Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Step 1
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
Step 2
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside on a plate.
Step 3
- In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, brown sugar, chicken broth, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and rosemary.
Step 4
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5
- Use the back of a spoon to mash some of the cranberries, leaving a few whole for texture. The sauce should be glossy and syrupy.
Step 6
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Pour the cranberry glaze over the top, spreading it evenly.
Step 7
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the chicken simmer in the glaze for 5–8 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse and the sauce to thicken further.
Step 8
- Check that the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
Step 9
- Spoon extra glaze over the chicken and garnish with fresh herbs or cranberries for a festive touch.
Step 10
- Serve warm with your favorite sides — mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or wild rice all pair beautifully with this dish.
Notes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
– Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
– Freeze cooked chicken (without garnish) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Tip: The glaze thickens in the fridge, so reheat slowly to bring it back to silky perfection. 🥄 Variations Make your Sweet and Savory Cranberry Glazed Chicken your own with these tasty twists: Spicy Cranberry Glaze: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for a touch of heat. Honey Cranberry Glaze: Stir in 1 tbsp honey for added sweetness and shine. Orange Infusion: Replace lemon juice with orange juice and add a little zest for citrus flair. Garlic Butter Finish: Whisk 1 tbsp butter into the glaze at the end for a richer sauce. Cranberry Herb Mix: Add chopped parsley or basil for a garden-fresh twist. Balsamic Touch: A drizzle of balsamic glaze (non-alcoholic) gives depth and tang. Cranberry BBQ: Mix the glaze with a spoonful of BBQ sauce for a smoky version. Vegetarian Version: Use the same glaze over roasted cauliflower steaks or tofu. Cranberry Chicken Thighs: Substitute thighs for extra juicy, flavorful meat. Coconut Cream Glaze: Add a splash of coconut milk for a tropical, creamy variation. ❓ 10 FAQs Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes! Frozen cranberries work perfectly — no need to thaw before cooking. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs stay extra juicy and soak up the glaze beautifully. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes — prepare it up to 2 days ahead and store in the fridge. Reheat gently before using. Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-searing?
Definitely. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, then brush with glaze. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Can I double the recipe?
Yes — double both the glaze and chicken quantities for larger gatherings. How do I thicken the glaze if it’s too thin?
Simmer longer or stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — this recipe is naturally dairy-free when made as listed. Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Yes — simply warm it in the cranberry glaze for 10 minutes until heated through. What sides go best with this dish?
Serve with mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, roasted root vegetables, or a fresh salad. 🏁 Conclusion This Sweet and Savory Cranberry Glazed Chicken is everything a festive main dish should be — flavorful, vibrant, and effortlessly elegant. The tangy-sweet cranberry glaze perfectly complements the juicy chicken, creating a meal that feels special enough for the holidays yet simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner. Each bite offers a harmony of textures and flavors — the tender chicken, the sticky glaze, and the herbaceous aroma that fills your kitchen. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a crisp autumn evening, this dish is sure to impress everyone at your table. So grab your skillet and cranberries, and treat yourself to a holiday-worthy chicken dinner that’s sweet, savory, and absolutely unforgettable.
– Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
– Freeze cooked chicken (without garnish) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Tip: The glaze thickens in the fridge, so reheat slowly to bring it back to silky perfection. 🥄 Variations Make your Sweet and Savory Cranberry Glazed Chicken your own with these tasty twists: Spicy Cranberry Glaze: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes for a touch of heat. Honey Cranberry Glaze: Stir in 1 tbsp honey for added sweetness and shine. Orange Infusion: Replace lemon juice with orange juice and add a little zest for citrus flair. Garlic Butter Finish: Whisk 1 tbsp butter into the glaze at the end for a richer sauce. Cranberry Herb Mix: Add chopped parsley or basil for a garden-fresh twist. Balsamic Touch: A drizzle of balsamic glaze (non-alcoholic) gives depth and tang. Cranberry BBQ: Mix the glaze with a spoonful of BBQ sauce for a smoky version. Vegetarian Version: Use the same glaze over roasted cauliflower steaks or tofu. Cranberry Chicken Thighs: Substitute thighs for extra juicy, flavorful meat. Coconut Cream Glaze: Add a splash of coconut milk for a tropical, creamy variation. ❓ 10 FAQs Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes! Frozen cranberries work perfectly — no need to thaw before cooking. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs stay extra juicy and soak up the glaze beautifully. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes — prepare it up to 2 days ahead and store in the fridge. Reheat gently before using. Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-searing?
Definitely. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes, then brush with glaze. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Can I double the recipe?
Yes — double both the glaze and chicken quantities for larger gatherings. How do I thicken the glaze if it’s too thin?
Simmer longer or stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — this recipe is naturally dairy-free when made as listed. Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Yes — simply warm it in the cranberry glaze for 10 minutes until heated through. What sides go best with this dish?
Serve with mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, roasted root vegetables, or a fresh salad. 🏁 Conclusion This Sweet and Savory Cranberry Glazed Chicken is everything a festive main dish should be — flavorful, vibrant, and effortlessly elegant. The tangy-sweet cranberry glaze perfectly complements the juicy chicken, creating a meal that feels special enough for the holidays yet simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner. Each bite offers a harmony of textures and flavors — the tender chicken, the sticky glaze, and the herbaceous aroma that fills your kitchen. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a crisp autumn evening, this dish is sure to impress everyone at your table. So grab your skillet and cranberries, and treat yourself to a holiday-worthy chicken dinner that’s sweet, savory, and absolutely unforgettable.