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Cranberry Balsamic Chicken

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Cranberry Balsamic Chicken is a sweet and savory one-pan dish featuring juicy chicken baked with tart cranberries and a rich, tangy balsamic glaze. It’s perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or easy weeknight meals with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme or rosemary
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Optional: orange zest or chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease or line a baking dish or sheet pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, garlic, Dijon mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place chicken in the baking dish and pour the balsamic mixture over it, turning to coat evenly.
  4. Scatter cranberries around the chicken.
  5. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and sauce is bubbling and slightly thickened.
  6. Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes for extra caramelization.
  7. Garnish with orange zest or chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks for more flavor; increase bake time by 10–15 minutes.
  • Mix in sliced apples or pears with cranberries for a fruity variation.
  • Swap thyme with rosemary or sage for a different herb profile.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a sweet and spicy twist.
  • Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/cranberry-balsamic-chicken/