Easy Cranberry Orange Chicken for a Cozy Holiday Dinner
A vibrant holiday dish combining tangy cranberries, bright orange zest, and tender chicken in a sweet-savory sauce. Quick to prepare and visually festive, it delivers a balanced flavor profile perfect for gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Quick Dinner Recipes
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary chopped (plus extra for garnish)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup fresh cranberries
1 large orange (zested and juiced)
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
½ cup chicken broth or water
Instructions
Season chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and half the thyme/rosemary
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
Add chicken and cook 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown
Remove chicken and set aside
Sauté garlic in remaining oil until fragrant
Add cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, honey syrup, and chicken broth to the skillet
Bring to a boil, then simmer 5-7 minutes until cranberries burst
Stir in cooked chicken to coat evenly with sauce
Garnish with remaining herbs and serve warm
Notes
Use frozen cranberries if fresh are unavailable; thaw and drain before use
Maple syrup adds a distinct flavor; consider honey if avoiding tree nuts
Reserve extra sauce to glaze other holiday proteins
For a vegetarian option, omit chicken and use tofu or mushrooms
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast or thigh with 1/2 cup sauce
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg