Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken

$- 4 boneless chicken breasts - 1 cup cranberry sauce - 1/2 cup fresh orange juice - 1 tablespoon orange zest - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 2 garlic cloves, minced - 1 teaspoon ginger, grated - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, for garnish Using fresh and high-quality ingredients makes a big difference. I recommend using fresh oranges for juice and zest. This adds brightness and a nice aroma. Opt for natural cranberry sauce, free from additives. It gives a pure flavor to the dish. Choose organic chicken breasts, if possible. They often have better taste and texture. You can make this dish your own with simple swaps. If you can’t find fresh orange juice, use store-bought juice. Just make sure it’s 100% juice without added sugars. If you want less sweetness, cut back on honey. You can also swap garlic for shallots for a milder taste. If you need a soy-free option, use coconut aminos instead. This keeps the flavor while catering to your needs. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken, start with simple steps. First, gather your ingredients. You need chicken breasts, cranberry sauce, orange juice, and more. Next, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking. You’ll mix the glaze in a bowl while the oven heats up. Now, let’s cook the chicken. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes. Look for a nice golden color. This step locks in the juices and flavor. After searing, it’s time for the glaze. In a bowl, mix cranberry sauce, orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Pour this glaze over the chicken in the skillet. Ensure each piece is coated well. Then, place the skillet in the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once done, let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your tasty dish! To get juicy chicken, start with good quality meat. Choose fresh, boneless chicken breasts. Before cooking, season them well with salt and pepper. This brings out their natural flavor. Sear the chicken in hot olive oil. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step locks in moisture. After searing, pour the glaze over the chicken. Bake it until it reaches 165°F (75°C). Let it rest for five minutes before serving. This helps keep it juicy. The glaze is the star of this dish. To make it even better, use fresh ingredients. Fresh orange juice and zest add brightness. Mix the cranberry sauce with honey for sweetness. Soy sauce gives a salty kick. Don’t skip the garlic and ginger; they add depth. Taste the glaze before pouring it on the chicken. Adjust it by adding more honey or salt if needed. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Cranberry orange glazed chicken pairs well with many sides. Serve it with rice or quinoa for a filling meal. Roasted veggies, like carrots and broccoli, add color and nutrients. A light salad with spinach and nuts complements the dish nicely. For a festive touch, serve it with mashed potatoes. Don’t forget to sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. This dish looks great on any dinner table. Pro Tips Marinate for More Flavor: Let the chicken marinate in the glaze for at least 30 minutes before cooking to enhance the flavor. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh orange juice and zest will give the glaze a brighter and more vibrant flavor compared to bottled juice. Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Serve with Sides: Pair the glazed chicken with rice or roasted vegetables to balance the sweetness of the glaze. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken for turkey or tofu. Turkey works great, especially around holidays. Use turkey breasts just like the chicken. Make sure to adjust the cooking time. Tofu is a wonderful plant-based choice. For tofu, use firm or extra-firm. Press the tofu first to remove water. This helps it absorb the glaze better. You can change the flavors with spices or herbs. Try adding thyme or rosemary for an earthy taste. A pinch of cumin can bring warmth. If you love heat, add a dash of red pepper flakes. These tweaks make the dish unique. Always start with small amounts and taste as you go. What you serve with this dish can change everything. Rice or quinoa works well as a base. They soak up the delicious glaze. Roasted veggies like carrots or Brussels sprouts add color and crunch. A fresh green salad can balance the meal. You can also serve it with warm bread to soak up the sauce. To keep your cranberry orange glazed chicken fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Let the chicken cool down to room temperature before sealing. Place it in the fridge if you plan to eat it within three to four days. Make sure to label the container with the date, so you know how long it has been stored. For reheating, oven or stovetop is best. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. If using the stovetop, add a splash of water or broth to a skillet. Heat over medium-low, covering the pan to keep the moisture in. This way, your chicken stays juicy and tasty. If you want to save the chicken for a longer time, freeze it. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This keeps the taste and texture just right. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it first. Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight for the best results. This helps keep the meat juicy and tender. You can store leftover chicken for about 3 to 4 days. Place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Always let it cool down before sealing it. This way, it won’t get soggy. Great side dishes for this chicken include: - Rice pilaf - Mashed potatoes - Roasted vegetables - Green salad - Quinoa These sides add color and flavor to your meal. Enjoy experimenting with your favorites! In this blog post, we explored how to make a tasty Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken. I shared a detailed list of ingredients and gave tips on their quality and possible substitutes. We covered step-by-step instructions, ensuring your chicken stays juicy. I also offered ideas for variations and the best ways to store leftovers. Remember, cooking can be fun and easy. With these tips, you can enjoy a delicious meal that you created! Enjoy your cooking journey!$

Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken

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

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless chicken breasts
1 cup cranberry sauce
0.5 cup fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon orange zest
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, grated
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine cranberry sauce, orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix well to create the glaze.
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Pour the cranberry orange glaze over the seared chicken, making sure to coat each piece evenly.
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).
Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Notes

Let the chicken rest before serving for better flavor.

Keyword chicken, cranberry, dinner, glazed, orange