Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my new favorite dish: Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken! It’s this beautiful medley of savory chicken, tart cranberries, and bright orange that just sings on your taste buds. The first time I made it, I was surprised at how quickly it came together and how much flavor packed into every bite. The sweet and tangy combination is not only unique but also incredibly comforting. I remember serving it to my family and watching their eyes light up with every mouthful. It’s one of those dishes that makes you feel accomplished, yet it requires minimal effort. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become a go-to weeknight dinner that you’ll want to make again and again. It’s pure deliciousness in a skillet!
Ingredients List
- 4 chicken breasts – boneless and skinless for easy cooking
- 1 cup fresh cranberries – don’t skimp on freshness; they add a tart pop!
- 1 orange – zested and juiced, giving that bright citrus flavor
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for that perfect sauté
- 1 tablespoon honey – to balance the tartness with a touch of sweetness
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – because garlic makes everything better!
- Salt and pepper to taste – season generously for maximum flavor
How to Prepare Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken
- First, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want it nice and hot to get that beautiful golden color on the chicken.
- While the oil is heating up, season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Don’t be shy—this is where you build flavor!
- Once the skillet is ready, carefully place the chicken in the pan. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they’re done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Now, it’s time to add the cranberries. Toss them into the skillet along with the freshly squeezed orange juice and the zest. Wow, the aroma is going to be incredible!
- Drizzle the honey over the mixture, giving it a nice sweetness that balances the tart cranberries.
- Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Finally, serve hot and enjoy the delightful medley of flavors! You’ll be amazed at how simple yet satisfying this dish is.
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk nutrition! This Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken is not only delicious but also a balanced meal. Each serving (that’s one chicken breast) is estimated to have around 320 calories, with 10 grams of fat and 28 grams of protein, making it a hearty option for any dinner table. You’ll also get about 20 grams of carbohydrates, which is great for energy. Plus, it’s got a touch of sweetness from the honey and cranberries, with approximately 10 grams of sugar. Remember, these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of how nourishing this dish can be!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich flavor from the combination of sweet cranberries and zesty orange.
- Healthy ingredients that pack a protein punch with each serving.
- One-skillet meal means less cleanup—win-win!
- Versatile dish that pairs beautifully with various sides.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken turns out absolutely perfect! First, make sure your chicken is at room temperature before cooking; this helps it cook evenly. If you want to adjust the flavors, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat or switch out the honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness. Also, keep an eye on the cranberries; they should pop and soften but not completely disintegrate. If you’re in a rush, you can slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to speed up the cooking time. And remember, fresh ingredients make a world of difference, so go for those vibrant cranberries and a juicy orange. Trust me, these little tweaks will elevate your dish and impress everyone at the table!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken! For an earthy twist, try adding a teaspoon of fresh rosemary or thyme while the chicken cooks. You could also throw in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. If you love heat, a dash of cayenne pepper can kick things up a notch. Feeling tropical? Add some diced pineapple during the last few minutes of cooking for a sweet, fruity surprise! And don’t hesitate to experiment with different citrus fruits—lemon or lime can add a fresh zing as well!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken, I love pairing it with fluffy white rice or quinoa to soak up all that delicious sauce. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a nice crunch and balances out the flavors perfectly. You could even serve it with some roasted vegetables for a hearty, colorful plate. Trust me, whatever you choose, it’ll be a delightful complement to this vibrant chicken dish!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! To store your Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken, simply place it in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 days, so you can enjoy those flavors again soon! When it’s time to reheat, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat to warm it up gently. Just add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist and prevent it from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh? Yes, you can definitely use frozen cranberries! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the skillet. They might be a bit softer, but they’ll still pack that tart flavor.
What can I substitute for honey? If you want to switch it up, maple syrup or agave nectar would work well. Both add a nice sweetness without overpowering the dish.
How do I store leftovers? Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove to keep everything juicy!
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prep everything in advance and just cook it when you’re ready to eat. It’s a great meal prep option!
What sides go well with this chicken? This chicken pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad. You can’t go wrong with a crispy side to balance the flavors!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
For tips on cooking chicken, you can refer to this food safety guide.
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Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken: 7 Steps to Pure Bliss
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A savory skillet dish featuring chicken, cranberries, and orange.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Add cranberries, orange juice, and zest to the skillet.
- Drizzle honey over the mixture.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor.
- Adjust sweetness with more or less honey.
- Serve with rice or salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken