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Skillet Cranberry Orange Glazed Chicken

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This easy one-pan dinner features juicy chicken seared with rosemary and finished in a sweet-tart cranberry orange glaze. It’s a quick, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
  • 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 tablespoon chopped; use half if dried)
  • 1 cup (100g) fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) freshly squeezed orange juice (from 1 large orange)
  • Zest of 1 orange
  • 2–3 tablespoons (30-45ml) honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) cornstarch (optional, for thicker glaze)
  • Optional garnishes: extra rosemary sprigs, orange slices or zest

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper. Let rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add rosemary sprigs and let sizzle for 30 seconds.
  3. Place chicken in the skillet (skin-side down if using thighs). Sear for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken to a plate, leaving rosemary and oil in the pan.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Stir in cranberries, orange juice, orange zest, honey or maple syrup, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer for 4-5 minutes, smashing cranberries as they burst. If desired, mix cornstarch with a splash of broth and stir in for a thicker glaze.
  6. Optional: For a smooth glaze, carefully transfer sauce to a blender and pulse for 10-20 seconds. Skip this step for a rustic texture.
  7. Return chicken to the skillet, spooning glaze over each piece. Simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and glaze is sticky (internal temp should reach 165°F).
  8. Optional: If skillet is oven-safe, broil for 2-3 minutes to caramelize the glaze. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  9. Remove from heat. Garnish with extra rosemary, orange zest, or orange slices. Spoon glaze over chicken before serving.

Notes

For best results, use fresh rosemary and freshly squeezed orange juice. If using chicken breasts, pound to even thickness for even cooking. Taste the glaze before finishing and adjust sweetness or tartness as needed. The glaze can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. For a vegetarian version, substitute tofu or chickpeas for chicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry orange chicken, skillet chicken, one pan dinner, holiday chicken, easy chicken recipe, gluten-free, rosemary chicken, weeknight dinner, healthy chicken, festive chicken

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/skillet-cranberry-orange-glazed-chicken-recipe-easy-one-pan-dinner/