When you take a bite of this Cranberry Chicken recipe, you’ll experience a symphony of flavors dancing on your palate. Picture tender chicken bathed in a sweet-tart cranberry sauce, with hints of garlic and herbs wafting through the air, enticing everyone to the table. slow cooker chicken alfredo Cranberry pork loin recipe It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and joy to any gathering.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use frozen cranberries in this recipe?
- What side dishes pair well with cranberry chicken?
- How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This dish isn’t just for those fancy dinner parties; it’s perfect for cozy nights in or when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat. Trust me, every forkful is a delightful adventure that keeps you coming back for more, leaving everyone wondering how they can replicate that amazing flavor explosion. For more inspiration, check out this Caramel Coconut Cookies recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Cranberry Chicken recipe offers simplicity without skimping on flavor
- You can whip it up quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The vibrant colors and luscious sauce create an eye-catching presentation
- Its versatility allows for pairing with various sides to suit any occasion
I remember the first time I made this dish; my friends were blown away by how something so simple could taste so divine!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work well; adjust based on your guest list or appetite.
- Fresh Garlic: Use firm cloves for robust flavor; don’t skimp here!
- Cranberry Sauce: Opt for homemade or store-bought; both work wonderfully to create that signature tang.
- Honey: This adds sweetness; local honey is always a great choice for extra flavor.
- Olive Oil: A splash helps brown the chicken beautifully while enhancing its richness.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate your dish’s overall taste.
- Fresh Rosemary or Thyme: These herbs add depth and aroma; fresh is ideal but dried works in a pinch.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare the Chicken: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken breast until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side, creating a lovely crust.
Add Garlic and Herbs: Toss minced garlic into the skillet after flipping the chicken. Stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds, allowing the aroma to fill your kitchen.
Create the Sauce: In a bowl, mix cranberry sauce and honey until smooth. Pour this magical mixture over the chicken in the skillet, coating each piece generously.
Bake Until Cooked Through: Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring juicy perfection.
Serve and Enjoy!: Remove from oven and let rest for five minutes. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme before serving to elevate its visual appeal and aroma.
Now you’re ready to enjoy this delightful Cranberry Chicken recipe! The blend of sweet and savory will have everyone asking for seconds! sweet potato and sausage bake.
You Must Know
- This delightful cranberry chicken recipe brings together sweet and savory flavors
- It’s perfect for cozy dinners, and the vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes as well
- Your family will love it, and it’s super easy to prepare!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken until golden, then simmer in cranberry sauce for a juicy finish. This method ensures flavorful chicken while allowing the sauce to develop rich flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cranberries for apricots or add spices like cinnamon for a unique twist. Personalizing this dish can elevate its flavor profile and make it your own.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cranberry chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to maintain moisture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F internally
- Avoid overcrowding the pan when searing; this helps achieve that golden crust!
- Lastly, let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy
Cooking this cranberry chicken recipe always reminds me of Thanksgiving dinners with my family. classic meatloaf recipe The laughter and chatter around the table made every bite even more memorable!
FAQ
Can I use frozen cranberries in this recipe?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well; just adjust cooking time slightly for thawing.
What side dishes pair well with cranberry chicken?
For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe.
Mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables complement this dish beautifully!
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; chicken is done at 165°F internal temperature.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Cranberry Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in this Cranberry Chicken recipe, where tender chicken meets a luscious sweet-tart cranberry sauce, elevated by garlic and fresh herbs. Perfect for cozy nights or impressing guests, this dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth to any gathering. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, your family will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme (or ½ tsp dried)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet after flipping the chicken. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- In a bowl, mix cranberry sauce and honey until smooth. Pour over the chicken in the skillet.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (170g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
