Description
This easy Cranberry Glazed Chicken recipe combines juicy chicken with a sweet and tangy cranberry glaze. Perfect for holidays or weeknight dinners—ready in under an hour!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
- Fresh thyme or rosemary, for garnish
- Orange zest or slices, optional
Instructions
1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden brown (about 5–6 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add cranberries, orange juice, honey, balsamic vinegar, mustard, and brown sugar. Stir and simmer for 8–10 minutes until cranberries burst and sauce thickens.
4. Return chicken to the pan, spoon glaze over top, and cook another 5–7 minutes until chicken is cooked through and glaze coats evenly.
5. Garnish with thyme and orange zest. Serve warm with mashed potatoes or wild rice.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
If glaze gets too thick, thin it with a splash of orange juice.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
This recipe works great for holiday dinners or weeknight meals alike.