Description
A vibrant and quick Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe that combines juicy chicken breasts with a tangy cranberry-orange sauce brightened by fresh orange juice and aromatic herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish offers a perfect balance of citrusy sweetness and tartness, making it ideal for busy weeknights and adaptable to various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cooking Fat & Herbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1–2 teaspoons fresh thyme or rosemary (chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper to create a flavorful and crispy outer layer when seared.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Make the Cranberry Orange Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Pour in fresh orange juice, add fresh cranberries, and stir in honey. Let the sauce simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, allowing cranberries to burst and thicken the sauce.
- Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them. Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Cook together for another 3-4 minutes so the chicken absorbs the tangy, sweet sauce.
- Serve Warm: Once chicken is heated through and coated with sauce, remove from heat and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the skillet; cook chicken in batches if needed to ensure proper searing.
- Use fresh orange juice and cranberries for best flavor.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
- Adjust sweetness of the sauce by tasting and modifying honey or orange juice as desired.
- Use a nonstick or cast iron skillet to retain heat and achieve a perfect sear.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: cranberry orange chicken, skillet chicken, quick dinner, weeknight dinner, citrus chicken, healthy chicken recipe, gluten free chicken
