Easy Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe for a Flavorful Meal Recipe
This Easy Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe offers a delightful blend of tangy and sweet flavors, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. Juicy chicken breasts are marinated in a zesty orange and honey sauce with fresh cranberries, then seared and baked to perfection, creating a delicious and vibrant dish that’s both comforting and elegant.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Marinade and Sauce
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
Garnish
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is ready for baking the chicken after searing.
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the orange juice, honey, minced garlic, low-sodium soy sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. This marinade will infuse the chicken with bright and sweet flavors.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 5 minutes per side. This process locks in juices and creates a flavorful crust.
- Add Marinade and Cranberries: Pour half of the prepared marinade over the seared chicken breasts, then scatter fresh cranberries around them in the skillet. The cranberries will soften and add bursts of tartness during baking.
- Bake Chicken: Place the skillet uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for five minutes to redistribute the juices. Slice the chicken and garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, mild onion flavor and colorful presentation.
Notes
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature for perfect doneness.
- Fresh cranberries can be substituted with frozen, but avoid using sweetened dried cranberries as they will alter the sauce flavor.
- For extra tang, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the marinade before whisking.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad to complement the flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: cranberry orange chicken, easy chicken recipe, baked chicken, holiday chicken, sweet and tangy chicken
