Skillet Spiced Cranberry Chicken Recipe

This festive one-pan Skillet Spiced Cranberry Chicken recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings or any time you crave a burst of flavor! Juicy chicken breasts are seared to perfection and then simmered in a tangy, aromatic cranberry sauce with hints of orange and spice. Use fresh cranberries for peak season flavor, or substitute frozen or dried cranberries for year-round enjoyment. Customize the sweetness to your liking – we prefer a vibrant, tangy profile. Serve this show-stopping dish with your favorite sides like fluffy rice, savory stuffing, and seasonal vegetables for a complete and unforgettable meal.

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Calories 247.1 kcal
Protein 50g
Rating 4.0 (1 Reviews)
Skillet Spiced Cranberry Chicken 15

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Skillet Spiced Cranberry Chicken

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How to Make Skillet Spiced Cranberry Chicken

  1. Season 2 (6-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice, 1/2 teaspoon finely grated orange zest, and 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Carefully add the chicken breasts and sear for 2 minutes per side, until lightly browned.
  4. Pour in 2 tablespoons water or apple juice, reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and keep warm.
  6. In the same skillet, add 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, 1/2 cup diced apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended), 1/4 cup cranberry chutney, 1 teaspoon grated orange zest, 2 tablespoons orange juice, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon cider vinegar. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  7. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
  8. Reduce heat to low, simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the cranberries begin to burst and the apples are softened, stirring occasionally.
  9. Return the chicken to the skillet, gently toss to coat in the sauce, and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
  10. Serve immediately, spooning the cranberry sauce over the chicken. Garnish with fresh orange zest (optional). Serve with rice, stuffing, and your favorite seasonal vegetables.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

5 g

Sugar

37g

Fat

7g

Carbs

4g