Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken Recipe
Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken combines tender, seared chicken breasts with a tangy-sweet glaze made from fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, and a hint of soy sauce. Baked to perfection and garnished with fresh parsley, this dish offers a beautiful balance of flavors ideal for a festive dinner or a comforting weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Glaze
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken breast for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown, sealing in the juices.
- Make the Glaze: In a bowl, mix together fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
- Add the Glaze: Pour the prepared glaze evenly over the seared chicken breasts in the skillet, covering them well.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
- Baste the Chicken: About halfway through baking, use a spoon to baste the chicken with the glaze, which helps maintain moisture and intensify flavor.
- Rest the Chicken: Once out of the oven, allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes to let the juices redistribute, making it tender.
- Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken for a pop of color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- Using freshly squeezed orange juice and fresh cranberries will give the best flavor.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Oven-safe skillets, such as cast iron, are recommended to sear and bake in the same pan.
- For a thicker glaze, simmer the glaze separately before adding it to the chicken.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated and enjoyed within 3 days.
Keywords: cranberry orange glazed chicken, baked chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner, citrus chicken glaze, holiday chicken dish
