We’ve always been fans of recipes that blend sweet and savory flavors, and our Cranberry Apple Chicken is a standout favorite. This dish captures the essence of fall with juicy chicken paired with tart cranberries and crisp apples, creating a mouthwatering harmony that’s both comforting and elegant.
It’s the perfect way to elevate your weeknight dinners or impress guests during the holidays, and we’re excited to guide you through it. Easy to prepare yet packed with seasonal goodness, this recipe will become a go-to in your kitchen.
Ingredients
In our Cranberry Apple Chicken recipe, we focus on a blend of fresh, seasonal ingredients that deliver the perfect balance of tart cranberries, crisp apples, and savory chicken. We’ve curated this list based on their order of use in the preparation process, including any necessary prep specifics for accuracy and ease.
For the Chicken and Base
- Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.5 pounds), patted dry to ensure even searing and moisture retention.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, for browning the chicken and building flavor in the pan.
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced, to create a sweet, aromatic base as it cooks first.
For the Fruit and Flavor Enhancers
- Apples: 2 medium Granny Smith apples, cored and thinly sliced, adding a crisp, tart contrast that complements the cranberries.
- Cranberries: 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, rinsed if fresh, to infuse the dish with their signature tangy sweetness.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, for a robust flavor boost right before adding the fruits.
- Chicken broth: 1 cup low-sodium, to deglaze the pan and create a flavorful sauce.
- Honey: 2 tablespoons, for a touch of natural sweetness that ties the Cranberry Apple Chicken elements together.
- Spices: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and ½ teaspoon salt, plus ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground for enhanced depth and seasoning.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our Cranberry Apple Chicken seamlessly, we rely on a few essential tools that ensure efficient cooking and precise handling of ingredients. These items help us achieve the perfect balance of tender chicken and vibrant flavors without any hassle.
Here’s a curated list of the key equipment we’ll need:
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan: A 12-inch nonstick or cast-iron skillet is ideal for searing the chicken breasts evenly and simmering the apple-cranberry mixture to develop rich, caramelized flavors.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy wooden or plastic board provides a safe surface for chopping our fresh apples, onions, and other produce, keeping our kitchen organized.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife: This versatile tool allows us to slice ingredients like Granny Smith apples and onions with precision, ensuring even cooking and enhancing the dish’s texture.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurement is crucial for our recipe’s success, so we use a set of these to portion out ingredients such as honey, chicken broth, and spices.
- Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl helps us combine and marinate elements like the spice blend or fruit mixture before adding them to the skillet.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Perfect for stirring and flipping ingredients in the hot skillet, this tool prevents scratching and maintains the integrity of our cookware while building layers of flavor.
By having these tools ready, we set ourselves up for a smooth cooking process that highlights the sweet-tart essence of our Cranberry Apple Chicken.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, we are excited to guide you through preparing our irresistible Cranberry Apple Chicken. These steps will help you achieve a perfect balance of tart cranberries, sweet apples, and savory chicken for a dish that’s as flavorful as it is simple.
Prep
Before we start cooking, let’s prepare our ingredients to ensure everything comes together smoothly. Begin by placing the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts on a clean cutting board and patting them dry with paper towels for even searing. Next, peel and dice 1 medium yellow onion into ½-inch pieces, and core and slice 2 Granny Smith apples into thin wedges to release their crisp, juicy texture.
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of fresh cranberries—rinsing them first under cold water—with 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, stirring gently to coat the berries in this aromatic blend that will infuse sweet and spicy notes. Measure out 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth and set it aside. This prep work sets the stage for the vibrant flavors and enticing aromas that define our Cranberry Apple Chicken.
Cook
With our ingredients prepped, it’s time to bring everything to life on the stove. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, then add the chicken breasts and sear them for 4-5 minutes per side until golden-brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F, creating a crispy exterior that locks in juicy tenderness.
Once the chicken is seared, transfer it to a plate and set aside, then reduce the heat to medium and add the diced onion and garlic to the same skillet, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant with a sweet, savory aroma. Stir in the apple slices and cranberry mixture, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the apples soften slightly and the cranberries begin to burst, releasing their tart juices and filling the kitchen with the warm scent of cinnamon and honey. Finally, pour in the chicken broth, bring it to a gentle simmer, and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into a glossy, aromatic sauce that coats everything beautifully.
