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A close up of Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken
Michonne Zendaya

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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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)

Equipment

  • large skillet with lid
  • wooden spoon
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • zester

Method
 

  1. Season chicken with salt and pepper.
  2. 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.
  3. In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add cranberries, orange juice, honey, soy sauce, orange zest, and thyme. Stir and bring to a simmer.
  5. Return chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over chicken, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.
  6. 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.