Description
Make this Cranberry Chicken for a simple, flavorful meal. This recipe balances sweet and tart notes beautifully, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a festive addition to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Season the chicken pieces evenly with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until lightly browned. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, combine the cranberries, orange juice, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the sauce, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to burst and the sauce thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
- Serve the chicken topped with the warm cranberry sauce.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken and simmer the sauce uncovered for an extra 3 minutes.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a richer flavor.
- This pairs well with rice pilaf or roasted green beans.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 6 oz chicken with sauce)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 120mg