This Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines the tangy sweetness of cranberries and oranges with tender, juicy chicken. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, this one-pan meal is easy to make and bursting with seasonal flavors. The zesty orange and tart cranberries create a deliciously balanced sauce that elevates simple chicken breasts into something extraordinary. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a must-try for any home cook!

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🥘 Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 🍗
• Salt & pepper to taste 🧂
• 1 tbsp olive oil 🫒
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries 🍒
• ½ cup orange juice 🍊
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup 🍯
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp orange zest 🍊
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 🧄
• ½ tsp dried thyme 🌿
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) 🌱

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🔥 Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add cranberries, orange juice, honey (or maple syrup), balsamic vinegar, orange zest, minced garlic, and dried thyme. Stir and simmer for 5–7 minutes, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Cook the Chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).
5. Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley (if using) and serve hot with your favorite sides, like roasted vegetables or rice.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Pair with mashed potatoes, wild rice, or a fresh green salad to soak up the delicious sauce.
• For extra zest, add more orange zest before serving.

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⏰ Prep Time

• Prep: 10 minutes
• Cook: 25 minutes
• Total: 35 minutes

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🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor.
• Perfect Balance: Sweet, tangy, and savory notes in every bite.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, ideal for busy evenings.

Try this Skillet Cranberry Orange Chicken for a delightful twist on a classic chicken dinner. Let us know how it turns out in the comments below! 🍊🍗

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Recipe inspired by seasonal flavors and tested for simplicity and taste.