Creamy Cranberry Chicken is a fun and tasty dish that mixes juicy chicken with a rich, sweet cranberry sauce. It’s perfect for impressing family and friends!
I love how the creaminess balances the tartness of the cranberries. Serve it with rice or veggies, and you’ve got a meal everyone will enjoy. It’s a crowd-pleaser! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great here for their tender texture. If you’re looking for alternatives, boneless thighs can provide a richer flavor, or use turkey breasts for a lighter option.
Bacon: Bacon adds a nice crunch and smoky flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier or vegetarian option, turkey bacon or smoked tempeh can work well. You’ll miss some fat, but the taste will still be delicious!
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are key for that tangy burst. If fresh isn’t available, frozen cranberries are a good substitute, just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture.
Cream: Heavy cream gives a smooth, rich texture. If you’re watching calories or want a lighter dish, you can swap it for half-and-half or even Greek yogurt for creaminess without all the fat.
Brussels Sprouts: You can replace Brussels sprouts with broccoli or green beans for a different taste. I love how Brussels hold their shape, but feel free to use what you have!
How Do I Give My Chicken That Perfect Golden Brown Color?
Searing your chicken is a crucial step for locking in flavor. It makes the chicken golden and beautiful! Here’s how to do it right:
- Use an oven-safe skillet for convenience.
- Preheat it with olive oil or butter over medium-high heat.
- Pat chicken dry and season well before placing it in the hot pan.
- Let it cook without moving it around for 3-4 minutes per side until it gets a lovely color.
- If it sticks to the pan, it likely needs more time—just be patient!
This method creates a savory crust, adding flavor to your dish. You’ll love the end result!
How to Make Creamy Cranberry Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
For the Flavorful Sauce:
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup pearl onions (peeled)
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (plus extra sprigs for garnish)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and an additional 25 minutes for cooking, so around 40 minutes in total. The chicken bakes beautifully in the oven while you prepare the other ingredients, making it efficient and delightful!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, season the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika if you’re using it. This adds a nice touch of flavor!
2. Searing the Chicken:
In an oven-safe skillet or pan, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. When they’re done, take them out and set aside.
3. Cooking the Bacon and Vegetables:
In the same skillet, toss in the chopped bacon. Let it cook until crispy and slightly browned. After that, add the pearl onions and halved Brussels sprouts. Sauté everything together for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften a bit.
4. Adding Flavor:
Now it’s time to add the minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves to the pan. Stir and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the fresh cranberries and cook for an additional 2 minutes to let them release their juices.
5. Creating the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, mixing everything together. If you’re using balsamic vinegar, add it in as well for that extra depth of flavor.
6. Combining Everything:
Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the pan, making sure they are covered in that creamy mixture. This is where the magic happens!
7. Baking to Perfection:
Transfer the pan to your preheated oven. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F/75°C) and the sauce has thickened slightly.
8. Garnishing and Serving:
Once it’s done, take it out of the oven and garnish with fresh cranberries and a sprig of thyme. Serve it hot, generously spoiling the creamy cranberry sauce and those lovely veggies over the chicken. Enjoy!
Pair this delicious dish with mashed potatoes, rice, or a crusty bread to soak up that wonderful sauce!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking. To safely thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight or quickly submerge it in cold water while it’s in a sealed bag. Pat it dry before seasoning and cooking to avoid excess moisture.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with firm tofu or hearty vegetables like cauliflower or eggplant. Replace bacon with smoked tempeh or omit it entirely and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if you want to refresh the sauce’s consistency.
What Should I Serve with Creamy Cranberry Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, cooked rice, or a crusty bread, which is perfect for soaking up the rich, creamy sauce. A side salad or roasted vegetables can also complement the flavors beautifully!
