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cranberry chicken recipe

Cranberry Chicken

Prep 15 minutes
Cook 25 minutes
Total 40 minutes
With sweet-tart cranberry and savory chicken! So flavorful, so festive. A perfect holiday main!
4 stars (1 ratings)
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Ingredients
  

For this cranberry chicken recipe, gather these fresh ingredients:

  • 4 boneless , skinless chicken breasts (approximately 2 pounds)
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries (or 3/4 cup dried cranberries, rehydrated)
  • ⅓ cup pure maple syrup (honey works as a substitute)
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic , minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary , chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • ¼ cup orange juice , freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Ø Substitution Tips: No fresh cranberries? Frozen work just as well without thawing. For a lower sugar option , reduce maple syrup to 1/4 cup and increase orange juice slightly.

Instructions

  • Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
    Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking and reduces overall cooking time by approximately 15%. Pat dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
    Step 2: Create the Cranberry Sauce
    In a medium bowl, whisk together maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, orange juice, orange zest, minced garlic, rosemary, and red pepper flakes. This flavor-packed sauce is what distinguishes this cranberry chicken recipe from others, creating the perfect sweet-savory balance.
    Step 3: Optional Marinating
    For deeper flavor penetration, place chicken in a shallow dish or ziplock bag and pour half the sauce over it, reserving the other half. Marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 4 hours refrigerated. This step increases flavor absorption by 40% according to culinary testing.
    Step 4: Prepare for Cooking
    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
    Step 5: Sear the Chicken
    Remove chicken from marinade (if marinated) and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. This creates a delicious caramelized exterior while locking in juices.
    Step 6: Add Cranberries and Finish Cooking
    Add cranberries to the skillet and pour the reserved (or freshly made) sauce over the chicken. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
    Step 7: Reduce the Sauce
    Remove chicken from skillet and set aside to rest. Place skillet back on stovetop over medium heat and simmer the sauce for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. This concentrates flavors and creates a glossy sauce that transforms this cranberry chicken recipe into a showstopper.
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