Easy Orange Cranberry Chicken

Transform your weeknight dinners with this Easy Orange Cranberry Chicken, a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors that's bound to impress. Juicy, seared chicken breasts are simmered in a luscious sauce made with fresh orange juice, tangy cranberry sauce, and a hint of honey, perfectly complemented by the subtle umami of soy sauce and bright orange zest. Ready in just 40 minutes, this one-skillet recipe is as convenient as it is delicious, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor. Garnished with dried cranberries and fresh parsley, it’s not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visually stunning dish. Serve this vibrant chicken recipe alongside rice or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that’s packed with festive flair, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy holiday gatherings.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
• 0.5 cup cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 2 tablespoons dried cranberries (for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the orange juice, cranberry sauce, honey, soy sauce, and orange zest. Stir until well combined and the sauce is smooth.

Step 4

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the top of the chicken to coat them evenly.

Step 5

Cover the skillet with a lid and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Stir the sauce occasionally to prevent it from sticking.

Step 6

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove from heat. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more honey for sweetness or soy sauce for saltiness.

Step 7

Serve the chicken warm, spooning extra sauce over the top. Garnish with dried cranberries and freshly chopped parsley for a burst of flavor and color.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1170.9 grams (1170.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1887

Total Fat 53.90g	69%
Saturated Fat 11.30g	57%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 592mg	197%
Sodium 3464mg	151%
Total Carbohydrate 123.30g	45%
Dietary Fiber 2.80g	10%
Total Sugars 111.90g
Protein 220.00g	440%

Vitamin D 91IU	453%
Calcium 129mg	10%
Iron 8mg	45%
Potassium 2440mg	52%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 26.1%

Protein: 47.4%

Carbs: 26.5%