Cranberry Glazed Chicken Breasts

Name: Cranberry Glazed Chicken Breasts
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 boneless chicken breasts; 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/4 cup honey; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, for garnish

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making cranberry glazed chicken breasts, especially when hosting guests. The sweet and tangy cranberry sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken, creating a beautiful balance of flavors. Each bite is a delightful mix of succulent chicken and a rich glaze that leaves my guests asking for the recipe. With just a handful of ingredients, I can whip up an impressive dish that truly shines on any dinner table. Join me as I share this amazing recipe that will elevate your dining experience!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-05T17:49:27.730Z

I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it never fails to impress. The vibrant color of the cranberry glaze makes it visually stunning, and the flavors are irresistible. One of my favorite tips is to simmer the glaze a bit longer to enhance the depth of flavor, resulting in a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.

When I first tried this dish, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could create such a gourmet effect. By using fresh or frozen cranberries, you can adjust the sweetness and tartness to fit your preference, making it versatile and a favorite in my kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Succulent chicken drenched in a vibrant cranberry glaze
A perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors
Quick and easy preparation that impresses guests

Perfecting the Chicken Breasts

For the juiciest chicken breasts, it's essential to avoid overcooking. The ideal internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (75°C). Using a meat thermometer will help you achieve this precision. As you sear the chicken, look for a golden brown crust on each side, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. If cooking in batches, allowing the chicken to rest after cooking will help retain moisture, giving you tender and succulent results.

Choosing the right size chicken breasts also contributes to even cooking. If using larger breasts, consider slicing them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This not only reduces cooking time but ensures a quicker, more uniform sear. If you have leftovers, they can be portioned out and used in salads or sandwiches, adding versatility to your meal preparation.

The Role of Cranberries

Cranberries are not just for holiday celebrations; their bright acidity and natural sweetness make them an excellent choice for sauces year-round. When preparing your glaze, fresh cranberries add a tartness that pairs beautifully with the honey's sweetness. If fresh cranberries aren't available, frozen cranberries can be an effective substitute, but you may need to add an extra tablespoon of honey to balance the tartness. Cook them thoroughly to ensure they burst and blend seamlessly into the glaze.

As the cranberries simmer, they’ll release pectin, which naturally thickens the sauce. Keep an eye on the mixture; if it becomes too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth to achieve your desired consistency. The final glaze should be glossy and coating, perfectly clinging to the chicken without being overly saucy. I find that a slightly thicker glaze enhances the presentation on the plate.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your delicious cranberry glazed chicken:

Ingredients

4 boneless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Now that you have everything you need, let’s move on to the cooking process.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your cranberry glazed chicken:

Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.

Make the Cranberry Glaze

In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, chicken broth, honey, and balsamic vinegar. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens.

Combine and Serve

Pour the cranberry glaze over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes to soak up the flavors. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Enjoy your delightful cranberry glazed chicken breasts!

Pro Tips

For an even richer flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the glaze for a few hours before cooking. Additionally, serving this dish with steamed vegetables or a light salad complements the sweet and tangy notes beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

To elevate your dining experience further, serve the cranberry glazed chicken with sides that complement its flavors. Mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables create a comforting combination, while a fresh salad can balance the richness of the dish. I often pair it with wild rice, which adds an earthy note that harmonizes beautifully with the sweet-tart glaze.

For a unique twist, consider serving this dish over a bed of quinoa or couscous. These grains can soak up the flavorful glaze, transforming your meal into a delightful experience. Garnishing with fresh parsley not only adds color but also a hint of freshness that brightens each bite.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken. If you prefer, you can also microwave it, adding a splash of broth to keep the chicken moist. For longer storage, consider freezing the dish before adding the glaze; defrost and add the fresh glaze when ready to serve.

To freeze the cranberry glaze separately, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be kept frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to use it, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stovetop before drenching your cooked chicken. This approach helps maintain the dish's vibrant flavors even after freezing.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even cooking.

→ How can I make the glaze thicker?

Simmer the glaze longer to reduce it further, which will thicken the sauce.

→ Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can make this dish in advance and store it in the fridge for up to three days.

→ What sides pair well with this chicken?

It pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.