Introduction

Cranberry Chicken is a delightful blend of savory and tart flavors that make for a special yet simple dinner. Tender chicken breasts are cooked to perfection and topped with a luscious cranberry sauce and melted brie. This dish brings a touch of elegance to your weeknight meals without requiring complicated steps.

Cranberry Chicken with Brie and Orange-Maple Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ small yellow onion (finely diced)
1½ cups fresh cranberries
½ cup orange juice
2 tablespoons maple syrup (or brown sugar)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
4 ounces brie cheese (sliced and rind removed, or mozzarella cheese)

Instructions

Step 1: Pound the chicken breasts with the flat side of a meat mallet to an even thickness. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and thyme leaves.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Step 3: Add the diced onion to the skillet, adding a bit more olive oil if needed, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
Step 4: Stir in the cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar. Simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries break down and the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Return the chicken and any juices to the skillet. Let it simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until heated through. Top each chicken breast with brie cheese, cover, and remove from heat. Let sit for 3 minutes until the cheese softens.
Step 6: Spoon the cranberry sauce over each chicken breast and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

Use mozzarella instead of brie for a milder cheese flavor and easier melting.
For extra depth, add a splash of red wine to the cranberry sauce while simmering.
If fresh cranberries aren’t available, frozen cranberries work well—just add a couple extra minutes to simmer time.
Serve with wild rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Storage

Store leftover cranberry chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. The sauce may thicken when chilled; add a splash of orange juice to loosen it when reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be substituted. They may require slightly longer cooking time but will remain juicy and flavorful.

Is there a non-dairy alternative to brie cheese?

You can use a non-dairy cheese that melts well, such as vegan mozzarella, or omit the cheese and garnish with fresh herbs for an equally tasty dish.

Cranberry Chicken with Brie and Orange-Maple Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 136 reviews

Cranberry Chicken is a flavorful and vibrant dish featuring tender pan-seared chicken breasts topped with a tangy and slightly sweet cranberry sauce and melted brie cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe blends savory herbs, fresh cranberries, and a touch of maple syrup to create an irresistible balance of flavors.

Author: Ella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce

½ small yellow onion (finely diced)
1½ cups fresh cranberries
½ cup orange juice
2 tablespoons maple syrup (or brown sugar)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Topping

4 ounces brie cheese (sliced and rind removed, or mozzarella cheese)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts with the flat side of a meat mallet until they reach an even thickness. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme leaves to evenly distribute the spices.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Sauté Onions: In the same skillet, add the diced yellow onion. Add more oil if necessary. Cook the onions for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften and become translucent, enhancing their natural sweetness.
Make the Cranberry Sauce: Stir in the fresh cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar into the skillet with the onions. Let the mixture simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cranberries will break down and the sauce will thicken to a rich consistency.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts along with any accumulated juices to the skillet with the cranberry sauce. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for 1 to 2 minutes so it heats through and absorbs some of the flavors.
Add Cheese and Rest: Place slices of brie cheese on top of each chicken breast, cover the skillet, and remove it from the heat. Let the chicken rest for 3 minutes, allowing the cheese to soften and slightly melt over the warm chicken.
Serve: Spoon the thickened cranberry sauce generously over each piece of chicken and serve warm. Enjoy a delightful combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.

Notes

For a milder cheese option, mozzarella can be substituted for brie.
Pounding the chicken ensures even cooking and tender texture.
This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
The sauce can be made a day ahead and reheated gently before serving.
Fresh cranberries provide a vibrant tartness, but frozen cranberries can be used as a substitute.

Keywords: cranberry chicken, chicken breast recipe, cranberry sauce chicken, skillet chicken, fall dinner recipe, quick chicken dish