Description
Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken a festive and flavorful dish featuring golden-seared chicken simmered in a tangy-sweet cranberry orange sauce with hints of garlic, honey, and herbs. Perfect for holidays or cozy winter dinners.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
1 tbsp orange zest
2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
1/4 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tbsp butter
Fresh rosemary or thyme, for garnish
Orange slices, for serving
Instructions
1. Pat chicken dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Stir in cranberries, orange juice, zest, honey, chicken broth, vinegar, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
6. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until cranberries burst and sauce thickens slightly.
7. Stir in butter and return chicken to the pan, spooning sauce over the top.
8. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes until chicken is coated and heated through.
9. Garnish with fresh herbs and orange slices before serving.
Notes
Use bone-in chicken thighs for even more flavor and juiciness.
Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for deeper color and tang.
This sauce pairs beautifully with pork or turkey as well.
Serve with wild rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Keywords: cranberry orange chicken, skillet chicken, holiday chicken recipe, citrus glaze, festive dinner