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–+ servings
Cranberry Orange Chicken

Cranberry Orange Chicken: Juicy One-Pan Flavor Explosion

Cranberry Orange Chicken is a festive, one-pan meal that balances sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for holiday dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces Chicken Thighs Bone-in, skin-on
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Use any cooking oil as preferred
For the Sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Enhances the flavors
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper Adds a perfect kick
  • 3 cloves Garlic Minced, use fresh cloves for best results
  • 1 piece Shallot Finely diced, can substitute onions
  • 1 cup Orange Juice Freshly squeezed is recommended
  • 1 cup Chicken Stock Vegetable stock as a vegetarian option
  • 1 tablespoon Orange Zest Fresh zest for maximum flavor
  • 2 tablespoons Honey Can substitute with maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar May substitute with white wine vinegar
  • 1 cup Cranberries Fresh or thawed frozen, avoid canned
  • 1 piece Orange Thinly sliced for garnishing

Equipment

  • large oven-safe skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and pat the chicken thighs dry, seasoning them with salt and pepper.
  2. In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown, then flip and sear the other side for another 4-5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add diced shallots and minced garlic, sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent, scraping browned bits off the pan.
  4. Pour in chicken stock and orange juice, then add orange zest, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Stir in fresh cranberries and return the chicken to the pan, spoon the sauce over the chicken and arrange remaining cranberries and orange slices around.
  6. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 3gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This recipe caters to gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo diets, ensuring everyone can enjoy it. Serve with a garnish of fresh orange slices and extra cranberries for a festive touch.

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