Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken

$To make Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken, you need fresh and tasty ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh cranberries - 1/2 cup orange juice - Zest of 1 orange - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, for garnish These ingredients blend to create a sweet and tangy glaze. The cranberries give a burst of flavor, while the orange zest adds brightness. Honey and Dijon mustard balance the dish with sweet and sharp notes. For extra flavor, consider adding: - A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat - Chopped fresh thyme or rosemary for an herbal boost Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in taste. Enjoy cooking this delightful dish! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat the oven: Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for even cooking. 2. Sear the chicken breasts: Take four boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season them with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a bit of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each piece for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You want them golden brown. This adds flavor and helps lock in moisture. 1. Combine the ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix together 1 cup of fresh cranberries, 1/2 cup of orange juice, the zest of 1 orange, 1/4 cup of honey, 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 2 minced garlic cloves. 2. Cook and thicken: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture as it cooks. You will notice the cranberries start to pop. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens slightly. 1. Coat the chicken: Once the chicken is seared, pour the cranberry-orange glaze over it in the skillet. Make sure each piece is well coated with the tasty sauce. 2. Bake the chicken: Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked. 3. Check for doneness: After baking, take the skillet out of the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute. Serve the chicken drizzled with extra glaze from the skillet. Add fresh parsley on top for a bright finish. To make the glaze just right, adjust the sweetness and acidity. If you want more sweetness, add a bit more honey. For a tangy kick, squeeze in more orange juice. Taste as you go. This helps you find your perfect balance. Be careful with garlic to avoid burning it. Burnt garlic tastes bitter. Add minced garlic near the end of cooking the glaze. This way, it cooks just enough to be fragrant without burning. Proper seasoning helps the chicken cook evenly. Use salt and pepper on both sides before searing. This enhances the flavor throughout the chicken. I always use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. When it hits 165°F (75°C), it’s done. This way, you prevent undercooked or dry chicken. Garnishing makes your dish pop visually. I love using fresh parsley to add color. Simply chop it finely and sprinkle it over the chicken. For serving, place the chicken on a nice plate. Drizzle extra glaze on top for a glossy finish. Pair it with a side of rice or veggies to complete the meal. This makes for a stunning presentation. Pro Tips Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries will give the glaze a vibrant flavor and beautiful color. If using dried cranberries, be sure to adjust the sweetness since they are typically sweeter. Perfectly Sear the Chicken: Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a nice golden-brown crust. This locks in the juices and enhances the overall flavor. Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken more tender and juicy. Serve with Sides: Pair the glazed chicken with sides like roasted vegetables or rice to soak up the delicious sauce and create a balanced meal. {{image_2}} You can change the sweeteners in this recipe. Instead of honey, use maple syrup or agave nectar. Both add a nice flavor. For sauces, you could try teriyaki or hoisin sauce for a different twist. These sauces bring unique tastes to the dish. For seasonings, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary. They pair well with the chicken and add depth. You can also use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic. It saves time and keeps the flavor strong. You can grill the chicken for a smoky flavor. Start by marinating the chicken in the glaze. Then, heat your grill to medium-high. Grill each side for about 6-7 minutes or until cooked through. This method gives a nice char and enhances the taste. If you prefer a slow cooker, it's simple. Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker. Pour the glaze over the top. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. This method makes the chicken very tender and juicy. Pair this chicken with roasted vegetables or rice. They balance the sweetness of the glaze perfectly. You could also serve it with a fresh salad for a crisp side. For drinks, try a fruity white wine, like Riesling. Its sweetness matches the chicken well. If you prefer non-alcoholic, a sparkling water with lime is refreshing and complements the dish nicely. To keep your cranberry orange glazed chicken fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This will prevent moisture loss and keep the flavor intact. Place the chicken in the fridge within two hours of cooking for safety. If you want to freeze the chicken, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer bag or container. It’s best to eat frozen chicken within three months for the best taste. When reheating, use the oven or microwave. If using the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy. In the microwave, heat for 2-3 minutes, checking often to avoid overcooking. In the fridge, your cranberry orange glazed chicken will stay fresh for about three to four days. Always check for signs of spoilage. If the chicken smells sour or has a slimy texture, it’s best to throw it away. Freezing extends freshness. If stored correctly, your chicken can last up to three months. Remember to label your containers with the date to keep track. Enjoy your delicious meal without the worry of spoilage! What can I substitute for fresh cranberries? You can use dried cranberries if you do not have fresh ones. They add sweet-tart flavor. You can also use canned cranberry sauce, but it may change the texture. Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Check that all other ingredients are gluten-free. How can I make it spicier? To add heat, mix in red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Start with a small amount. Taste the glaze as you go. Adjust to your spice level. Is it possible to grill the chicken instead? Yes, grilling is a great option. Marinate the chicken in the glaze for extra flavor. Cook the chicken on medium heat until it reaches 165°F. Baste with extra glaze while grilling for more taste. Caloric content per serving This dish has about 300 calories per serving. It is filling and flavorful without being too heavy. Tips for reducing calories and fat To cut calories, use less honey or skip it. You can also trim any visible fat from the chicken. Serve with a salad or veggies to add volume without many calories. This blog post provided a clear recipe for cooking chicken with a delicious cranberry glaze. We discussed each step, from gathering ingredients to baking instructions, and offered tips for the best results. You learned about ingredient swaps and how to store leftovers. Cooking this dish can bring joy to your table. With these steps, you create a flavorful meal that impresses. Enjoy customizing it to your taste and sharing it with others!$

Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken

A delicious chicken dish with a sweet and tangy cranberry-orange glaze.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh cranberries
1/2 cup orange juice
1 piece zest of orange
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
Cook the mixture over medium heat until the cranberries start to burst and the sauce thickens slightly, about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally.
While the sauce is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
In an oven-safe skillet, sear the seasoned chicken breasts in a bit of olive oil over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
Once the chicken is seared, pour the cranberry-orange glaze over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Once cooked, remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
Serve the chicken drizzled with additional glaze from the skillet, and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for garnish.

Notes

Serve with rice or vegetables for a complete meal.

Keyword chicken, cranberry, dinner, glazed, orange