Description
Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken is a flavorful and vibrant dish featuring juicy chicken thighs cooked in a tangy and sweet cranberry orange glaze. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or festive holiday meal, this recipe combines fresh cranberries, zesty orange juice, and a hint of rosemary for an irresistible savory-sweet balance.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Sauce
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- ½ cup orange juice (fresh or bottled)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder for balanced flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and nicely seared. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Cranberry Sauce: Using the same skillet, add the cranberries, orange juice, honey or maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, and orange zest. Stir together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to begin thickening the sauce.
- Simmer with Chicken: Return the seared chicken thighs to the skillet, spooning some sauce over each piece. Add the rosemary sprig if desired for extra aroma. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and the cranberries have burst, creating a rich glaze.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the rosemary sprig, plate the chicken, and spoon extra sauce on top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a fresh, colorful touch.
Notes
- This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Bone-in chicken thighs can be substituted; adjust cooking time to ensure chicken is fully cooked.
- Frozen cranberries can be used directly from the freezer without thawing.
