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Cranberry Orange Baked Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 37 reviews
  • Author: Elina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Cranberry Orange Baked Chicken is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that transforms simple chicken breasts into a mouthwatering main course. This recipe features a tangy orange and cranberry glaze with hints of honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard, perfectly seared and then baked to juicy perfection. An easy yet impressive dish ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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

  1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it is hot enough for baking the chicken evenly.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to build a flavorful foundation.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for about 5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
  4. Make the Glaze: In a separate bowl, whisk together fresh cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
  5. Add the Glaze: Pour the prepared glaze evenly over the seared chicken breasts in the skillet, coating each piece thoroughly.
  6. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
  7. Baste the Chicken: Halfway through baking, carefully baste the chicken with the glaze from the skillet to enhance flavor and keep it moist.
  8. Rest the Chicken: Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  9. Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

  • Using freshly squeezed orange juice and freshly grated orange zest greatly enhances the flavor of the glaze.
  • For extra tang, substitute honey with maple syrup or reduce honey for less sweetness.
  • This dish pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad.
  • Make sure to use an oven-safe skillet to go seamlessly from stovetop searing to oven baking without transferring.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to retain moisture.

Find it online: https://recipes.mbeams.com/cranberry-orange-baked-chicken-recipe/