Cranberry Chicken

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Leena Kohli (@leenakohli)

The Cranberry Chicken recipe is great when you want a quick and delicious meal that combines the savoury taste of chicken with the sweet and tangy flavour of cranberries. This dish is easy to make, yet it looks and tastes special, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re...

Prep Time
30min
Cook Time
30min
Total Time
1hr
Cranberry Chicken recipe

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 plate)

For Marination

  • 500g
    boneless chicken breast
  • 1tsp
    salt
  • 1/2tbsp
    freshly ground black pepper
  • 1tbsp
    olive oil
  • 1tbsp
    chopped fresh rosemary
  • 1tbsp
    lemon juice
  • 2tbsp
    cornflour

For Sauce

  • 4tbsp
    cranberry sauce
  • 1tbsp
    apple cider vinegar
  • 1tbsp
    honey

For Cooking

  • 2tbsp
    olive oil
  • 2tbsp
    butter
  • 1tbsp
    garlic, finely chopped
  • 1cup
    onion, finely chopped
  • 1cup
    chicken or vegetable broth

How to make Cranberry Chicken

Marinate the Chicken

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and cut them into 2-inch cubes.

  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken cubes with salt, freshly ground black pepper, olive oil, rosemary, lemon juice, and cornflour. Toss well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.

  3. Allow the chicken to marinate for 20-30 minutes to absorb the flavours.

    Step 1.1: Allow the chicken to marinate for 20-30 minutes to absorb the flavours

Prepare the Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, apple cider vinegar, and honey until smooth. Set aside.

    Step 2.1: In a small bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, apple cider vinegar, and honey until smooth

Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

  2. Add the marinated chicken cubes to the skillet, spacing them out evenly. Sear each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.

    Step 3.1: Add the marinated chicken cubes to the skillet, spacing them out evenly
    Step 3.2: Add the marinated chicken cubes to the skillet, spacing them out evenly
  3. Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

    Step 3.1: Once seared, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside
  4. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Allow it to melt and start bubbling.

  5. Add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

  6. Add the chopped onions and cook until they soften and begin to brown, stirring occasionally.

    Step 3.1: Add the chopped onions and cook until they soften and begin to brown, stirring occasionally
  7. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking to combine it with the onions and garlic.

  8. Return the seared chicken to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes over medium-low heat.

    Step 3.1: Return the seared chicken to the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes over medium-low heat
  9. Pour the prepared cranberry sauce mixture over the chicken, stirring gently to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.

    Step 3.1: Pour the prepared cranberry sauce mixture over the chicken, stirring gently to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce
  10. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.

    Step 3.1: Lower the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly
  11. Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat.

  12. Serve the Cranberry Chicken hot, garnished with a sprig of fresh rosemary. Pair with sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or rice for a complete meal.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

485.0kcal (24.25%)

Protein

42.3g (84.5%)

Carbs

28.0g (10.18%)

Sugars

9.0g (18%)

Healthy Fat

20.1g

Unhealthy Fat

7.0g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. For added texture and flavour, toss in a few whole cranberries to the sauce.

  2. Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to sear it quickly, locking in juices and creating a nice crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain heat and achieve an even sear.

  3. Taste the sauce before simmering. Adjust the sweetness with more vinegar or lemon juice, and the tanginess with extra honey as needed.

  4. If chicken broth isn’t available, substitute it with water and a bouillon cube for a similar depth of flavour.

FAQS

  1. How do I make Cranberry Chicken less sweet without sacrificing flavor?

    To reduce the sweetness of your Cranberry Chicken, simply decrease the amount of honey in the sauce. You can also add more apple cider vinegar or a splash of lemon juice to enhance the tanginess, balancing the flavors beautifully.

  2. What are some healthy side dishes to serve with Cranberry Chicken?

    For a well-rounded meal, consider pairing your Cranberry Chicken with healthy sides like creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, broccoli, or fluffy rice. Quinoa is also a nutritious option that complements the dish nicely.

  3. Can I use different cuts of chicken for this Cranberry Chicken recipe?

    Absolutely! You can substitute chicken breast with thighs, drumsticks, or even bone-in chicken. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the cut you choose, so adjust accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through.

  4. How should I store leftover Cranberry Chicken?

    To store leftover Cranberry Chicken, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it, where it can last for up to 3 months. Just reheat thoroughly before serving.

  5. What can I use as a substitute for rosemary in the Cranberry Chicken recipe?

    If you don't have rosemary on hand, thyme or sage are excellent substitutes that will provide a similar earthy flavor. You can use them in the same quantity as the rosemary called for in the recipe.

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Leena Kohli

(@leenakohli)

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