Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken offers a delightful balance of tart and sweet flavors, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. The juicy chicken breasts are coated in a vibrant glaze that combines fresh cranberries and bright orange zest.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Step 3: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir well to create the glaze.
5. Step 5: Pour the glaze over the seared chicken breasts in the skillet.
6. Step 6: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Step 7: Halfway through baking, baste the chicken with the glaze to enhance flavor and keep it moist.
8. Step 8: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
9. Step 9: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly squeezed orange juice for the best brightness, but store-bought works in a pinch.
• Swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a subtle spicy kick.
• Serve with rice or roasted vegetables to soak up the delicious glaze.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or orange juice to keep the glaze saucy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well. Just thaw them before mixing into the glaze to ensure even cooking.

What can I substitute if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

You can use yellow mustard or whole grain mustard as an alternative, though the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 104 reviews

Delight in this vibrant Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken recipe featuring tender, seared chicken breasts bathed in a tangy-sweet glaze made from fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, and a hint of soy sauce. Perfectly baked to juicy perfection, this dish marries citrus brightness with rich, savory undertones, making it an elegant yet simple meal for any occasion.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Glaze

• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready when the chicken and glaze are prepared.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder for balanced flavor throughout.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
4. Make the Glaze: In a separate bowl, combine fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard, stirring well to create a well-blended glaze.
5. Add the Glaze: Pour the prepared glaze over the seared chicken breasts in the skillet, ensuring they’re well coated to infuse flavor.
6. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to guarantee thorough cooking.
7. Baste the Chicken: Halfway through baking, baste the chicken with the glaze from the skillet to maintain moisture and enhance the flavor profile.
8. Rest the Chicken: After removing the skillet from the oven, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
9. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the cooked chicken breasts for an optional burst of color and fresh herb aroma before serving.

Notes

• Using freshly squeezed orange juice elevates the glaze’s citrus brightness.
• An oven-safe skillet simplifies the process by allowing searing and baking in the same pan.
• Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
• For a thicker glaze, you can simmer the cranberry-orange mixture on the stovetop before pouring over the chicken.
• Fresh parsley is optional but adds a nice visual and flavor contrast.

Keywords: Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken, baked chicken breast, citrus chicken, cranberry glaze, healthy chicken recipe, easy dinner