Skillet Orange Cranberry Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and cozy comfort, Skillet Orange Cranberry Chicken is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender chicken breasts perfectly seared in a skillet, bathing in a luscious sauce where the bright citrusy zing of fresh orange juice meets the sweet-tart pop of whole berry cranberry sauce. This dish is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a colorful plate that brings warmth and cheer to any meal. It’s an exciting blend of simple ingredients coming together to create a truly memorable dinner that you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just the right ingredients is key to nailing the balance of flavors in this recipe. Each item holds its own, from the lightly seasoned flour that creates a delicate crust on the chicken to the fragrant garlic and sweet onions that build the savory base. The fresh orange juice and whole berry cranberry sauce combine for a sauce that’s both silky and vibrant, making every bite unforgettable.

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This coats the chicken, helping to lock in moisture and create a light crust; gluten-free flour works perfectly too.
• 1/4 tsp seasoned salt: Adds a subtle depth of flavor to the chicken’s seasoning, enhancing every bite.
• 24 oz chicken breasts (boneless, skinless): The star protein, tender and ready to soak up all the delicious sauce.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Provides a smooth, rich base for cooking without overpowering flavors.
• 1 tbsp butter: Adds a luxurious richness and helps achieve that gorgeous golden color on the chicken.
• 1/3 cup sweet onion (very finely chopped): Brings a mild sweetness and soft texture that builds the sauce’s complexity.
• 2 cloves garlic (minced): Offers a punch of aromatic savoriness that balances the sweet elements.
• 1/2 cup orange juice: Freshly squeezed if possible, it injects a bright citrus freshness that’s essential to this dish.
• 1 tsp chicken bouillon: Intensifies the savory notes in the sauce, making it truly crave-worthy.
• 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce: Adds that iconic tart-sweet contrast and jewel-like texture to the sauce.
• 1/4 tsp paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the final presentation.
• Fresh parsley (optional for garnish): A fresh pop of green and mild herbaceous flavor to finish the dish with sparkle.

How to Make Skillet Orange Cranberry Chicken

Step 1: Prepare and Coat the Chicken

Before you start cooking, give your chicken breasts a gentle pounding with a meat mallet to ensure they’re an even thickness; this helps them cook evenly. Next, combine your flour and seasoned salt in a sealable bag, add the chicken breasts, and shake them around to coat each piece lightly but thoroughly. This step is crucial because it creates the perfect base for a golden exterior once they hit the skillet.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken in Butter and Olive Oil

Heat the butter and olive oil together in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat until the butter just melts, creating a luscious cooking fat. Then, place your floured chicken breasts in the pan. Sear them for about 4 minutes on one side until they develop a nice, light brown crust. This initial sear locks in the juices and flavors beautifully.

Step 3: Add Aromatics and Brown the Other Side

Flip the chicken over and cook for an additional minute before adding minced garlic and finely chopped sweet onions to the skillet. Stir the onions gently as the chicken finishes browning on both sides over the next 3 minutes. This step releases those wonderful aromas that make the kitchen feel cozy and signals that your dinner is coming together.

Step 4: Create the Tangy Orange Cranberry Sauce

In a small bowl, stir the chicken bouillon into your orange juice to enhance the flavor depth. Pour this mixture into the skillet to deglaze it, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Then, add the whole berry cranberry sauce and paprika, stirring until everything blends smoothly. This bright and luscious sauce will soak into the chicken as it simmers.

Step 5: Simmer and Finish the Dish

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken simmer for 20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. This gentle cooking allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender. If you want a thicker sauce at the end, simply remove the lid, increase the heat to medium, and simmer for a few extra minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.

How to Serve Skillet Orange Cranberry Chicken

Garnishes

To elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top just before serving. The bright green flecks not only add a burst of color but also a mild herbaceous freshness that cuts through the richness of the sauce.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs wonderfully with simple sides that balance its sweet and tangy profile. Think fluffy mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or a fragrant wild rice pilaf to soak up the sauce. Steamed green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts add a lovely crunch and earthiness that complement the dish beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, plate the chicken over a bed of sautéed spinach or buttery egg noodles and drizzle extra sauce over the top. You can also serve it family-style in the skillet itself, letting everyone enjoy the cozy appeal straight from the pan, which always adds a warm, inviting vibe to the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Skillet Orange Cranberry Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal equally if not more enjoyable. Just be sure to store the sauce and chicken together to keep the meat moist and flavorful.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well. Wrap portions tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to warm the sauce evenly. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure delicious, evenly heated leftovers that taste almost as good as fresh.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Skillet Orange Cranberry Chicken?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs can add extra juiciness and flavor. Just remember they might require a slightly longer cooking time and check for doneness accordingly.

Is it necessary to pound the chicken breasts?

Pounding the chicken ensures even thickness, which helps the chicken cook uniformly and stay juicy. If your chicken breasts are already fairly even, you can skip this step.

Can I substitute the cranberry sauce with fresh cranberries?

You can, but keep in mind that fresh cranberries will add more tartness and a different texture. You’d need to cook and sweeten them beforehand to achieve a similar balance found in cranberry sauce.

What can I use if I don’t have chicken bouillon?

If you don’t have chicken bouillon, a small amount of chicken broth or stock can work as a substitute. The goal is to add savory depth to the sauce, so adjust flavors to taste.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for coating the chicken. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Skillet Orange Cranberry Chicken is one of those magical dishes that turns simple ingredients into a celebration of color, flavor, and comfort. It’s perfect for impressing guests or brightening up a weeknight dinner with its cheerful brightness and cozy richness. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a favorite in your rotation. So grab your skillet and get ready for a delicious adventure that your taste buds will thank you for!

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