Festive Cranberry Chicken Skillet (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
02 -
1 cup fresh cranberries
03 -
1 large orange, zested and juiced
04 -
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
05 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
06 -
2 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
08 -
Salt and pepper to taste
09 -
1/2 cup chicken broth or water
→ Optional Ingredients
10 -
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (for extra depth of flavor)
11 -
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (for a slight tang)
# Instructions:
01 -
Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and a pinch of fresh thyme or rosemary. You can marinate the chicken for 30 minutes if you have time, but it's not necessary for great flavor.
02 -
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook for 4-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
03 -
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, and honey (or maple syrup). Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes until the cranberries burst and release their juice, creating a slightly thickened sauce.
04 -
Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning some sauce over the top. Add the chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to infuse the sauce with extra flavor. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low, simmering for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
05 -
Once the chicken is fully cooked, spoon the cranberry-orange sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs or orange zest for an added touch.
# Notes:
01 -
This dish pairs well with wild rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad
02 -
You can substitute dried cranberries if fresh aren't available, just reduce the amount to 1/2 cup
03 -
For a sweeter sauce, add an extra tablespoon of honey or maple syrup