Cranberry Orange Chicken Delight

$- 2 large chicken breasts (skinless and boneless) - 1 cup fresh cranberries (rinsed and drained) - 1 cup fresh orange juice (organic for best flavor) - Zest of 1 medium orange - 2 tablespoons raw honey (adjust for sweetness) - 3 cloves garlic (finely minced) - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (finely grated) - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley or cilantro (chopped, for garnish) Cranberry Orange Chicken is a tasty dish that combines sweet and savory. The main ingredients are simple but delicious. You start with chicken breasts, fresh cranberries, and organic orange juice. The zest of an orange adds a bright note. Honey brings a touch of sweetness, making the dish balanced. In addition, garlic and ginger enhance the flavor. Olive oil helps with cooking and adds richness. Salt and pepper give it a nice touch of seasoning. Finally, fresh parsley or cilantro adds color and freshness when you serve it. Having these ingredients ready will make your cooking easy and fun. Enjoy the blend of flavors in this delightful recipe! {{ingredient_image_2}} In a medium bowl, start by whisking together the fresh orange juice, orange zest, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix until the ingredients blend well. This step brings out the bright flavors. Next, season the mixture generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. This enhances the taste of your marinade. For effective marination, place the chicken breasts in a ziplock bag or a glass dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap. Allow the chicken to marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For a richer flavor, let it sit for up to 2 hours. This helps the chicken absorb all the tasty flavors. While the chicken marinates, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is hot when you're ready to bake. In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade and discard it. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes. Look for a golden brown color. After searing, pour the prepared cranberry sauce evenly over the chicken. Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it's fully cooked. To make your cranberry orange chicken even better, try these tips: - Adjusting sweetness with honey: If you want a sweeter sauce, add more honey. Start with a teaspoon and taste. This way, you control how sweet it gets. Honey blends well with cranberries and orange juice. It adds depth to the dish. - Using fresh herbs for garnish: Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro brighten up the plate. They add color and flavor. Just sprinkle them on top before serving. It makes your dish look fancy! Cook your chicken perfectly with these methods: - Best ways to sear chicken: Heat your skillet first. Use medium-high heat and add olive oil. When the oil shimmers, place your chicken in. Sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side. This gives you a lovely golden crust. - Avoiding dry chicken tips: To keep chicken moist, don’t overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Aim for 165°F (75°C). Also, let the chicken rest after cooking. This keeps the juices in! Make your dish appealing to the eye: - Plating suggestions: Use a white plate for contrast. Place the chicken in the center. Spoon cranberry sauce over the top. Add a sprinkle of herbs around the chicken. This creates a beautiful, inviting look. - Drizzling cranberry sauce: Use a spoon to drizzle sauce artfully. Start from one side and move to the other. This adds a nice touch and makes the dish pop! Pro Tips Marination Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful dish. Honey Selection: Use high-quality raw honey for a richer taste. The floral notes in different honey types can enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish. Cranberry Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a smoother sauce, blend the cranberries after cooking. This will create a more refined texture that pairs beautifully with the chicken. Garnishing Options: Experiment with garnishes like orange slices or pomegranate seeds for added color and a burst of flavor. They not only enhance the presentation but also complement the dish. {{image_4}} You can swap chicken for turkey. Turkey gives a nice twist to the dish. It also works well with the sweet and tart flavors. For a fresh zing, try using different citrus fruits. Grapefruits or limes can add a unique taste. Just remember to adjust the sweetness in the sauce. You can use an Instant Pot or slow cooker for this recipe. Both methods make the chicken tender and juicy. If you prefer grilling, that works too! Simply marinate the chicken as usual and grill until cooked through. Grilling adds a smoky flavor that pairs well with the sauce. Want some heat? Add spices like red pepper flakes or chili powder to the sauce. This will give your dish a spicy kick. You can also swap cranberries for other fruits. Cherries or raspberries can bring a fun twist. Adjust the sweetness if needed to balance the flavors. To store leftover cranberry orange chicken, first cool it down. Place the chicken in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and safe. You can store it in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. To freeze cooked chicken, let it cool completely. Cut the chicken into pieces for easier storage. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place the wrapped chicken in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, take the chicken out of the freezer. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight. For reheating, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat until it’s warmed through. Enjoy your delicious meal! I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors soak in. For a deeper taste, marinate it for up to 2 hours. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more flavorful it becomes. Cranberry orange chicken pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some great options: - Steamed broccoli - Mashed potatoes - Rice pilaf - Quinoa salad - Roasted vegetables These sides add color and balance to your meal. You can use dried cranberries, but the taste will change. Fresh cranberries offer a tart flavor and juicy texture. Dried cranberries are sweeter and chewier. If you choose dried, consider reducing the honey in the recipe. This way, you keep the dish balanced. Yes, this recipe is healthy. Chicken is a great source of protein. Fresh cranberries provide vitamins and antioxidants. The olive oil adds healthy fats. Using honey gives natural sweetness without refined sugars. Enjoy this dish knowing it’s not just tasty but also good for you! You learned how to make a tasty cranberry orange chicken. We covered key ingredients, steps for marinating, and cooking tips. I shared ways to adjust flavors and try new methods. You can even substitute ingredients and find great storage tips. Remember, cooking is about fun and creativity. Try your own ideas and enjoy your meal!$

Cranberry Orange Chicken Delight

A delicious chicken dish marinated in a sweet and tangy cranberry-orange sauce.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 2

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts (skinless and boneless)
1 cup fresh cranberries (rinsed and drained)
1 cup fresh orange juice (organic for best flavor)
1 medium orange zest
2 tablespoons raw honey (adjust for sweetness)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
1 teaspoon fresh ginger (finely grated)
to taste salt and freshly cracked black pepper
for garnish fresh parsley or cilantro (chopped)

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, orange zest, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger until well combined. Season the mixture generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts inside a ziplock bag or a shallow glass dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap, and allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or for a richer flavor, up to 2 hours.
Preheat the Oven: While your chicken is marinating, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Cranberry Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the rinsed cranberries along with a splash of water (about 2 tablespoons). Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to burst and break down. If desired, stir in an additional tablespoon of honey to enhance the sweetness of the sauce, and continue cooking until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Cook the Chicken: In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade (discard the marinade). Add the chicken to the skillet and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown.
Bake the Chicken: Once seared, pour the prepared cranberry sauce evenly over the chicken in the skillet. Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (ensure an internal temperature of 165°F/75°C is reached).
Garnish and Serve: After baking, remove the skillet from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for an added touch of color. Serve the chicken with a generous spoonful of the cranberry sauce drizzled on top for a beautiful presentation.

Notes

Adjust honey for desired sweetness.

Keyword chicken, cranberry, dinner, orange