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
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.
Notes
Use fresh chicken for juicier results.
Adjust sweetness with honey or maple syrup depending on the cranberry sauce.
Avoid overcooking chicken; internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Sear first to lock in moisture.
Simmer gently to avoid burning sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course / Dinner
- Method: Skillet / Sauté
- Cuisine: American / Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: cranberry chicken, sweet and savory chicken, holiday chicken, quick chicken dinner