Cranberry Orange Chicken 🍊🍗

This vibrant and flavorful dish combines juicy chicken with a tangy cranberry-orange sauce that'll impress your guests and family alike. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a festive gathering, this dish is both sweet and savory—sure to make your taste buds dance! Pair it with some fluffy rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. 🌿✨

Ingredients

For the chicken

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

For the cranberry-orange sauce

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for the best flavor!)
• Zest of 1 orange
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (for a vegan option)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Instructions

1. Prep the chicken: Season chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure they are thoroughly coated.

🌱 For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight!

2. Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

🔥 For a char-grilled flavor, use a grill pan or outdoor grill instead of a skillet.

3. Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and red pepper flakes. Stir and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.

🥄 For a smoother sauce, consider using an immersion blender for a few seconds to puree the mixed ingredients.

4. Combine: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the cranberry-orange sauce over them. Allow to simmer together for another 2-3 minutes so the chicken absorbs the flavors.

5. Serve: Plate the chicken and drizzle additional sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley or additional orange zest for an extra pop of color.

🍚 Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or a side of roasted vegetables to soak up the delicious sauce.

Variations

• Add Nuts: Toss in some toasted almonds or walnuts to the sauce for an added crunch and flavor.
• Make it Spicy: Add a chopped jalapeño while cooking the sauce for an extra kick.
• Slow Cooker Option: Place seasoned chicken breasts in a slow cooker, combine the sauce ingredients, and pour over the chicken. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
• Cranberry Substitute: Use pomegranate arils or cherries instead of cranberries to switch up the flavors while keeping that fruity element.

Enjoy this delightful Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe, and watch your family come back for seconds! 🍽️💖