Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe
This Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe offers a delightful blend of tangy cranberries and sweet orange flavors paired with tender, juicy chicken breasts seared to perfection. Simmered in a fragrant sauce with hints of cinnamon and thyme, this one-pan dish is perfect for a comforting dinner that balances sweet, savory, and citrus notes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen)
- ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 2 tbsp honey (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp orange zest
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup chicken broth
Garnish
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels and season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and unsalted butter together in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Cranberry Orange Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, stir in fresh cranberries, freshly squeezed orange juice, honey, orange zest, dried thyme, cinnamon, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to combine flavors.
- Simmer the Chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the cranberry orange sauce over the chicken pieces. Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If the sauce appears too thin, remove the chicken breasts and continue to simmer the sauce uncovered for several more minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the cooked chicken breasts and generously spoon the vibrant cranberry orange sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for added aroma and presentation.
Notes
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy-sweet kick.
- Side Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or wild rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible to maximize flavor, especially fresh cranberries and freshly squeezed orange juice.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
Keywords: Skillet Chicken, Cranberry Sauce Chicken, Orange Chicken, Easy Dinner, One-Pan Chicken Recipe, Fall Dinner Recipe, Chicken with Fruit Sauce
Find it online: https://cheframi.com/skillet-cranberry-orange-chicken-recipe/
