Description
A vibrant and flavorful Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe featuring juicy boneless skinless chicken thighs cooked to perfection in a tangy cranberry orange sauce made with fresh cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup, and warm spices. This easy skillet dish is perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner with a bright citrus twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Cranberry Orange Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups (150 g) cranberries, fresh or frozen
- 2/3 cup (166 g) orange juice
- 1/4 cup (79 g) pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup (50 g) light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons orange zest
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Orange slices, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, paprika, and black pepper. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken thighs to ensure even flavoring.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the skillet. Depending on your skillet size, cook in batches if needed. Cook the chicken for 5 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken and place it on a plate, tenting loosely with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- Make the cranberry orange sauce: Reduce the heat under the skillet to medium-low. To the same skillet, add the cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup, brown sugar, orange zest, minced garlic, and kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the cranberries soften, about 10 minutes. Scrape up any browned bits from the skillet and gently crush some cranberries with a spoon to release their juices.
- Reheat the chicken in sauce: Nestle the cooked chicken thighs back into the skillet with the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and cook for about 1 more minute, just until the chicken is warmed through and glazed with the sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the dish with fresh orange slices if desired. Serve the Cranberry Orange Chicken warm as a zesty, comforting main course.
Notes
- Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for juicy, flavorful meat that cooks evenly.
- Fresh or frozen cranberries work well; frozen cranberries just need a bit more cooking to soften.
- Adjust sweetness by balancing maple syrup and brown sugar according to your taste.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
