Caramelized Cranberry Chicken
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this irresistible Caramelized Cranberry Chicken recipe that balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in every bite. Succulent seared chicken breasts are smothered in a glossy cranberry glaze made with fresh cranberries, honey, balsamic vinegar, and a hint of soy sauce for umami depth. The magic happens in just one skillet, where the cranberries caramelize beautifully, creating a vibrant and mouthwatering sauce that clings to every juicy piece of chicken. With a prep time of only 15 minutes and a total cook time under 30 minutes, this quick and easy dish is perfect for busy nights while being elegant enough for entertaining. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or fluffy rice, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh thyme for a dish that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Keywords: caramelized cranberry chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, skillet chicken recipe, tangy cranberry sauce, quick weeknight meals.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Fresh cranberries
- 0.25 cup Honey
- 2 tablespoons Brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 pieces Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Fresh thyme leaves (optional for garnish)
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, brown sugar, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and a pinch of ground black pepper. Set aside.
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and the remaining black pepper.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add fresh cranberries to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cranberries begin to soften and pop.
Pour the honey-balsamic mixture into the skillet, stirring to coat the cranberries evenly. Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes to thicken slightly.
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the cranberry sauce over the top. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
Remove the skillet from heat and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh thyme leaves, if desired.
Serve hot alongside roasted vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
490 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 16.0 g | 20% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.7 g | 23% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 156 mg | 52% | |
| Sodium | 784 mg | 34% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 30.3 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 24.8 g | ||
| Protein | 54.8 g | 110% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 40 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 2.2 mg | 12% | |
| Potassium | 562 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
