Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen, if out of season) - 1 orange, zested and juiced - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish Use fresh chicken for the best flavor. Look for breasts that are pink and firm. Fresh cranberries should feel hard and smooth. If using frozen, check they are not freezer burned. For the orange, choose one that feels heavy for its size. This means more juice. Honey should be pure and raw if possible. This adds a rich taste to your dish. You can swap chicken for tofu or tempeh for a plant-based meal. For a low-sugar option, replace honey with a sugar-free sweetener. If you are allergic to cranberries, use pomegranate seeds. For a gluten-free version, ensure your seasonings are free of gluten. This recipe is flexible and can fit many diets! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings stick. Next, season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This mix adds great flavor. Make sure to cover the entire surface for the best taste. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown and fully cooked. Check the thickest part to ensure it's no longer pink. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet. Set it aside on a plate while you make the sauce. In the same skillet, toss in the fresh cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, and honey. Stir well, scraping up all the tasty bits stuck to the pan. This adds depth to the sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 5-6 minutes. You will see the cranberries pop and create a nice sauce. It should thicken up nicely. Once ready, return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon the cranberry orange sauce over the chicken. Cook for an extra 2-3 minutes to warm everything through. This step makes the chicken juicy and flavorful. To get that perfect golden-brown chicken, start by drying the chicken breasts. Use paper towels to remove any moisture. This step helps the chicken sear better. Season both sides well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat olive oil in your skillet until it shimmers. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Don't rush this; the golden color comes from a good sear. If the skillet is too crowded, the chicken will steam instead of brown. Give each piece space! The sauce in this dish should be thick and rich. After cooking the chicken, use the same skillet to make the sauce. Add fresh cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, and honey. Stir well, scraping the tasty bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 5-6 minutes. Watch for the cranberries to burst. This creates a lovely sauce. If it seems too thin, let it simmer a bit longer. Remember, the sauce should cling to the chicken nicely. Fresh herbs can elevate your dish. For this recipe, I recommend using chopped fresh parsley as a garnish. It adds a nice pop of color and freshness. You can also experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary. Add them to the sauce for extra flavor. Just remember to chop them finely. This way, they mix well with the sauce and chicken. Fresh herbs make every bite more exciting! Pro Tips Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries offer the best flavor and texture. If you can find them, they will enhance the dish significantly. Don't Overcook the Chicken: To ensure the chicken stays juicy, avoid overcooking it. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your taste, you can adjust the amount of honey. Start with less, and add more if you prefer a sweeter sauce. Garnish for Color: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh flavor that complements the cranberry orange sauce beautifully. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for turkey or pork. Turkey cutlets work well and stay juicy. Pork tenderloin also adds a nice touch. Just adjust cooking times to ensure they are done. For a plant-based option, try tofu. Press and marinate it in the orange juice for flavor. Cook it until golden and crispy for a tasty twist. Adding veggies makes this dish even better. Try green beans or spinach for color and nutrition. You can sauté them in the skillet after cooking the chicken. Bell peppers or carrots can also add sweetness. Just make sure they cook well before adding the sauce. This change will enhance the meal and make it more filling. Spices can elevate your Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet. Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth. A bit of cayenne pepper adds heat and depth. You can also sprinkle in some rosemary or thyme for an earthy flavor. These spices work well with the sweetness of the cranberries and orange. Mix and match to find your favorite flavor profile! To keep your Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet fresh, let it cool first. Place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, the flavors stay nice and bright. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. When you are ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat the chicken in a skillet. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat over medium until warm. You can also use the microwave. Just cover it with a lid or wrap it to avoid drying out. To freeze, divide the chicken and sauce into portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible from the bags. Label them with the date so you know how long they have been stored. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can use dried cranberries. They will add sweetness and chewiness. However, you may need to adjust the honey. Dried cranberries are sweeter, so use less honey. If you want a tart flavor, consider adding a splash of orange juice. This dish pairs well with several sides. Here are some ideas: - Rice or quinoa for a filling base. - Mashed potatoes for a creamy texture. - Steamed green beans or broccoli for crunch. - A simple salad for freshness. These sides balance the sweet and tangy flavors of the chicken. Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. When you reheat, use low heat to keep the chicken moist. Enjoy it as a quick meal on busy days. This blog post covered all the key points for making Cranberry Orange Chicken. We discussed the essential ingredients, tips for quality, and possible substitutions for different diets. You learned how to prepare, cook, and make that tasty sauce. I shared tips for golden brown chicken and sauce consistency. Now you have options for variations, storage, and answers to common questions. Enjoy creating your dish and feel free to experiment. Each step can lead to a delicious meal that fits your tastes perfectly.$

Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet

A delicious skillet dish featuring chicken breasts cooked with fresh cranberries and orange for a sweet and tangy flavor.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh cranberries
1 piece orange, zested and juiced
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Heat the Skillet: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the fresh cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, and honey. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5-6 minutes, or until the cranberries start to burst and create a sauce consistency.
Combine: Return the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the cranberry orange sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Use fresh cranberries when in season for the best flavor.

Keyword Chicken, cranberry, dinner, orange, skillet