Short Description
Tender chicken breasts are seared and then baked in a vibrant cranberry-balsamic glaze, resulting in a succulent main dish that balances savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. Garnished with fresh herbs, this dish elevates any weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Flavorful and balanced: Combines tart cranberries, rich balsamic vinegar, and honey for a harmonious sauce.
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Simple preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps yield a gourmet-quality meal.
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Impressively versatile: Pairs beautifully with green beans, roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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Fresh or frozen cranberries
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Balsamic vinegar
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Honey or maple syrup
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Garlic cloves, minced
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Olive oil
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Salt & pepper
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Fresh thyme or rosemary, for garnish
Directions
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Preheat oven to 200 °C (400 °F).
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Season the chicken: Salt and pepper each breast.
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Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
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Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, combine cranberries, balsamic vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and minced garlic.
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Combine and bake: Pour the cranberry mixture over the seared chicken in the skillet.
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Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and cranberries are softened.
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Finish and serve: Spoon extra sauce over the chicken, garnish with fresh thyme or rosemary, and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
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Yield: 4 servings
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Preparation Time: 5 minutes
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Cooking Time: 5 minutes (searing) + 15–20 minutes (baking)
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Total Time: Approximately 25–30 minutes
Variations
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Use fresh or frozen cranberries: Frozen berries work well—no need to thaw.
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Spice it up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
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Citrus twist: Include a splash of orange juice or zest for a bright note.
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Sweetness swap: Use maple syrup instead of honey for deeper caramelized flavor.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Let cool slightly and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, spooning the sauce over chicken, or microwave in 30‑second intervals until warm.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes. Bone-in or boneless thighs work well; adjust baking time to 20–25 minutes to ensure doneness.
2. Do I need to thaw frozen cranberries before using?
No. You can add them directly; they’ll soften during baking and release their juices.
3. What should the internal temperature of the chicken be?
Cook chicken until it reaches 165 °F (74 °C) internally, measured with a meat thermometer.
4. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the cranberry mixture in advance and store it tightly covered in the fridge. Pour over chicken just before baking.
5. Is balsamic vinegar essential?
It adds depth and acidity. Substitute with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a lighter flavor, adjusting sweetness accordingly.
6. How can I thicken the sauce?
Simmer it after baking for a few minutes, or mix in ½ teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in water before baking.
7. Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Sear the chicken first, then combine everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 3–4 hours or high for 1½–2 hours.
8. What side dishes pair best?
Serve with roasted Brussels sprouts, garlic mashed potatoes, wild rice, or buttered noodles for a complete meal.
9. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
10. How do I make this dairy-free?
The recipe is already dairy-free. Add a pat of butter to the sauce if you prefer a richer finish, but it’s optional.
Conclusion
Cranberry Balsamic Chicken Breasts combine bright fruitiness with rich savory notes to create an elegant yet easy main dish. With minimal prep and satisfying depth of flavor, it’s ideal for both everyday dining and special occasions. Enjoy this dish with your favorite sides for a meal that’s sure to impress.
[tasty-recipe id=”19794″]