Go Back

Cranberry Orange Chicken

Tender pan-seared chicken breasts simmered in a vibrant sauce made with fresh cranberries, orange zest, and ginger. Ready in under 30 minutes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 6 oz each, similar thickness
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/2 cup orange juice from about 1 orange, freshly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Microplane or zester

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season them with salt and black pepper on both sides.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
  3. In the same skillet, add the cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, Dijon mustard, ginger, and garlic. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the cranberries start to burst and the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Simmer for 2-3 more minutes, until the chicken is heated through and coated in the sauce.
  5. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Notes

Don't overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey or maple syrup. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few extra minutes. If using frozen cranberries, they may need a couple of extra minutes to cook down. Choose chicken breasts that are similar in thickness (about 1 inch) for even cooking.
QR Code linking back to recipe