Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken
This skillet cranberry orange chicken is a flavorful dish featuring juicy seared chicken simmered in a tangy cranberry-orange sauce. A festive and easy dinner perfect for holidays or weeknights.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 350kcal
Cost: 17
Equipment
- large skillet with lid
- wooden spoon
- measuring cups and spoons
- zester
Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 0.5 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 0.5 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tsp fresh thyme)
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add cranberries, orange juice, honey, soy sauce, orange zest, and thyme. Stir and bring to a simmer.
- Return chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over chicken, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
Use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs for best flavor. Fresh cranberries work beautifully, but frozen can be substituted. Pair with rice, couscous, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.