Skillet Orange Cranberry Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a dinner that’s bursting with vibrant flavor yet incredibly simple to prepare, you’re going to love this Skillet Orange Cranberry Chicken Recipe. Tender chicken breasts cooked in a luscious, tangy cranberry-orange sauce make for a dish that’s nothing short of a taste sensation perfect for weeknights or special occasions alike.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Bright and Bold Flavors: The marriage of zesty orange juice and sweet-tart cranberry sauce creates an irresistible sauce that wakes up your taste buds.
Simple Ingredients, Stunning Results: This recipe requires no fancy pantry staples — just everyday ingredients transformed into a gourmet meal.
Quick and Easy Cleanup: Everything cooks in one skillet, meaning less time washing dishes and more time enjoying dinner.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you serve this at a family dinner or holiday gathering, it’s sure to impress and satisfy all palates.

Ingredients & Substitutions

The beauty of the Skillet Orange Cranberry Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing an essential role. Flour seasons and helps brown the chicken, while fresh orange juice brightens the sauce. Sweet onion and garlic build savory depth, with cranberry sauce adding that iconic holiday flair. Every element combines to create a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

• All-purpose flour: Use as a coating for the chicken to develop a crispy, golden crust; gluten-free flour works great as a substitute.
• Seasoned salt: Adds a subtle but tasty depth; if you want control over sodium, regular salt plus a pinch of pepper works well.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Pound them for even cooking and tender texture.
• Olive oil & butter: A combo that brings both richness and a beautiful sear to the chicken.
• Sweet onion & garlic: These aromatics soften in the pan creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
• Orange juice: Fresh is best for brightness, but good-quality bottled juice works in a pinch.
• Chicken bouillon: For an umami boost and to enrich the sauce; Better Than Bouillon roasted chicken base gives wonderful depth.
• Whole berry cranberry sauce: Adds sweetness and a lovely texture; homemade cranberry sauce is perfect if you want to DIY.
• Paprika: Just a pinch for subtle smoky warmth.
• Fresh parsley: Optional, but fresh herbs add a pop of color and freshness when garnishing.

How to Make Skillet Orange Cranberry Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness — this not only tenderizes the meat but also ensures perfectly uniform cooking. Next, toss them gently in a sealable bag containing all-purpose flour mixed with seasoned salt. This coating will help create a light, golden crust when cooked.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the butter just melts, add your coated chicken breasts. Cook for about four minutes on one side until a beautiful golden crust forms. Then flip the chicken, cook for an additional minute, giving it a lovely sear on both sides.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Develop Flavor

After flipping the chicken, stir in the minced garlic and finely chopped sweet onion. Let them soften and release their captivating aroma over the next three minutes, stirring occasionally—this step forms the flavorful base that complements the bright sauce beautifully.

Step 4: Create the Tangy Orange Cranberry Sauce

Mix the chicken bouillon into fresh orange juice and pour it into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the pan. Add cranberry sauce and a pinch of paprika, stirring everything together for a vibrant, glossy sauce that will coat your chicken perfectly.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cover the skillet. Let the chicken cook for about 20 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, allowing it to soak in all those lively flavors. If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid at the end and let it cook on medium heat for another 2-3 minutes to reduce.

How to Serve Skillet Orange Cranberry Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the finished dish to add a pop of vibrant green and a hint of fresh herbaceousness. A few orange zest strips can also brighten the presentation and echo the citrus notes in the sauce beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up that amazing orange cranberry sauce. Roasted vegetables, like Brussels sprouts or green beans, add a nice contrast with their slight crunch and earthiness, giving your meal a perfect balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve individual portions over a bed of wild rice mixed with toasted pecans and dried cranberries for texture and extra flavor bursts. Plating the chicken with a drizzle of reserved sauce around the edge adds an elegant restaurant-quality feel your guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it a convenient option for quick lunches or dinners during the week.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover portions by placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Be sure to cool the dish completely before freezing and consume within 2 months for the best taste and texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to maintain the chicken’s juiciness and prevent the sauce from drying out, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until warmed through.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Skillet Orange Cranberry Chicken Recipe is truly a delicious way to bring a burst of sunshine and holiday cheer to your dinner table. It’s simple, satisfying, and wrapped in flavors that feel both familiar and exciting. Give it a try—you won’t regret warming up your kitchen with this lovely skillet meal!

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