Cranberry Glazed Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries - 1/2 cup honey - 1/4 cup orange juice - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Cranberry glazed chicken is a dish full of flavor and color. The main star is the chicken. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a quick cook and easy eating. Cranberries add a sweet and tart taste. You can use fresh or frozen cranberries. Both work well. Honey plays a big role in the glaze. It brings sweetness and helps the glaze stick to the chicken. Add a splash of orange juice for bright flavor. Soy sauce gives depth and a hint of saltiness. Dijon mustard adds a touch of heat and complexity. Garlic powder and dried thyme enhance the dish, giving it warmth and earthiness. You’ll need salt and pepper to season the chicken. Olive oil helps to sear the chicken, giving it a nice crust. Finally, fresh parsley adds a pop of green and freshness when you serve the dish. These ingredients come together to make a simple yet delicious meal. Each bite is a mix of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheating the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step gets the oven ready for the chicken. 2. Cooking the cranberry glaze: In a medium saucepan, mix together cranberries, honey, orange juice, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and thyme. Heat on medium until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens, about 10-12 minutes. 3. Searing the chicken breasts: While the glaze cooks, take four boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season them with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for about five minutes on each side until golden brown. 4. Baking the chicken with glaze: Once the chicken is seared, pour the thick cranberry glaze over it. Make sure each piece is coated. Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). - Tips for properly searing chicken: Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This helps create a nice golden crust. Avoid moving the chicken too much while it cooks for the best sear. - How to make the glaze thick and flavorful: Stir the glaze often while it cooks. This helps the cranberries break down and mix with the other flavors. If it is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer. - Resting period for the chicken: After baking, take the chicken out and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy. - Spoon extra glaze before serving: Before serving, drizzle some extra glaze over the chicken. This adds extra flavor and looks great on the plate. - Garnishing techniques: Chop fresh parsley and sprinkle it on top. This adds a pop of color and a fresh taste. Serve your cranberry glazed chicken on a rustic board or a white platter to highlight the dish. To make sure your chicken is cooked well, check its internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to be accurate. This step keeps it safe to eat and juicy. You can adjust the glaze to fit your taste. Want it sweeter? Add more honey. Prefer a tangy flavor? Increase the orange juice. This dish is flexible, so feel free to experiment. For side dishes, steamed green beans work great. A light salad also pairs nicely. These sides add color and texture to your plate. When plating, use a rustic wooden board or a white platter. This helps the vibrant cranberry sauce stand out. Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra touch of color. You will need a medium saucepan for the glaze. A large oven-safe skillet helps with searing and baking the chicken. Keep a meat thermometer handy. It helps ensure your chicken is cooked just right. A spatula makes it easy to handle the chicken while cooking and serving. Pro Tips Tip Title: Fresh Cranberries for Brightness: Using fresh cranberries instead of frozen will give your glaze a brighter flavor and a more vibrant color. Tip Title: Sear for Flavor: Don’t skip the searing step! It adds a delicious crust to the chicken and enhances the overall flavor. Tip Title: Resting Time: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy. Tip Title: Customize Your Glaze: Feel free to experiment with additional spices, such as cinnamon or ginger, to give the cranberry glaze a unique twist. {{image_2}} You can change the glaze’s sweetness using different sweeteners. Maple syrup or agave nectar works great. Each brings its unique taste to the dish. You can also add spices or herbs to change the flavor. Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or rosemary for a woodsy flavor. These small changes can make a big difference. If you prefer, you can swap chicken for turkey. Turkey breast works well with this glaze and is just as tasty. For a vegetarian option, try tofu. Just make sure to press the tofu to remove excess water. Cooking times will change with different proteins. Turkey may need a bit longer, while tofu takes less time. You can get creative with how you serve this dish. Try making wraps or sandwiches. Use the glazed chicken as a filling with fresh greens and your favorite sauce. You can also add more vegetables to the dish. Stir in steamed broccoli or roasted bell peppers for color and extra nutrition. These variations keep the meal fun and fresh! After you enjoy your cranberry glazed chicken, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the chicken moist and fresh. Place the container in the fridge. You can safely store it for up to three days. If you're unsure, check the smell and color before eating. Always label the container with the date so you know when you made it. To freeze cranberry glazed chicken, first let it cool completely. Then, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag or a freezer-safe container. This prevents freezer burn. You can freeze the chicken for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheating your cranberry glazed chicken correctly keeps it tasty. Here are some methods: - Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. - Microwave: Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds to avoid overcooking. - Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth, then add the chicken. Cover and heat for about 5-7 minutes. These methods help maintain the flavor and texture. Enjoy your meal! How long does it take to cook cranberry glazed chicken? It takes about 45 minutes to cook cranberry glazed chicken. This includes 10 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of baking time. The chicken will cook fully and be ready to enjoy in just over half an hour. Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh/frozen? You can use dried cranberries, but the glaze will be different. Dried cranberries are sweet and may not give the same tart flavor as fresh or frozen. If you use dried, add a bit of water to help create the glaze. What sides go well with cranberry glazed chicken? Many sides pair well with cranberry glazed chicken. I recommend steamed green beans or a light salad. You could also serve it with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the delicious glaze. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part. The chicken should no longer be pink and the juices should run clear. This blog post covered a delicious cranberry glazed chicken recipe. You learned about the key ingredients, preparation steps, and useful cooking techniques. With tips for presentation and variations in flavors, I hope you feel confident to try this dish. Remember, personal touches can make your meal unique. Enjoy exploring storage methods to keep leftovers fresh. Keep experimenting with proteins and flavors to find your favorite. This recipe is not just easy; it's also a fun way to impress friends and family. Happy cooking!$

Cranberry Glazed Chicken

A delicious chicken dish coated in a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup honey
1 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, honey, orange juice, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and thyme. Stir well and cook until the cranberries start to burst and the mixture thickens slightly, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat.
While the sauce is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
Once the chicken is seared, pour the cranberry glaze over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated well.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Spoon extra glaze over the chicken before serving.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and flavor.

Notes

Serve the glazed chicken on a rustic wooden board or white platter to highlight the vibrant colors of the cranberry sauce. Pair with steamed green beans or a light salad for a complete meal.

Keyword chicken, cranberry, dinner, glazed