The sweet and tangy aroma of cranberry orange chicken wafts through the air, teasing your senses with promises of a flavor explosion. Imagine succulent chicken, kissed by the vibrant zest of oranges and enveloped in a luscious cranberry glaze—it’s a dish that dances on your taste buds while making your home smell like a cozy holiday gathering. Grilled Chicken Burrito.
I remember the first time I made this delightful meal. I was attempting to impress my family during Thanksgiving dinner, and let me tell you, it was either going to be a feast fit for royalty or a culinary disaster. Spoiler: it was the former! This cranberry orange chicken quickly became a family favorite, perfect for special occasions or just because you want something extraordinary on a Tuesday night.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This cranberry orange chicken is an absolute breeze to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Its zesty flavor profile combines sweetness and tartness, elevating plain chicken to gourmet status.
- The dish’s vibrant colors create an eye-catching presentation that’s sure to impress your guests.
- It’s versatile enough to serve over rice or with roasted vegetables, adapting to whatever you have in your pantry.
Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts for this recipe; adjust based on your crowd size.
- Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves add depth; opt for firm ones for the best flavor.
For the Sauce:
- Cranberry Sauce: You can use homemade or store-bought; just make sure it’s not too chunky.
- Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice is ideal; it adds brightness that bottled juice can’t match.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps keep the dish balanced without overwhelming saltiness.
- Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps the sauce glaze beautifully over the chicken.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Chicken
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Season each chicken breast with salt and pepper for that extra kick.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine cranberry sauce, freshly squeezed orange juice, soy sauce, minced garlic cloves, and honey. Whisk until everything blends together smoothly—this sauce will be the star of our show!
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour half of your beautiful cranberry-orange mixture over them, ensuring they are well-coated.
Step 4: Bake Away
Pop that baking dish into your preheated oven! Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C). Midway through cooking, baste with more sauce—because why not?
Step 5: Serve It Up
Once cooked through, remove from the oven and let it rest for about five minutes. This helps retain all those juicy flavors before serving.
Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy
Transfer to plates and drizzle with any remaining sauce for that perfect finishing touch. Pair with rice or steamed veggies for a colorful plate that looks as good as it tastes.
And there you have it—a simple yet impressive cranberry orange chicken that will make you look like a culinary genius! So go ahead and dig in; this dish is bound to become a staple in your kitchen repertoire!
You Must Know
- This Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe offers a delightful twist that combines sweet and savory flavors, making it perfect for any occasion.
- The vibrant colors and aromas will brighten your dinner table, impressing family and friends alike.
- Plus, it’s simple enough for a weeknight meal!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken in a mixture of cranberry juice and orange zest for at least an hour. Sear the chicken until golden brown, then bake it while simmering the remaining marinade into a luscious sauce.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the cranberry juice for pomegranate juice if you want a bolder flavor. You can also toss in some chopped nuts or dried cranberries for added texture and sweetness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Cranberry Orange Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always taste your marinade before adding the chicken to ensure it’s seasoned just right.
- Letting the chicken marinate longer enhances flavor significantly.
- When reheating, cover your dish to retain moisture and prevent dryness.
I remember serving this Cranberry Orange Chicken at a family gathering, and my cousin’s eyes practically popped out of her head at first bite! She declared it “the best thing since sliced bread,” which made my day—and I still chuckle at her dramatic flair!
FAQs :
What ingredients are needed for Cranberry Orange Chicken?
To make Cranberry Orange Chicken, you will need boneless chicken breasts, fresh cranberries, orange juice, garlic, honey, soy sauce, and olive oil. Additionally, using fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the flavor. Make sure to have salt and pepper on hand for seasoning. These ingredients come together to create a vibrant dish that balances sweet and savory flavors beautifully. For more inspiration, check out this easy baked cranberry turkey sliders recipe.
How long does it take to cook Cranberry Orange Chicken?
Cooking Cranberry Orange Chicken typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes. This includes preparation time of approximately 10 minutes, where you will marinate the chicken in the cranberry-orange mixture. The actual cooking time is around 20 to 30 minutes in a preheated oven or on the stovetop. Ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries when making Cranberry Orange Chicken. However, thaw them beforehand to ensure even cooking and proper flavor distribution. Frozen cranberries might be slightly more tart than fresh ones, so you may want to adjust the sweetness by adding a bit more honey or sugar if desired. This way, you still achieve a deliciously balanced dish regardless of the berry type.
What side dishes pair well with Cranberry Orange Chicken?
Cranberry Orange Chicken pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Consider serving it with fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful sauce. Steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli provide a healthy contrast and add color to your plate. Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad A mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette also complements this dish nicely, enhancing its refreshing qualities while maintaining balance. Flavorful Antipasto Salad Healthy Salad Dressing.
Conclusion for Cranberry Orange Chicken :
Cranberry Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that combines succulent chicken with tangy cranberries and zesty orange juice. This recipe is simple yet impressive and perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings alike. By following straightforward steps and using fresh ingredients, you can create a meal that’s both flavorful and satisfying. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe; it’s sure to become a family favorite in no time!
Cranberry Orange Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Cranberry Orange Chicken is a delightful dish that features tender chicken breasts glazed in a sweet and tangy cranberry-orange sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this easy-to-make recipe transforms your kitchen into a fragrant haven while promising a burst of flavor with every bite. Serve it over fluffy rice or alongside roasted vegetables for a colorful and satisfying meal that’s sure to impress family and friends.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix cranberry sauce, orange juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, and honey until combined.
- Place the seasoned chicken in the baking dish and pour half of the sauce over them.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), basting with remaining sauce halfway through.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving with additional sauce drizzled on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (approximately 170g)
- Calories: 291
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 73mg
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