste
- 2 tablespoons Oil
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 cup Cranberries
- 1/2 cup Orange Juice
- 1 tablespoon Orange Zest
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 1 cup Broth
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Sear the chicken in oil until golden brown, then set it aside.
- In the same pan, sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
- Add cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and honey to the pan. Simmer until the berries burst.
- Return the chicken to the pan, add broth, and cover. Cook until the chicken is done.
- Garnish with the sauce, fresh herbs, or additional orange zest. Serve warm.
Notes
Serve over rice or alongside roasted vegetables. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
How to serve Cranberry Orange Chicken
Cranberry Orange Chicken can be served over a bed of rice or alongside roasted vegetables. The tangy sauce complements the chicken well, making it a great pairing with a side salad or crusty bread to soak up the juices.
How to store Cranberry Orange Chicken
To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it in the oven or microwave.
Tips to make Cranberry Orange Chicken
- Make sure to sear the chicken well to develop a nice golden crust.
- Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor, but frozen can work too.
- Adjust the amount of honey to suit your taste for sweetness.
Variations
You can add nuts such as walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture. Additionally, adding a splash of balsamic vinegar can enhance the flavor profile. For a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also swap chicken for turkey, like what I did in this Cranberry Orange Glazed Turkey Breast.
FAQs
- Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
- Yes, boneless chicken thighs or breasts work well. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Can I substitute other fruits?
- Yes, apples or pears can be great alternatives to cranberries for a different flavor.
- Is this recipe gluten-free?
- Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth and your herbs and spices are free from gluten.
Conclusion
Cranberry Orange Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings together savory and sweet flavors. Whether for a family dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe will surely be a hit. Give it a try, and enjoy the delightful tastes of this wonderful meal!
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