Dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be memorable. With a few simple ingredients, you can transform a plain chicken dish into something extraordinary. Enter Simple Cranberry Sauce Chicken — a dish that balances the sweet-tart flavor of cranberry sauce with tender, juicy chicken. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday meals, or anytime you want a touch of elegance without hours in the kitchen.

Cranberries aren’t just for Thanksgiving. Their vibrant flavor and beautiful color make them a versatile ingredient that pairs surprisingly well with chicken. Combined with a few pantry staples, this dish becomes a crowd-pleaser that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

Ingredients: Everything You’ll Need

This recipe serves 4 people generously.

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Cranberry Sauce:

1 (12-ounce / 340 g) can whole cranberry sauce or homemade equivalent
2 tablespoons orange juice
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for warmth)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs
Orange zest
Toasted pecans

Instructions: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps them sear properly. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Rub the seasonings in gently to ensure even coverage.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken breasts. Sear each side for about 3–4 minutes until golden brown. The goal is to lock in juices while creating a flavorful crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if necessary.

Step 3: Prepare the Cranberry Sauce

While the chicken sears, mix the cranberry sauce, orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and cinnamon (if using) in a small bowl. Stir well until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust salt or sweetness to your preference. The balance of tart and sweet is key here.

Step 4: Simmer the Chicken in Cranberry Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the cranberry sauce over the seared chicken in the skillet. Spoon the sauce over each breast to coat it evenly. Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 10–12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Stir occasionally to blend flavors.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Once cooked through, remove the skillet from heat. Transfer the chicken to a serving plate and spoon the sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs, a little orange zest, or toasted pecans for texture and added flavor.

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

Use Fresh Chicken: Fresh, high-quality chicken ensures juicy, flavorful results. Avoid frozen chicken that hasn’t been thawed properly.
Balance Sweet and Tart: Depending on your cranberry sauce, you may need to adjust sweetness with honey or maple syrup.
Don’t Overcook: Overcooked chicken becomes dry. Use a meat thermometer to hit 165°F (74°C) for perfect tenderness.
Sear First: Searing locks in moisture and adds a rich, caramelized flavor that enhances the cranberry sauce.
Simmer Gently: Keep the heat low when simmering the chicken in sauce to avoid burning or curdling flavors.

Variations

White Wine Cranberry Chicken: Replace half the orange juice with white wine for a slightly tangy, complex flavor.
Spicy Cranberry Chicken: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cranberry sauce for a gentle heat.
Creamy Version: Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream or coconut cream to the sauce before serving for a luscious, creamy variation.
Baked Version: Place seared chicken in a baking dish, pour the cranberry sauce on top, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes.
Herb-Infused: Add fresh thyme, sage, or rosemary to the sauce while simmering to deepen the flavor profile.

Conservation and Storage

Refrigerator:

Store leftover chicken and cranberry sauce in an airtight container.
Keeps well for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to maintain moisture.

Freezer:

While chicken can be frozen, the cranberry sauce may change texture.
Freeze cooked chicken without sauce in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and adding freshly prepared cranberry sauce.

Serving Suggestions

With Rice or Quinoa: Spoon sauce over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up all the flavor.
With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes pair beautifully with the sweet-tart sauce.
With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes for a balanced meal.
As a Sandwich: Slice leftover chicken and cranberry sauce onto a crusty roll for a quick lunch option.
Holiday Twist: Add extra herbs and pecans to make it a centerpiece dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Conclusion: Sweet, Savory, and Unforgettable

Simple Cranberry Sauce Chicken is a dish that transforms everyday ingredients into a culinary delight. The sweet and tangy cranberry sauce elevates tender chicken, creating a balance of flavors that is both comforting and elegant. Its simplicity makes it accessible for weeknight dinners, yet impressive enough for holiday meals or special occasions.

With a few variations, this recipe adapts to your taste and dietary preferences, whether you prefer creamy, spicy, or herb-infused versions. Leftovers are easy to store and versatile, making this dish a practical and flavorful addition to your recipe rotation.

Next time you want a dish that’s both effortless and memorable, reach for Simple Cranberry Sauce Chicken. Its sweet, savory, and aromatic combination will satisfy your cravings and become a new favorite for family and friends alike.

Save

Simple Cranberry Sauce Chicken: A Sweet & Savory Delight

Author: hafsahafsa
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Transform everyday chicken into a sweet and savory delight with this Simple Cranberry Sauce Chicken. Juicy chicken breasts simmered in a tangy cranberry sauce make for a quick, elegant weeknight dinner or a festive holiday meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Cranberry Sauce:

1 (12-ounce / 340 g) can whole cranberry sauce or homemade equivalent

2 tablespoons orange juice

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs

Orange zest

Toasted pecans

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Rub evenly.

Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown. Avoid overcrowding.

Prepare the Cranberry Sauce: Mix cranberry sauce, orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and cinnamon in a small bowl. Stir until smooth; adjust salt and sweetness as needed.

Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Pour cranberry sauce over chicken. Spoon to coat evenly. Cover and simmer 10–12 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Stir occasionally.

Finish and Garnish: Transfer chicken to a plate, spoon sauce on top. Garnish with rosemary/thyme, orange zest, or pecans. Serve warm.