Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe
A delicious skillet recipe featuring boneless chicken breasts cooked in a vibrant cranberry orange sauce with a blend of warm spices and fresh herbs, perfect for a flavorful and comforting dinner.
- 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 with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor and ensure even cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 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: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the cranberries, orange juice, honey, orange zest, dried thyme, cinnamon, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
- Simmer the Chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If the sauce is too thin, remove the chicken and continue simmering the sauce uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce it to your preferred consistency.
- Serve: Plate the chicken breasts and generously spoon the cranberry orange sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for an aromatic finish.
Notes
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy-sweet kick.
- Side Suggestions: Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or wild rice for a complete meal.
Keywords: cranberry orange chicken, skillet chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, cranberry sauce chicken, quick chicken skillet
