Holiday Cranberry Chicken – Christmas Special
When it comes to holiday dinners, you want recipes that are festive, flavorful, and a little unexpected. This Holiday Cranberry Chicken checks all the boxes! With juicy chicken baked in a tangy-sweet cranberry sauce, this dish strikes the perfect balance of savory and bright flavors. It’s a Christmas dinner star that’s easy to make, yet elegant enough for entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re tired of the same old holiday menu, this recipe adds a refreshing twist. The tartness of cranberries paired with tender chicken creates a delicious flavor combination that feels festive and cozy. It’s also quick to prepare, making it an excellent option for both weeknight dinners during the holiday season and special Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is that it uses everyday ingredients in a creative, holiday-inspired way. From juicy chicken to tangy cranberries and fragrant herbs, these simple items come together to create a stunning centerpiece for your Christmas table.
- Chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)
- Fresh or frozen cranberries
- Orange juice (freshly squeezed works best)
- Honey or maple syrup (for natural sweetness)
- Soy sauce or balsamic vinegar (for depth of flavor)
- Garlic (minced)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
Nutritional Information
This cranberry chicken is both festive and wholesome, offering a great balance of protein and flavor without being overly heavy. The nutrition values may vary depending on the cut of chicken and exact ingredients used, but here’s an estimate per serving:
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: ~320–360 kcal
- Protein: 28–32g
- Fat: 9–11g
- Carbohydrates: 25–28g
- Fiber: 2–3g
- Sodium: ~480mg
Time Breakdown
The best part about this recipe? It looks fancy, but doesn’t take hours in the kitchen. With just a little prep and baking, you’ll have a show-stopping dish ready for your Christmas table:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Resting Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: About 55–60 minutes
How to Make – Step by Step
Cooking during the holidays can feel overwhelming, so easy, clear steps are a must. This recipe guides you through creating a homemade cranberry sauce, perfectly searing your chicken, and finishing everything in the oven for a foolproof holiday entrée.
- Prepare the sauce: In a saucepan, simmer cranberries, orange juice, honey, garlic, and soy sauce until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens into a glossy sauce.
- Sear the chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear it in a skillet with olive oil until golden on both sides.
- Bake with sauce: Transfer chicken to a baking dish, pour the cranberry sauce over, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until fully cooked.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh rosemary or thyme and serve hot.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
One of the best parts about this dish is its versatility. Whether you want to swap in different herbs, use thighs instead of breasts, or add a little heat, this recipe adapts to your preferences while still keeping its festive charm.
- Chicken cuts: Use bone-in thighs or drumsticks for extra juiciness.
- Sweetener: Swap honey with brown sugar or maple syrup depending on your flavor preference.
- Herbs: Try sage or parsley if rosemary isn’t your favorite.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle kick.
Serving Suggestions
Every holiday dish deserves the perfect accompaniments, and cranberry chicken is no exception. Pair it with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or fluffy dinner rolls to create a well-rounded Christmas feast.
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans
- Wild rice or quinoa pilaf
- Fresh dinner rolls or crusty bread
- A light holiday salad with candied pecans and goat cheese
Storing Tips
Holiday leftovers are often just as exciting as the main event. With the right storing and reheating methods, this cranberry chicken will stay flavorful and juicy so you can enjoy it the next day—or even freeze it for later.
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked cranberry chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
- Reheating: Warm in a covered dish at 350°F (175°C) until heated through to keep the chicken juicy.
Chef’s Tips
Sometimes it’s the small details that take a dish from good to great. From getting the sauce consistency just right to making sure your chicken stays tender, these tips will help you serve up cranberry chicken that’s truly holiday-worthy.
- For a thicker sauce, simmer the cranberries a little longer before pouring over the chicken.
- Always let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to keep it juicy.
- Double the cranberry sauce recipe, it makes a fantastic dip or spread for bread and sandwiches the next day.
Conclusion
This Holiday Cranberry Chicken, Christmas Special, is a festive, flavorful dish that will brighten up your holiday table. With its balance of savory chicken and tangy-sweet cranberry sauce, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Give this recipe a try this Christmas and make it part of your holiday tradition.