Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the bright citrus notes of orange. It’s a quick and elegant meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup fresh cranberries, rinsed
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)
• 2 teaspoons fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Zest and juice the oranges. Rinse the cranberries and pat the chicken breasts dry to prepare all ingredients.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear them for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown but not fully cooked through.
3. Step 3: Remove the chicken from the skillet temporarily. In the same pan, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add the cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Step 5: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Add fresh herbs, cover the skillet, and simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
6. Step 6: Remove the herbs, adjust salt and pepper to taste. Spoon the cranberry-orange sauce over the chicken and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of white wine to the sauce before simmering.
• If fresh cranberries aren’t available, frozen ones can be used—just add them without thawing.
• Substitute maple syrup if you prefer a richer sweetness over honey.
• Serve with rice or roasted vegetables to soak up the delicious sauce.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, but adjust cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through; it may take longer to simmer.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and ensure no other ingredients contain gluten.

Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 50 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe that combines juicy seared chicken breasts with a tangy, sweet cranberry-orange sauce. This easy one-pan dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering a delightful balance of citrus and berry flavors with fresh herbs.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce

• 1 cup fresh cranberries, rinsed
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (about 2 oranges)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth (gluten-free if needed)
• 2 teaspoons fresh herbs (thyme or rosemary)

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Zest and juice fresh oranges, rinse the cranberries thoroughly, and pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Proper preparation ensures enhanced flavor and even cooking.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Place them in the skillet and sear each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown, making sure not to cook them fully through to lock in the juices.
3. Make the Sauce: Remove the chicken breasts temporarily from the skillet. In the same pan, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey or maple syrup, and chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Simmer with Chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them carefully into the sauce. Sprinkle the fresh herbs over the top. Cover the skillet and let it simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
5. Finish and Serve: Remove the herbs, taste the sauce, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Spoon the glossy cranberry-orange sauce generously over the chicken breasts and serve immediately for a colorful, flavorful meal.

Notes

• Use fresh cranberries for the best tart flavor; frozen can be substituted but may alter texture slightly.
• Adjust honey or maple syrup amount depending on your preference for sweetness.
• For a gluten-free option, ensure chicken broth is certified gluten-free.
• This recipe pairs well with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
• Leftovers can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: Cranberry Orange Chicken, Skillet Chicken, One-Pan Dinner, Gluten-Free Chicken Recipe, Citrus Chicken