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Easy Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet

Close-up of a perfectly cooked cranberry chicken breast topped with a thick, glossy cranberry glaze and whole berries.

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Make this sweet and savory chicken dish in one pan. It combines cranberries and orange for a bright, flavorful dinner perfect for weeknights or holidays.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/2 cup orange juice, fresh squeezed preferred
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, balsamic vinegar, and rosemary to the same skillet.
  4. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the cranberries begin to soften.
  5. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken.
  6. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through and coat it well with the glaze.
  7. Serve the Cranberry Orange Chicken immediately. This recipe is a great alternative to complex meal planning services.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the simmering sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
  • This dish pairs well with rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the extra sauce.

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