Cranberry Citrus Glazed Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries - 1/2 cup orange juice - 1/4 cup maple syrup - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 teaspoon ginger, grated - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh thyme or parsley for garnishing You can swap ingredients based on what you have. Use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat. If you lack fresh cranberries, frozen ones work great. You can replace orange juice with lemon juice or apple juice for a twist. Instead of maple syrup, honey can give a nice sweetness. If you want a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Cranberries are rich in vitamins C and K. They help boost your immune system and support heart health. Orange juice adds vitamin C and folate, which are good for your skin and bones. Maple syrup provides antioxidants and minerals like zinc and manganese. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties, and garlic can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Olive oil is a healthy fat that promotes heart health. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. You need four boneless, skinless chicken breasts, one cup of cranberries, and half a cup of orange juice. Also, prepare a quarter cup of maple syrup, two tablespoons of soy sauce, and a teaspoon of grated ginger. Don’t forget two minced garlic cloves, a tablespoon of olive oil, and some salt and pepper. Next, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will get your oven ready for the chicken. While it heats, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This step adds flavor to your dish. In a medium saucepan, add the cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Heat this over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the cranberries pop. This takes about ten minutes. You want the glaze to thicken a bit. Once done, remove it from the heat and set it aside. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear them for about three to four minutes on each side. You want the chicken to turn a nice golden brown. After that, pour the cranberry-orange mixture over the chicken in the skillet. Now, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes. The chicken needs to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). After baking, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for five minutes. Finally, slice the chicken and drizzle it with the remaining glaze. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley to add a pop of color. Enjoy your meal! To sear chicken well, heat your skillet first. Use medium-high heat for best results. Add olive oil to the hot skillet. The oil should shimmer before adding chicken. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet without crowding. This helps them brown nicely. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side. Look for a golden crust. This step adds flavor to your dish. To boost the taste, focus on your glaze. Use fresh or frozen cranberries for the best flavor. Mix orange juice, maple syrup, and soy sauce for a sweet and tangy blend. Ginger and garlic add depth. Let the mixture bubble until the cranberries pop. This thickens the glaze and releases juices. Pour this glaze over the chicken for a tasty finish. A few simple steps help prevent errors. First, don't skip the seasoning. Salt and pepper enhance the chicken's natural taste. Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking. This ensures even cooking. Avoid overcooking; check the chicken's internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest after baking. This keeps it juicy and flavorful. Pro Tips Use Fresh Cranberries: If possible, opt for fresh cranberries for a brighter flavor and better texture in your glaze. Marinate for Flavor: For an even deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the cranberry-orange mixture for a few hours before cooking. Check Chicken Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Customize the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of maple syrup according to your taste preference; feel free to substitute with honey for a different flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavors in this dish easily. Try using apple juice instead of orange juice for a sweeter note. If you want to spice things up, add a dash of chili flakes to the glaze. For a tangy twist, mix in some balsamic vinegar. You can also swap cranberries for pomegranate seeds or cherries for a different taste. Both stovetop and oven cooking work well for this recipe. If you use the stovetop, sear the chicken in a skillet. After searing, add the glaze and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This method cooks the chicken faster. The oven method gives a nice even cook and a slightly crispier texture. It also allows the chicken to soak up more of that tasty glaze. This dish pairs well with many sides. Try serving it with rice or quinoa to soak up the glaze. Roasted veggies or a fresh salad also make great choices. If you want to keep it simple, mashed potatoes are a hit. You could even add some bread to enjoy the sauce. Choose sides that balance the sweet and savory notes of the chicken for a perfect meal. To store leftover cranberry chicken, first let it cool. Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to add some of the glaze to keep it moist. When reheating, I suggest using an oven or stovetop. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the chicken with foil to keep it from drying out. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. If using a stovetop, add a splash of orange juice to the pan and warm it over low heat. This keeps the flavor fresh. You can freeze cranberry chicken if you want to save it for later. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag. Press out all the air before sealing. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just remember to thaw them first. Defrost overnight in the fridge or use the microwave. This helps the chicken cook evenly. The best way to check chicken is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part. Look for a temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear, not pink. You have many tasty options for sides. Here are some ideas: - Steamed broccoli - Rice or quinoa - Mashed potatoes - A fresh green salad - Roasted vegetables These sides complement the sweet and tangy flavors of the chicken. Enjoy your meal! This blog post covered how to make a tasty cranberry chicken dish. We discussed the key ingredients and their health benefits. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and offered tips for perfect results. You learned variations to use different flavors and cooking methods. Finally, I explained how to store and reheat leftovers for best taste. With these insights, you can now create a delicious meal everyone will enjoy.$

Cranberry Citrus Glazed Chicken

A delicious chicken dish with a sweet and tangy cranberry-orange glaze.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
0.5 cup orange juice
0.25 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
for garnishing fresh thyme or parsley

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup, soy sauce, ginger, and minced garlic. Stir until the cranberries begin to pop and the mixture thickens slightly, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Pour the cranberry-orange mixture over the seared chicken in the skillet.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C).
Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Slice the chicken and drizzle with the remaining glaze from the skillet.
Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve with fresh herbs for added flavor.

Keyword chicken, citrus, cranberry, glaze