Description
This Cranberry Chicken recipe features tender, pan-seared chicken breasts topped with a tangy, sweet homemade cranberry sauce and melted brie cheese. It’s a delightful blend of savory and fruity flavors, perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion meal.
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 to an even thickness. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme leaves to ensure even flavor and cooking.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Cook the onions: In the same skillet, add the finely diced onion, adding a bit more olive oil if necessary, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions are softened and translucent.
- Make the cranberry sauce: Stir in fresh cranberries, orange juice, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar into the skillet. Simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cranberries break down and the sauce thickens to a jam-like consistency.
- Reheat chicken and add cheese: Return the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices back to the skillet. Let it simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes to heat through. Then, top each chicken breast with sliced brie cheese, cover the skillet, and remove from heat. Let it sit for 3 minutes so the cheese softens and slightly melts.
- Serve: Spoon the thickened cranberry sauce generously over each chicken breast and serve warm for a deliciously balanced meal.
Notes
- You can substitute brie with mozzarella or goat cheese if desired.
- Use fresh cranberries for best flavor; frozen can be used but may alter texture slightly.
- Adjust sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less maple syrup or brown sugar.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cranberry chicken, chicken breast recipe, cranberry sauce, stovetop chicken, quick chicken dinner, holiday chicken dish
