Name: Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs); 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced; 2 large fresh oranges (zested and juiced); 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought); ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tbsp honey; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

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Bright, zesty, and bursting with flavor, the Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet is a dish that dances on your taste buds. Imagine succulent chicken simmering in a vibrant sauce made with tangy cranberries and sweet oranges, all while filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. tangy mango glazed chicken This dish doesn’t just satisfy hunger; it’s like a flavor party in your mouth, ready to elevate any weeknight dinner into something special.

Now let me take you back to that one holiday dinner when I accidentally spilled orange juice all over the chicken in my enthusiastic attempt to impress my family. What was supposed to be a simple roast transformed into a culinary adventure as I embraced the chaos and added cranberry sauce for good measure. And guess what? It was an absolute hit! Now, every time I whip up this Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet, it brings back those hilarious memories while also making my taste buds sing. creamy white chicken chili Whether it’s a casual weeknight or a festive gathering, this dish promises an explosion of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You'll Love This Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet

This amazing Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet: nutritious broccoli cheddar soup.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.
Fresh Oranges: Use juicy oranges for zesting and juicing; they bring sweetness and acidity to balance flavors.
Cranberry Sauce: Opt for homemade or store-bought; either gives a delicious tartness to the dish.

For the Sauce:

Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness.
Honey: Adds sweetness that balances the tartness of cranberries.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet:

Step 1: Preheat Your Pan

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of olive oil. This will create the perfect sear on your chicken.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Season your boneless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once your skillet is hot, add them carefully and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Oranges

Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest. In the same skillet, throw in minced garlic and zest from two fresh oranges. Stir it around for about a minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Mix in Sauces

Pour in cranberry sauce, soy sauce, honey, and fresh orange juice into the skillet. Stir everything together until combined—let it bubble away for about five minutes so all those lovely flavors meld together.

Step 5: Return Chicken to Pan

Nestle your beautifully seared chicken back into the skillet with that luscious sauce. Spoon some of that glorious mixture over each breast and let it simmer for another few minutes.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Transfer your scrumptious creation onto plates or a serving platter. Drizzle with extra sauce if you dare (you should) and garnish with orange slices or fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy!

Serve this delightful Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet hot alongside some fluffy rice or roasted veggies for an incredible meal that not only looks good but tastes even better! Enjoy every bite while reminiscing about those unforgettable kitchen adventures!

You Must Know About Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet

This amazing Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.

Perfecting Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first for that golden-brown crust, then simmer in the cranberry orange sauce while preparing your sides. This sequence ensures everything cooks evenly and flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a dish that’s both juicy and zesty.

Add Your Touch

Consider swapping out chicken for turkey or adding chopped nuts for a crunchy texture. Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavor profile of your Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet and make it uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on low heat to maintain moisture, ensuring your Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet stays as delicious as day one.

Chef's Helpful Tips for Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet

This amazing Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.

I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends devoured it in minutes and insisted I add it to our regular dinner rotation!

FAQs

What is Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet?

Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with the sweet and tart flavors of cranberries and oranges. This one-pan meal not only simplifies cooking but also infuses every bite with a burst of flavor. The chicken is typically seared to perfection and then simmered in a sauce made from fresh orange juice, cranberries, and aromatic herbs. It’s an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or festive occasions, offering both ease and elegance.

How do you make Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet?

To prepare Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet, start by sautéing diced chicken in olive oil until golden brown. Once cooked, remove the chicken and deglaze the pan with orange juice. Add fresh cranberries, honey, and spices to create a luscious sauce. Return the chicken to the skillet, allowing it to absorb all those delicious flavors while simmering for around 10 minutes. Serve it hot over rice or alongside vegetables for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Can I use frozen cranberries in Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries in your Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet recipe. Just be sure to thaw them before adding them to the dish. Frozen cranberries might be slightly more watery than fresh ones, so adjust cooking time if necessary. Using frozen fruit is a great way to enjoy this dish year-round without sacrificing flavor or quality. For more inspiration, check out this Chicken Ramen Recipe recipe.

What sides go well with Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet?

Cranberry Orange Tex Mex Chicken Salad dressed with citrus vinaigrette can also balance out the richness of the dish, creating a well-rounded meal.

Conclusion

In summary, Cranberry Orange Chicken Skillet is an easy yet elegant dish perfect for any occasion. Its combination of sweet and savory flavors makes it appealing to everyone at the table. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings alike. savory sausage and sweet potatoes Enjoy this delightful dish as part of your regular meal rotation, knowing it will impress family and friends with its vibrant taste!