Cranberry Orange Chicken

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Cranberry Orange Chicken

Indulge in the sweet and savory flavors of our Cranberry Orange Chicken! This mouthwatering dish combines the tender juiciness of chicken, the tartness of cranberries, and the brightness of orange zest, all in a delicious and easy-to-make recipe.

Ingredients:

  1.  4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  2. 1/2 teaspoon salt
  3.  1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  4.  1/4 teaspoon paprika
  5.  2 tablespoons olive oil
  6. 1/2 cup fresh orange juice (from about 2 oranges)
  7.  1 tablespoon orange zest (grated)
  8.  1/2 cup chicken broth
  9.  1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup for variation)
  10.  1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  11. 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  12.  1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water, optional for thickening)
  13. 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
  14.  Optional: 1 tablespoon dried cranberries for garnish

Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
2. Sear the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the orange juice, orange zest, chicken broth, honey, and balsamic vinegar. Stir well to combine.
4. Cook the Cranberries:
Add the cranberries to the skillet. Simmer the sauce for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries start to burst and the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If a thicker sauce is desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for 1–2 additional minutes until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
6. Combine and Finish:
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the cranberry-orange sauce over the chicken and cook for another 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and optional dried cranberries. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes, such as rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

See also  Green Salad with Beets, Oranges & Avocado

Tips:

1. Use fresh and high-quality ingredients: Choose fresh cranberries and orange zest for the best flavor and texture.
2. Don’t overcook the chicken: Cook the chicken until it’s just cooked through to prevent dryness and toughness.
3. Add some citrus flavor with orange juice: Use orange juice to add a bright and citrusy flavor to the dish.
4. Experiment with different types of chicken: Try using different types of chicken, such as boneless thighs or breasts, for a unique texture and flavor.
5. Make ahead for a quick dinner: Prepare the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve for a quick and easy dinner.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

1. Calories: 320
2. Protein: 35g
3. Fat: 12g
4. Saturated Fat: 3g
5. Cholesterol: 60mg
6. Carbohydrates: 20g
7. Fiber: 2g
8. Sugar: 10g
9. Sodium: 250mg

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