Description

This Cranberry Chicken recipe combines juicy, seared chicken breasts baked to perfection with a tangy and sweet homemade cranberry sauce made from whole berry cranberry sauce, orange juice, honey, and Dijon mustard. The dish offers a perfect balance of flavors, ideal for an easy weeknight dinner or a festive holiday meal, served best alongside rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce

1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
½ cup orange juice
¼ cup honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Thickening

1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

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Instructions

Preheat and Sear: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes on each side until they are lightly browned, locking in the flavor and juices.
Prepare for Baking: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading them out evenly to ensure even cooking.
Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the whole berry cranberry sauce, orange juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until well combined and smooth.
Bake the Chicken: Pour the prepared cranberry sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Optional Sauce Thickening: If you prefer a thicker sauce, transfer the sauce from the baking dish into a small saucepan after baking. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry, then simmer this with the sauce over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until it thickens to your liking.
Serve: Spoon the thickened sauce over the baked chicken breasts. For a decorative and flavor-enhancing touch, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs or a sprinkle of orange zest before serving.

Notes

Serve this cranberry chicken with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
For a juicier protein alternative, substitute chicken thighs instead of breasts.
You can swap honey with maple syrup to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
Using fresh thyme as a garnish enhances the dish’s aroma and visual appeal.