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Holiday Cranberry Chicken Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 69 reviews

The Holiday Cranberry Chicken Bake is a festive and flavorful dish that features juicy, seared chicken breasts topped with a vibrant cranberry glaze made from fresh cranberries, orange juice, honey, garlic, and rosemary. This recipe balances sweet, tart, and savory elements to create an elegant yet comforting meal perfect for holiday dinners or cozy winter nights. The chicken is first seared to lock in moisture, then baked with the tangy glaze to enhance the depth of flavor, making it a stunning centerpiece for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Cranberry Glaze:

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • ½ cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred)
  • ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced

Optional Garnishes:

  • Fresh rosemary sprigs
  • Thin orange slices or zest curls
  • Extra whole cranberries for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven and prepare chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
  2. Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown, which helps to lock in juices and create a beautiful crust. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Make the cranberry glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries, orange juice, honey, salt, rosemary, orange zest, and minced garlic. Cook while stirring occasionally until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat once a syrupy consistency is reached.
  4. Assemble and bake: Pour the cranberry glaze evenly over the seared chicken breasts in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
  5. Garnish and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, orange slices, and extra cranberries for a festive and attractive presentation. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness and prevent overcooking.
  • Searing the chicken before baking helps lock moisture and adds appealing color.
  • Ensure cranberry glaze thickens enough to coat the chicken but is not too thick.
  • Use fresh herbs and citrus zest for brightness and freshness.
  • Choose chicken breasts of similar size and thickness for even cooking.
  • Add shallots or red onion sautéed with the chicken for savory depth.
  • Top with toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch and extra flavor.
  • Serve over mashed sweet potatoes or creamy polenta for a comforting meal.
  • Add a pinch of cayenne to the glaze if you prefer a little heat.
  • Butter-baste the chicken during baking for richer flavor and moisture.
  • Use dried cranberries soaked in orange juice as an alternative to fresh or frozen cranberries.

Keywords: Cranberry chicken, holiday chicken recipe, baked chicken breast, cranberry glaze, festive chicken bake, winter dinner recipe

Find it online: https://ellaeatsdaily.com/holiday-cranberry-chicken-bake-recipe/