Cranberry Glazed Chicken with Sweet and Savory Flavors

Cranberry Glazed Chicken is a delightful dish that combines sweet and savory flavors in perfect harmony. The tangy cranberry glaze adds a burst of flavor to the succulent chicken, making it an ideal meal for special occasions or a cozy dinner at home. This recipe is simple to prepare, yet it looks and tastes gourmet.

Ingredients


For the Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder

For the Cranberry Glaze

  • 1 cup (240ml) of cranberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) of chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons of honey
  • 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary

Instructions


Making the Cranberry Glaze

  • Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine cranberry sauce, chicken broth, honey, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
  • Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
  • Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Preparing the Chicken

  • Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  • Preheat Skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Cooking the Chicken

  • Sear the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until browned.
  • Add Cranberry Glaze: Pour the cranberry glaze over the chicken, reducing the heat to medium-low.
  • Simmer: Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer in the glaze for 10-12 minutes until cooked through, occasionally spooning the glaze over the chicken.

Using Different Cuts of Chicken

  • Chicken Thighs: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
  • Chicken Drumsticks: Drumsticks can also be used for this recipe. Make sure to sear and cook them thoroughly.

Adding Fresh Herbs

  • Fresh Thyme and Rosemary: Use fresh thyme and rosemary in the cranberry glaze for an extra burst of flavor.
  • Parsley and Cilantro: Garnish the finished dish with fresh parsley or cilantro for added color and freshness.

Incorporating Other Fruits

  • Orange Zest and Juice: Add orange zest and juice to the cranberry glaze for a citrusy twist.
  • Apples or Pears: Mix in diced apples or pears with the cranberries for a unique flavor combination.

Storing and Reheating Tips

  • Cool Completely: Allow the chicken to cool completely.
  • Store Separately: Store the chicken and glaze in separate airtight containers.
  • Reheat Gently: Reheat the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of the cranberry glaze to keep it moist.


Recipe from Jake Recipes