Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken An Incredible Ultimate Recipe You Must Try
Elevate your weeknight dinner or impress guests with this exquisite Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken. Succulent chicken breasts are perfectly seared then bathed in a vibrant, sweet-tart glaze, creating an unforgettable symphony of flavors. This dish is surprisingly simple to prepare, delivering gourmet taste with minimal effort, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25-30 minutes
Total Time
40-45 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- A perfect balance of sweet, tart, and savory flavors in every bite.
- Visually stunning, making it ideal for both weeknight meals and special occasions.
- Requires minimal cleanup thanks to the one-pan searing and baking method.
- Incredibly tender and juicy chicken, thanks to the searing and basting technique.
- Customizable with different herbs or a touch of spice for varied palates.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 600-800 grams / 1.3-1.7 pounds total)
- 240 milliliters (1 cup) fresh cranberries
- 240 milliliters (1 cup) freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 60 milliliters (1/4 cup) honey
- 30 milliliters (2 tablespoons) soy sauce
- 30 milliliters (2 tablespoons) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature before the chicken goes in, promoting even cooking.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps create a better sear. Season generously on both sides with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor.
- In a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works best), heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet and sear for approximately 5 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. This searing locks in juices and builds depth of flavor.
- While the chicken sears, prepare the vibrant glaze. In a separate medium bowl, combine the fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Whisk all the ingredients together thoroughly until well combined.
- Once the chicken is seared, pour the prepared cranberry orange glaze evenly over the chicken breasts in the skillet. Ensure each piece is well-coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) when measured with an instant-read thermometer at the thickest part. The glaze will thicken and caramelize beautifully.
- Halfway through the baking time, open the oven and carefully baste the chicken with the glaze from the skillet. This step continuously moistens the chicken and builds layers of flavor, allowing the glaze to penetrate and adhere.
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven. Tent the skillet loosely with foil and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in incredibly tender and moist chicken.
- If desired, sprinkle a generous amount of freshly chopped parsley over the Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken just before serving for a burst of fresh color and herbaceous aroma. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large oven-safe skillet (cast iron recommended)
- Whisk
- Medium mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Instant-read meat thermometer
- Tongs
- Cutting board and knife
Essential Success Tips
- Always pat chicken dry before searing: Excess moisture prevents a good sear, leading to steamed rather than browned chicken. A dry surface ensures that beautiful golden crust.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet: Cook chicken in batches if necessary to ensure proper searing. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature and prevents browning.
- Use fresh orange juice and zest: The quality of your citrus significantly impacts the glaze's brightness and flavor. Freshly squeezed is always superior.
- Monitor internal temperature: An instant-read thermometer is your best friend for perfectly cooked chicken. Remove chicken promptly at 75°C (165°F) to avoid dryness.
- Rest the chicken: This step is non-negotiable for juicy results. It allows the muscle fibers to relax and reabsorb juices, preventing them from escaping when sliced.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- Elevate the Glaze: For an even richer glaze, after removing the chicken, reduce the remaining sauce in the skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until it thickens further to a syrupy consistency. Drizzle this concentrated glaze over the chicken just before serving.
- Infuse with Aromatics: While searing the chicken, toss in a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme with the olive oil. Remove it before adding the glaze, but its subtle essence will have permeated the chicken and oil, adding another layer of complexity.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes added to the glaze mixture can introduce a subtle warmth and counterpoint to the sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile without making it overtly spicy.
Notes
- Storage: Leftover Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop to prevent drying out.
- Variations: Feel free to add a tablespoon of fresh ginger to the glaze for an extra zing. You can also substitute chicken thighs for breasts, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with wild rice, roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or a simple side salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries can be used. There's no need to thaw them beforehand; simply add them to the glaze mixture directly. They might release a little more liquid, but the glaze will still thicken nicely.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Ensure your soy sauce is certified gluten-free. Many brands offer a tamari alternative that is naturally gluten-free. Otherwise, all other ingredients are typically gluten-free.
What if my glaze isn't thickening?
The glaze should thicken in the oven as it bakes and concentrates. If it still seems too thin after the chicken is cooked, you can remove the chicken, place the skillet back on the stovetop, and gently simmer the glaze over medium heat until it reduces to your desired consistency.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 450, Protein: 45g, Fat: 20g, Carbs: 25g (per serving, estimated)
Allergy Information
Contains soy (from soy sauce). For a soy-free version, use coconut aminos as a substitute. This recipe is naturally gluten-free if using gluten-free soy sauce/tamari and dairy-free.
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