Flavorful One-Skillet Balsamic Cranberry Chicken Recipe

Imagine a dish that bursts with flavor, where the tangy notes of balsamic vinegar dance with the sweet tartness of cranberries, all wrapped around perfectly cooked chicken. With One-Skillet Balsamic Cranberry Chicken, your taste buds are in for a wild ride! The aroma wafts through the air like an invitation to dinner, making you wonder why you ever settled for boring meals. snack with cranberries.

Now picture this: It’s a chilly evening, and you’re gathered around the table with family or friends, laughter filling the room as you serve up this stunning dish. Everyone takes their first bite, and suddenly there’s silence—only the sounds of forks clinking against plates as they savor each mouthful. flavorful meatballs This is not just food; it’s an experience, perfect for cozy dinners or festive gatherings.

I remember the first time I made this dish; my husband thought I had ordered takeout because it smelled so good!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but adjust according to your crowd size.
• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for maximum flavor; they’ll add a delightful aroma to your kitchen.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Use high-quality balsamic vinegar for a rich depth of flavor that elevates the dish.
• Cranberries: Dried cranberries work well here; they add sweetness and chewy texture that balances the acidity. For more inspiration, check out this baked apples with cranberries recipe.
• Chicken Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control saltiness while still providing depth to the sauce.
• Olive Oil: A splash of good olive oil helps sear the chicken perfectly while adding richness.
• Thyme: Fresh thyme leaves offer a lovely herbal note that complements the other flavors beautifully.
• Salt and Pepper: Season generously; these staples bring out all the other flavors in this dish!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil until it shimmers. This is where all the magic begins!

Sear the Chicken**: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add them to the hot skillet and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side.

Add Aromatics**: Toss in minced garlic once you flip the chicken. savory chicken chili Sauté until fragrant; your kitchen will be filled with an irresistible aroma.

Create the Sauce**: Pour in balsamic vinegar and chicken broth after removing chicken briefly from skillet. Scrape up those delicious browned bits while stirring!

Add Cranberries and Thyme**: Stir dried cranberries and fresh thyme into sauce mixture. Let it simmer gently until slightly thickened while returning chicken to skillet.

Finish Cooking**: Cook everything together for another 5-10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and infused with sauce flavor. Enjoy watching it transform before your eyes!

Now gather everyone around as you serve up this One-Skillet Balsamic Cranberry Chicken hot off the stove! They’ll be impressed by how simple yet elegant it looks—perfect for any occasion! For more inspiration, check out this easy baked cranberry turkey sliders recipe.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then add the cranberries and balsamic vinegar to build flavor. This sequence ensures your chicken stays juicy while absorbing all those delicious flavors.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap cranberries for dried cherries or add a splash of orange juice for zest. These small changes can elevate your dish and make it uniquely yours.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to retain moisture and tenderness.

Cooking this one-skillet balsamic cranberry chicken quickly became my go-to recipe for gatherings; everyone raves about it, and I love how easy it is! creamy chicken pasta.

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Using frozen chicken is not recommended as it won’t cook evenly.

What can I serve with balsamic cranberry chicken?

Pair this dish with rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for extra heat!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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One-Skillet Balsamic Cranberry Chicken

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• Author: platesdaily
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in the deliciousness of One-Skillet Balsamic Cranberry Chicken, a vibrant dish that combines tangy balsamic vinegar and sweet cranberries with tender, juicy chicken. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors that will impress your family and friends. With minimal cleanup and a quick preparation time, you can enjoy an elegant meal without the fuss.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup high-quality balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
2. Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Sear in the hot skillet for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet.
3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
4. Pour in balsamic vinegar and chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Stir to combine.
5. Add dried cranberries and thyme, returning chicken to the skillet. Simmer on low for 5-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional thyme if desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast (170g)
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 110mg