Description
This Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe combines the tangy flavors of cranberry and orange with savory chicken thighs for a delicious and festive main course. The dish is cooked on the stovetop, making it a convenient option for a holiday dinner or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/3 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon butter
Garnish:
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add orange juice, orange zest, chicken broth, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, cranberries, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir and simmer for 3–5 minutes until the cranberries begin to burst.
- Cook the chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, and cover. Simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
- Finish and serve: Stir in the butter for a glossy finish. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley and serve.
Notes
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
- You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but adjust cook time as needed.
- Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