Assemble
To finish our Cranberry Apple Chicken, return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the apple-cranberry mixture. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let it simmer together for 2-3 minutes, ensuring each piece absorbs the sweet-tart essence for a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. For serving, transfer the chicken to plates, topping it generously with the fruit and sauce mixture to highlight the dish’s vibrant colors and inviting gloss—perfect for a comforting, elegant meal that will delight your senses.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make our Cranberry Apple Chicken recipe even more convenient for busy schedules, we recommend preparing elements in advance while preserving the dish’s vibrant sweet-tart flavors. This approach allows you to streamline cooking day without compromising on taste or texture.
Prepping Ingredients Ahead
We suggest starting by prepping the fresh components up to 24 hours in advance. Begin with the chicken breasts: Pat them dry, season lightly with salt and black pepper, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the fruits and aromatics, dice the medium yellow onion and slice the 2 Granny Smith apples into even pieces, then toss the apples in a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning. Place these in separate sealed bags or containers. Mince the garlic and measure out the 1 cup of cranberries, honey, and spices (like cinnamon) into small bowls or jars. This step ensures everything is ready to go, letting you focus on assembly when it’s time to cook.
Assembling and Partial Cooking
If you want to go further, assemble the sauce mixture ahead. In a mixing bowl, combine the cranberries, sliced apples, minced garlic, honey, chicken broth, and spices to create a flavorful base. Store this mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For partial cooking, sear the chicken breasts as outlined in our instructions section, then cool and refrigerate them separately. You can also sauté the onion and garlic briefly, cool, and store in the fridge. This method keeps the Cranberry Apple Chicken‘s essence intact, with juicy chicken absorbing the tart-sweet notes upon reheating.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Proper storage is key to maintaining quality. Here’s a quick overview of make-ahead timelines and methods in the following table:
| Component | Make-Ahead Time | Storage Method | Reheating Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prepped Ingredients (e.g., chopped apples, onions) | Up to 24 hours | Airtight container in fridge | Use directly; no reheating needed |
| Sauce Mixture | Up to 48 hours | Airtight container in fridge | Heat in skillet over medium for 5 minutes until bubbling |
| Seared Chicken | Up to 24 hours | Airtight container in fridge | Reheat in skillet with sauce for 10 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F |
| Fully Assembled Dish | Up to 2 days | Airtight container in fridge | Gently warm in skillet over low heat for 15 minutes, adding a splash of broth if needed |
When reheating, always use a large skillet to restore the dish’s glossy sauce and ensure the chicken remains tender. By following these steps, we make our Cranberry Apple Chicken a hassle-free option for weeknight meals or holiday gatherings.
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve explored our Cranberry Apple Chicken recipe with us. It’s a simple way to infuse everyday meals with seasonal charm and bold flavors that keep everyone coming back.
Trust us, once you’ve tried it, you’ll find endless ways to make it your own. Let’s hear how it turns out in your kitchen!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cranberry Apple Chicken?
Cranberry Apple Chicken is a delicious recipe blending sweet and savory flavors, featuring juicy chicken with tart cranberries and crisp apples. It’s perfect for fall, offering a comforting yet elegant dish that’s easy for weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings, and it could become a kitchen staple.
What ingredients are needed for Cranberry Apple Chicken?
You’ll need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, a medium yellow onion, 2 Granny Smith apples, 1 cup cranberries, minced garlic, low-sodium chicken broth, honey, and spices like cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. This fresh, seasonal mix creates a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
What equipment is required to make this recipe?
Essential tools include a large skillet for cooking, a cutting board, a sharp chef’s knife for prep, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a mixing bowl, and a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring. These help ensure a smooth process to highlight the dish’s flavors.
How do I prepare Cranberry Apple Chicken?
Start by prepping ingredients: dry and season chicken, dice onion, and slice apples. Sear the chicken in a skillet, sauté onion and garlic, then add apples, cranberries, honey, spices, and broth to make a sauce. Return chicken to simmer until flavorful and done, about 20-30 minutes total.
Can I make Cranberry Apple Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, prep ingredients up to 24 hours in advance: season chicken, dice onion, slice apples, and mix the sauce. Store in airtight containers in the fridge. This makes it convenient for busy schedules or holidays, saving time without losing flavor.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth to maintain moisture, or in the microwave, ensuring the chicken reaches 165°F for safety and to keep the sweet-tart taste intact.
Is Cranberry Apple Chicken suitable for holidays?
Absolutely, its fall-inspired flavors make it ideal for holiday meals, impressing guests with its elegant presentation and ease. It’s versatile for weeknights too, adding a festive touch without much effort.