Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries - 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice - Zest of 1 medium orange - 1/4 cup pure honey - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Optional garnish: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary To make the perfect cranberry orange glazed chicken, gather these ingredients. You need chicken breasts as your main protein. The cranberries will add a sweet-tart flavor. Orange juice and zest will bring freshness and brightness. Honey will balance the tartness with its sweetness. Use olive oil for cooking and flavor. Garlic powder and onion powder give depth to the chicken. Finally, salt and pepper enhance all these flavors. If you want, add rosemary for a nice touch at the end. This list keeps things simple. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in making this dish taste great. When you follow this list, you set yourself up for a flavorful dinner delight! {{ingredient_image_2}} Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures even cooking and a perfect finish. In a medium saucepan, combine: - 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries - 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice - Zest of 1 medium orange - 1/4 cup pure honey Cook over medium heat. Stir occasionally for about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cranberries pop and the mix thickens into a glaze. Take your 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season both sides with: - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste This step adds great flavor to your chicken. In an oven-safe skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your seasoned chicken breasts. Sear for 4-5 minutes on each side. Look for a nice golden brown color. After searing, pour the cranberry-orange glaze over the chicken. Make sure to coat each piece well. Then, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once done baking, remove the skillet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside. Before serving, drizzle any leftover glaze from the pan over the chicken. If you like, garnish with chopped fresh rosemary for a pop of color and taste. To make sure your chicken is perfect, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken breast. You want it to read 165°F (75°C). This tells you the chicken is safe to eat. No one likes dry chicken, so check it often. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear, not pink. The glaze is key to this dish. If you want it sweeter, add more honey. For more tang, add extra orange juice. You can also mix in a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth. Taste as you go! This lets you find the right balance for your palate. For sides, roasted vegetables work well. They bring out the flavors of the chicken. A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch. You can also serve the chicken with rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. For drinks, try a light white wine. A sparkling water with lemon is refreshing too. These pair nicely with the cranberry-orange flavors. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh cranberries and freshly squeezed orange juice for the best flavor in your glaze. Fresh ingredients can elevate the overall taste of the dish. Perfect Searing: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. A good sear locks in moisture and creates a delicious crust that enhances the texture. Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest after baking. This step helps redistribute the juices within the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful bite. Customize the Glaze: Feel free to add spices or herbs, such as thyme or ginger, to the glaze for a unique twist. Experimenting can lead to exciting flavor combinations. {{image_4}} You can switch up the flavors in your cranberry orange glazed chicken. Try using different fruit juices. Pineapple juice adds a tropical twist. Apple juice gives a milder sweetness. You can also change the sweetener. Maple syrup or agave nectar works well. They both add unique flavors. You can even use brown sugar if you want more depth. You can grill the chicken for a smoky flavor. Marinate the chicken in the glaze for an hour before grilling. Cook over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes on each side. This keeps the chicken juicy. Slow-cooking is another great option. Place the seasoned chicken in a slow cooker with the glaze. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. This method makes the chicken tender and full of flavor. Making this recipe gluten-free is easy. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in the glaze. For low-carb options, skip the honey. Instead, use a sugar substitute like erythritol. This keeps the dish sweet without the carbs. You can also serve it over cauliflower rice for a healthy twist. To store leftover cranberry orange glazed chicken, let it cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Cover it tightly to keep moisture in. You can refrigerate it for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. Wrap the chicken well in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. This way, it can last up to three months. When reheating chicken, we want to keep it moist and tasty. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and add a bit of water or broth. Cover it with foil to keep the steam in. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. If you prefer using a microwave, heat it in short bursts. Cover it with a damp paper towel to avoid drying out the meat. Stored properly, you can eat the chicken for three days if refrigerated. If frozen, it stays safe for three months. However, for the best taste and quality, try to eat it within one month. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before eating leftovers. Safety is key! Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs have more fat, which makes them juicy. They also add a rich flavor to the dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. Thighs will take a bit longer, about 30-35 minutes in the oven. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are safe to eat. I love pairing this dish with fresh sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed green beans - Roasted Brussels sprouts - Mashed potatoes - Quinoa salad - A light green salad with vinaigrette These sides balance the flavors and create a colorful plate. To check if the chicken is done, look for a few signs besides using a thermometer. The chicken should be golden brown and firm to the touch. If you make a small cut, the juices should run clear, not pink. Always ensure the internal temperature is 165°F (75°C) for safety. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy and tender. This blog post provides a simple guide for making Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken. You learned about the key ingredients and how each step leads to juicy, flavorful chicken. Key tips ensure success, while variations let you customize the dish. Proper storage and reheating keep leftovers fresh and tasty. I hope you feel confident to try this recipe. Enjoy experimenting and impressing your family with a delicious meal!$

Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken

A delicious chicken dish glazed with a sweet and tangy cranberry-orange sauce.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
0.5 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1 medium zest of orange
0.25 cup pure honey
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
to taste salt and freshly cracked black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary (optional for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure the oven is fully preheated before placing the chicken inside for even cooking.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and honey. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cranberries begin to pop and the mixture slightly thickens into a glaze. Once done, remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor.
In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden brown crust.
Once the chicken is nicely seared, carefully pour the cranberry-orange glaze over the top, making sure each breast is evenly coated with the delicious sauce.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
After baking, remove the skillet from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes. This helps retain the juices for a more tender bite.
Before serving, drizzle any remaining glaze from the pan over the rested chicken, enhancing flavor with each bite.
If desired, garnish the dish with chopped fresh rosemary for a burst of color and aromatic flavor.

Notes

Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Keyword chicken, cranberry, dinner, glazed, orange