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Cranberry Orange Chicken

A delightful combination of tangy cranberries and sweet orange juice, this dish features tender chicken coated in a lovely sauce, perfect for busy weeknight dinners and family gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 4 pieces chicken breasts
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries No need to thaw if using frozen.
  • 1 cup orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste Salt and pepper Season to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • as needed Orange slices for garnish

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a bowl, mix together the cranberries, orange juice, brown sugar, olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Cooking

  • Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the cranberry-orange mixture over the chicken.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
  • Garnish with orange slices before serving.

Notes

For a thicker sauce, stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a bit of cold water before baking. Make sure the chicken is at room temperature before cooking for even baking. Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it juicy and tender. You can prepare the cranberry mixture and marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight for enhanced flavors.
Keyword Chicken Recipe, Cranberry Orange Chicken, easy weeknight meals, Family-Friendly, Quick dinner