Irresistible Balsamic Cranberry Chicken Skillet Recipe

The aroma of Balsamic Cranberry Chicken Skillet wafts through the kitchen, enticing everyone with its rich, sweet-tart notes. Imagine succulent chicken pieces simmering in a luscious sauce that dances on your taste buds, creating a delightful explosion of flavors.

This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing friends at a gathering. With its vibrant colors and mouthwatering fragrance, it promises to elevate any mealtime experience, ensuring each bite is nothing short of spectacular.

I vividly remember the first time I served this dish at a family gathering; my cousin’s eyes lit up as he took his first bite.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Opt for 3-4 chicken breasts based on the number of servings you need; they cook evenly and absorb flavors well.

• Fresh Cranberries: Use tart cranberries for that pop of flavor; frozen can work too if fresh are not available.

• Balsamic Vinegar: Choose high-quality balsamic vinegar for a richer taste; it adds depth to the sauce.

• Honey: A touch of honey balances the tartness of the cranberries beautifully; feel free to adjust according to your sweetness preference.

• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic punch; always opt for firm cloves for best flavor.

• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth allows better control over saltiness while enhancing the overall flavor.

• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for cooking; it provides richness and helps in browning the chicken nicely.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste before cooking.

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

How to Make Balsamic Cranberry Chicken Skillet

Prepare yourself for a delightful cooking experience that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas!

Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by gathering all ingredients on your countertop. Rinse fresh cranberries under cold water and pat them dry. Mince garlic cloves finely to release their aromatic goodness.

Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet until shimmering. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper before adding them to the pan; sear until golden brown on both sides (about 5 minutes each).

Add Garlic and Cranberries: Once chicken is browned, add minced garlic and fresh cranberries into the skillet. Stir gently until you start smelling that intoxicating aroma—about 30 seconds should do!

Create the Sauce: Pour balsamic vinegar and honey over the chicken mixture while scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. This step enhances flavor tremendously!

Add Broth and Simmer: Finally, pour in chicken broth, bringing everything to a gentle simmer. Cover loosely with a lid and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and cranberries have burst open.

With each step, relish in the tantalizing aromas filling your kitchen—trust me, you’ll want to keep coming back for more!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken on high heat for a golden crust, then lower the heat to simmer with cranberries and balsamic sauce for maximum flavor infusion.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out cranberries for cherries or add a sprinkle of feta cheese for an extra layer of taste. Get creative and make it your own!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to maintain juiciness.

Sharing this recipe reminded me of that one dinner party where my friends couldn’t stop raving about how fancy I looked cooking in my tiny kitchen.

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw it completely beforehand to ensure even cooking.

What side dishes pair well with Balsamic Cranberry Chicken Skillet?

Serve with rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during cooking for some heat.

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Balsamic Cranberry Chicken Skillet

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• Author: Clara Rosewood
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Balsamic Cranberry Chicken Skillet is a delightful dish that marries succulent chicken with the sweet-tart flavors of fresh cranberries and rich balsamic vinegar. This quick, easy recipe transforms any weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience, making it perfect for family gatherings or impressing friends. With vibrant colors and irresistible aromas, each bite promises to be a spectacular flavor explosion.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 1 cup fresh cranberries (or frozen)
• 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prep your ingredients by rinsing cranberries and mincing garlic.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear until golden brown (about 5 minutes per side).
3. Add minced garlic and cranberries to the skillet; stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in balsamic vinegar and honey, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
5. Add chicken broth, bring to a gentle simmer, cover loosely, and cook for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and cranberries burst.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 305
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg