Savory Cranberry Glazed Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh cranberries - 1/2 cup chicken broth - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh thyme for garnish - If you want to switch honey, use maple syrup or agave nectar. - For broth, low-sodium chicken broth works well. You can also use vegetable broth. - If fresh cranberries are hard to find, dried cranberries can work in a pinch. Just soak them in warm water for a few minutes. Using these substitutions can help you make this dish suit your taste. Adjusting ingredients keeps your cooking fresh and fun! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even cooking. 2. Gather your ingredients. You will need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh cranberries - 1/2 cup chicken broth - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh thyme for garnish 3. Make the cranberry glaze. In a small saucepan, mix the cranberries, chicken broth, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. 4. Bring the mix to a boil over medium heat. Stir often. After it boils, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. The cranberries will burst, and the sauce will thicken. 1. Sear the chicken. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. 2. Place the chicken in the skillet. Sear each side for 3-4 minutes. You want a nice brown color. 3. Add the glaze. Once both sides are browned, pour the cranberry glaze over the chicken. Make sure each piece is well coated. 4. Bake the chicken. Move the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). 1. Let the chicken rest. After baking, take it out of the oven. Let it sit for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep the chicken juicy. 2. Serve the chicken. Drizzle more cranberry glaze from the skillet over each piece. Garnish with fresh thyme for a beautiful finish. - To ensure perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (75°C). - Avoid burning the glaze by simmering on low heat. Stir often to keep it from sticking. - For extra warmth, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. This will give your dish a nice kick. - Pair your chicken with fresh herbs like rosemary or sage. These herbs add depth to the flavor. - Garnish the chicken with fresh thyme. It adds color and a lovely aroma. - For visual appeal, plate the chicken with some of the cranberry glaze drizzled on top. Use a white plate for contrast. Pro Tips Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide a vibrant flavor and texture compared to dried ones, enhancing the sauce's overall taste. Let the Sauce Thicken: Allowing the sauce to simmer until it thickens will intensify the flavors and create a delicious glaze for the chicken. Rest the Chicken: Letting the chicken rest after baking helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful dish. Garnish for Presentation: Adding fresh thyme not only garnishes the dish but also enhances the aroma, making it visually appealing and appetizing. {{image_2}} You can easily switch up the protein in this dish. Instead of chicken, try turkey or pork. Both work well with the cranberry glaze. Turkey breast offers a lean option. Pork chops add a savory, juicy touch that pairs nicely with cranberries. Want a vegetarian dish? Use tofu as an alternative. Firm tofu absorbs flavors well. It becomes crispy when you pan-sear it. This option makes the meal tasty and filling. For those who enjoy a kick, try adding spices to the glaze. A pinch of red pepper flakes can bring heat. You can also experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or sage. They add depth to the sweet and tart flavor. Seasonal fruits are another way to change the glaze. Try adding diced apples or pears. They blend beautifully with cranberries. This twist offers a fresh, fruity taste that excites your palate. If you prefer a slow cooker, this recipe adapts easily. Combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. The chicken will soak up all the flavors and stay tender. Grilling is another great option. You can grill the chicken breasts for a smoky flavor. Just brush on the glaze in the last few minutes of cooking. This method gives you a nice char while keeping the meat juicy. To keep your savory cranberry glazed chicken fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work great. Make sure to cool the chicken before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture buildup. You can reheat your chicken in two ways: the microwave or the oven. - Microwave: Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it loosely with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second bursts until warm. - Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warm. To keep the chicken juicy, add a splash of chicken broth before reheating. If you want to freeze your chicken, here’s how to do it right. First, let the chicken cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then place it in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. - Thawing process: When ready to eat, move the chicken to the fridge for several hours or overnight. You can also thaw it in cold water for quicker results. Never thaw chicken at room temperature. Can I use frozen cranberries? Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just add them to the pan without thawing. They will cook down well in the glaze. The flavor remains rich and tart, making a great sauce. How do I know when the chicken is done? Check the chicken's internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for the best results. The chicken should also look golden brown and juicy. What should I serve with savory cranberry glazed chicken? Pair your chicken with rice or mashed potatoes. Roasted vegetables also work well. A fresh salad can add a nice crunch and balance the meal. What to do if the glaze is too thick? If your glaze is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. Stir it well and heat gently until it reaches your desired consistency. This will help you keep that great flavor. How to fix overcooked chicken? To fix overcooked chicken, slice it and add it to the glaze. Simmer gently to soak up moisture. This can help bring back some juiciness and flavor. Is this recipe gluten-free? This recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce. Many brands offer gluten-free options. Check the label to ensure it meets your needs. Low-carb alternatives for the recipe For low-carb options, replace honey with a sugar-free sweetener. You can also serve it with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. This keeps the meal low in carbs but still tasty. This recipe for savory cranberry glazed chicken is both simple and delicious. We covered the key ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking methods to ensure success. You learned how to adapt flavors, store leftovers, and answer common questions. Experiment with different proteins and spices to make it your own. Enjoy the tasty results! Your cooking skills can grow with each recipe, leading to flavorful meals. Take this knowledge to create something special tonight.$

Savory Cranberry Glazed Chicken

A delicious chicken dish glazed with a sweet and tangy cranberry sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh cranberries
0.5 cup chicken broth
0.25 cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste fresh thyme for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, chicken broth, honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly. Stir occasionally.
While the sauce simmers, heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until nicely browned. Remove the skillet from the heat.
Pour the cranberry glaze over the seared chicken, ensuring that each piece is well coated.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Serve the chicken drizzled with additional cranberry glaze from the skillet and garnish with fresh thyme.

Notes

Let the chicken rest before slicing for juicier meat.

Keyword chicken, cranberry, glazed, savory