Description
This Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken is a flavorful and festive dish perfect for holiday dinners or special occasions. Juicy chicken thighs are cooked in a tangy and sweet cranberry orange sauce, creating a delightful combination of savory and fruity flavors.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (optional, for thinner sauce)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken:
Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season with salt and black pepper on both sides. - Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear for 5–6 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for another 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. - Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey, thyme, and rosemary. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, allowing the cranberries to burst and the sauce to thicken slightly. - Cook the Chicken in Sauce:
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, skin-side up. Spoon some sauce over the chicken. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). - Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley and additional orange zest if desired. Serve hot with the cranberry orange sauce spooned over the top.
Notes
- For boneless, skinless chicken breasts, reduce the cooking time to prevent overcooking.
- This dish pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes.
- You can substitute cranberries with dried cranberries soaked in orange juice for a few minutes if fresh or frozen are unavailable.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 120mg