Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken Recipe
This Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken recipe offers a delightful combination of tangy cranberries and sweet orange glaze, perfectly complementing tender, juicy chicken breasts. The dish is seared to golden perfection, then baked with a vibrant, fruity glaze, resulting in a flavorful and visually appealing main course that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Glaze
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed recommended)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts thoroughly on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to infuse them with flavor before cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust, which locks in juices and adds texture.
- Make the Glaze: In a separate bowl, combine fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard. Stir until the mixture is well blended and ready to use as a flavorful glaze.
- Add the Glaze: Pour the prepared cranberry orange glaze evenly over the seared chicken breasts in the skillet, ensuring each piece is coated for maximum flavor.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), indicating it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Baste the Chicken: Halfway through baking, carefully baste the chicken with the glaze from the skillet to enhance its flavor and retain moisture, resulting in a succulent finish.
- Rest the Chicken: Once baking is complete, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender.
- Garnish: If desired, sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken for a pop of color and added freshness before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor and texture in the glaze.
- Make sure the skillet is oven-safe to avoid damage when transferring from stovetop to oven.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Allowing the chicken to rest after baking prevents juices from escaping when sliced.
- Optional garnishing with parsley adds a fresh herbal note and enhances presentation.
Keywords: cranberry orange glazed chicken, chicken breast recipe, baked chicken, fruit glaze chicken, healthy chicken recipes
